Understanding

          There are a lot of people in the world who genuinely believe that their way is the only way, and any other way is just wrong. There isn't a lot that makes me as mad as those people.

          I am aware that I'm like that, to a certain extent, in that I like to do things my own way and I don't like to change it. HOWEVER, I don't push my way on to other people. At least, I don't believe I do.

          Honestly, you don't know me. You are not my parent. Heck, you're not even A parent. What gives you the right to parent me? You can state your opinion, but don't act like your word is the law. If my parents come to me and tell me I need to change, then I will. But coming from you? It just makes me mad.

          Aunts and Uncles, especially those without children, sometimes push their "parental advice" on their nieces or nephews, and they're offended when said nieces and nephews don't obey their rules. I mean, come on.

          You can't compare me with my cousins and be like: Why aren't you like them? Oh... I'm not sure. Could it maybe be because I'm NOT them? Because I wasn't brought up with them? Wasn't brought up like them?

          This isn't your house. Just because it's not something you're used to seeing doesn't mean it's wrong. Just because you were brought up a certain way doesn't mean that is the only way. Doesn't even mean it's a good way.

          You told me to think about privilege vs rights. Ok, what is this thing that I did that made you think I felt entitled? What exactly did I do wrong? Oh wait. Let me guess. You're not going to tell me. Great. Just clears everything up doesn't it?

          You made some specific examples, where you said I was wrong. I don't see what I did as wrong. Not by a long shot. A TV was installed. There was dust on the floor. I got the vacuum out, my sister vacuumed it up. I stood out of the way. Then my mum mopped the floor. Keep in mind, this is a tiny pile of dust from drilling a couple of holes in the wall ok? It wasn't like a bomb went off.

          Apparently I should have done something? Stand there while my sister vacuums? Take the vacuum from her and vacuum the floor myself? Wipe the floor while she was vacuuming? Telekineticly know my mother was going to mop the floor and take the mop before she does? I don't know.

          I would understand if nobody was there to clean it, and the dust was just left there, but it was being cleaned already. Am I supposed to be psychic?

          Your actual literal problem with me is that I don't automatically do things without being told. I'm sorry. Do you have a chore list that I'm supposed to have known about? And don't be pedantic. These aren't things like wash my plates after I use them, or close the door after I come in. These are specific things like mop the floor after the tv is installed? Carry bags into the car? Excuse me. Was I supposed to know what bags you're using?

          Or, get this. You should've woken up earlier for this appointment you have to drive us to. That you never told me about beforehand. That you're then pissed about because my mum had to come wake me up. You know what I'd appreciate? A little heads up.

          With all of this, it's not hard to do. And maybe that is your line of thinking. But wanting me to know about what you want me to do? Without you telling me? I can't read minds. Or tell the future. SHOCKER. I know. Why can't you TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT ME TO DO? Is it really that hard? Is it really that degrading? Is it COMPLETELY unreasonable?

          Some people can know what they're supposed to do without being told. Well have you thought that maybe these people have grown up with you? That you have set routines with them that you don't realise? Just because I don't know what you want me to do does not make me wrong.

          On another note, you mention you're here because you WANT to be, not because you HAVE to be. Ok, fair enough. You're taking care of your sick brother out of the goodness of your own heart. And the rest of us are here only because we have to? Excuse me? I literally gave up 6 months of my supplementary education, of being in my happy place, just to stay here for my family. I'm not resenting that (okay maybe a bit, subconsciously) I'm resenting the fact that you think you're the only one making sacrifices out of the kindness in their heart. Ok. Everyone is an entitled, rude, disrespectful, dumb idiot because they don't go by your rules or your code of honour and respect.

          Respect is earned, and respect can be lost. You are not entitled to my respect purely because you are an older relative, even if that is the "chinese way".

          Maybe, once in a while, think about it from our point of view. We were brought up a certain way. Things are done differently in our house. It's ok to think what we're used to is wrong, but it's a whole other thing to force us to change our habits, our personalities, for no good reason other than:"I don't think it's right."

          I'm sorry. I needed to rant. And it makes me pissed off beyond belief that I can't win an argument with him. Out of ingrained respect for elders, out of his experience in debate. There were many, many times I could have corrected him but didn't. Because he is my uncle and I am supposed to be beneath him. Just the poop cherry on top of a shit cake.