Finding Common Ground/Compromise
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Growing up, I can remember not wanting to do things my sister did, like going to parties, noise makers on New Year’s Eve, and going to football games. As I got older, I learned I had to compromise with my family. The earliest thing I can remember about making a compromise with my sister is from when I was a teenager. She would always ask me not to text her when I knew she was in class or at work unless it was an emergency. She still helps me with good advice like this, and I’m VERY grateful to her for all her help.
My sister has helped me a lot growing up. Once a week, I asked her to help me choose a goal – something I want to improve on with socializing, talking to people, keeping my voice down when in public – things like that. With her help, I think I’ve improved a lot. I’m still working on some things, but that’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Nobody’s perfect.
There are times when I mess up. Now and then, I forget and text her a funny video while she’s in class. My sister is an amazing person who works hard and is patient with me. But like all siblings, we sometimes squabble about the bathroom, about what to watch on TV…. all kinds of things. But I’d like to think that it’s part of life to have that with my sister. You have to find common ground not just with family but with others, too. For example, if I know my sister is on campus, I try not to call or text her unless it’s really important. The same goes for mom when she’s on a conference call at home in her office. Another example is when I want to watch The Simpsons; I’m the only member of my family who likes that show, so I just wait until everyone goes to bed or is doing other things.
Finding common ground isn’t admitting defeat, it’s just setting boundaries while keeping peace.
My mom was the middle child growing up with her sisters, and they had to share EVERYTHING. And I’m sure they had some sibling battles, but they’re adults now, and they’re always having a good time together.
That’s all I’ve got for now, see ya next time:)