We all have people in our lives who wind us up, piss us off, and drive us crazy. And it is often around this time of the year that we are confronted with the reality of spending Christmas with the most unsavoury of people. In the past my strategy has been to hold all my tension inside. My British side encourages me to keep a stiff upper lip, while I silently remind myself not to ruffle any feathers and not to make a scene. But recently the American activist in me has been experimenting with the idea of being more assertive, daring to respond to any ridiculous rude comments with a very polite but firm “I do not agree”. I don’t see why I should be subjected to some asinine relative informing me of the dire the consequences of drinking non-organic milk, or of the perilous danger of using a chemically scented deodorant, or of the shame I should apparently feel when I set foot inside a fast food restaurant.
My self esteem as a mother and as a wife is not adversely affected by my inability to make paper thin crepes. I believe I am still a respectable lady. My respect for you as a person is not diminished by my assertion that we are different. How ironic it is that someone who does volunteer work for an equal rights charity can audaciously hint at my inferiority and their superiority. I was raised to have self respect. This Christmas I plan on defending my views and upholding my beliefs, on protecting my values and adhering to them. This Christmas I plan on establishing boundaries and guarding them fiercely. This is my gift to myself.
