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[beyondflesh]

Who are you responsible for? Friends, family--siblings? How seriously do you take that responsibility, and when do you think it is appropriate to let go of some of it? Is it just another weight for you, or is it something you embrace, something you'd miss if you lost it

Comments

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[earthvictorious]

I am responsible for their well-being. That is something I shoulder so long as I am alive.

[text]

[beyondflesh]

All right. What constitutes 'well-being'? Their (family?) moods, or just their health?

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[earthvictorious]

Their health and prosperity.

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[beyondflesh]

The latter seems like it's probably more challenging to manage.

[dark_eyed_fae]

... Friends, I guess. I'm responsible for their safety, to an extent - I look out for anything suspicious.

[beyondflesh]

And do they run into a lot of suspicious activity?

[dark_eyed_fae]

Occasionally. We seem to attract it for some reason.

[fegkarion]

I've got a tidy little kingdom that I'm responsible for, and it is the most precious thing. Having lost it for even a little while, I become extremely nosy and begin trying to manage everyone around me.

A proper wolf turned sheepdog. What a disgrace!

[beyondflesh]

Well, I like sheepdogs, but I'm a little more along those lines, myself. I can understand how it's not in your nature. But you've got it back now? (A whole kingdom must involve a hell of a lot of work.)

[fegkarion]

Oh, I need it. Nothing staves off boredom like it, and I find people entirely willing to be charming when given the chance.

And what lucky little lambs are you keeping, then? From one sheepdog to another.

[beyondflesh]

Friends & family. The usual.

Nothing so expansive as an entire government!

[odysseusrising]

About a hundred and fifty adolescents. I take it just seriously enough to keep a sense of humor about it, and try to let go every day at 3:35, weekends, and holidays. Success rates may vary.

I don't know; some things are heavy, but that doesn't mean I don't need them. I'd definitely miss it.

[beyondflesh]

Shoot, you've got me beat, I've only got about four. What grade do you teach?

Same. It's grounding, in a way. I don't think I get into the same trouble I might otherwise, and it's nice to be needed--to know where I belong. But that's speaking in terms of what's centered toward me, not them.

[odysseusrising]

Usually seventh, but in the past I've gotten really crazy and added a section of eighth, and when I say 'I've gotten really crazy,' I mean, 'yes, guidance department, whatever you say.' Are you teaching at a school district in Lulliput (terrible pun) or is this personal responsibility?

Right. I'd like to not be needed, actually; I won't lie, it's nice when they like me, but if I was a perfect teacher in ten years they'd remember what they're learning in their own terms, not mine.

[beyondflesh]

Just a big family. One of my nephews is about that age, though--8th grade, not 7th. Hey, you never know, maybe you taught him before!

Which is the difference between what we're talking about, huh. Family's supposed to need one another--to a degree, they're bound to grow up eventually. (One of them's looking at joining the military to validate as much, as a matter of fact.)

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[just_a_murder]

I'm responsible for all of them but especially for my sister. In her case, I let go of some of it at times to avoid smothering her. To some extent, within reason, she has to make her own mistakes. My responsibilities give me direction and a feeling that I can make a difference in the world.

[beyondflesh]

Same, regarding the sense of direction; also regarding the 'letting to', which is so much easier said than done. How did you manage it?

[just_a_murder]

Trial and error. Also, a lot of her yelling at me. It's still not perfect and probably won't ever be since neither of us will always be right.