Sister Sister
I must be oblivious to something, or else I really just don't understand people sometimes. Kristi came home today determined to be mad at me, complaining how I'd used her rags to clean my apartment and hadn't washed and returned them to her by now, even though we still have no way to do laundry without going to a laundry mat. Now, I understand that she's stressed about cleaning her old place up and had a long day of scrubbing, but she just didn't want to let the issue of two dirtied rags go and said that since I obviously can't clean that I should pay more in rent. I took offense, and I snapped at her to stop bitching at me. I felt bad for losing my temper, so I decided to just drop it and started cleaning and doing dishes to give her some time to cool off, Then I offered her the last cupcake, and she said, "I wasn't crabby until you said it," started crying, and stormed away. I tried to apologize, but she wouldn't let me. I offered to take her for margaritas and queso, and she ran off crying. Finally, I went to the other room and left her alone, and in an hour she was laughing at my jokes again.
It's a frustrating situation because I don't like being on the defensive, and it's exhausting always putting yourself in someone else's shoes. Still, I made a decision to raise my voice at her, and I'm sure that was just the catalyst she didn't need. I'm trying very hard to be calm and fair with everyone because the last thing I want is for anyone to regret moving in together. I think having roommates is really hard for my sister, more so than the rest of us. She's a naturally individualistic, messy, chaotically organized person used to having things her way for the past several years, and she's an expert introvert. Phil, Spoon, and I are used to small quarters and people leaving stuff around and saying what needs to be said. I wonder if she feels lonelier and less in control now. Any advice on what I should do for my sister?
It's a frustrating situation because I don't like being on the defensive, and it's exhausting always putting yourself in someone else's shoes. Still, I made a decision to raise my voice at her, and I'm sure that was just the catalyst she didn't need. I'm trying very hard to be calm and fair with everyone because the last thing I want is for anyone to regret moving in together. I think having roommates is really hard for my sister, more so than the rest of us. She's a naturally individualistic, messy, chaotically organized person used to having things her way for the past several years, and she's an expert introvert. Phil, Spoon, and I are used to small quarters and people leaving stuff around and saying what needs to be said. I wonder if she feels lonelier and less in control now. Any advice on what I should do for my sister?