“You’re living well, so you should help your family!”
“Annie, are you home?”
“No, I’m on my way. What’s up?”
“We need to talk. When will you be here?”
“In about thirty minutes. What’s happened, Mum?”
“You’ll find out later.”
This conversation took place between Annie and her mother, Margaret Smith.
Annie barely managed to change her clothes and unpack the groceries before the doorbell rang.
“Mum, what’s going on?”
Margaret took a suspicious look around the flat and walked in.
“I see you’ve got a new TV.”
“Yes.”
“Living the good life,” her mother muttered, heading to the kitchen.
“Tea or coffee?”
“I’ll pass. I’m here on business.”
But at that moment, Margaret noticed the expensive salami and a pile of fruit.
“I keep saying you’re living well. Look how much you’ve bought.”
“Yes, Mum. We can afford it.”
“Indeed, your father and I worked in the factory our whole lives while you and your husband, Mark, built a business from scratch. You’re so lucky!”
Yes, Annie and her husband Mark had built their own business from the ground up without any help or initial funding. They achieved everything through their own hard work, taking a risky loan despite the chance of failing and ending up in debt. No one supported the young couple then, yet they’re now criticized for doing better than other family members.
Annie could tell from her mother’s mood that nothing good could come of this visit. It was either another request or a complaint.
“I wanted to talk about your sister, Lizzie. She’s been working for peanuts these past few months. You know she got a job as a sales assistant.”
“Yeah, I’m aware,” nodded Annie.
“So, I thought it would be great if you could hire her at your company.”
“In what sense?” Annie was surprised.
“Literally. Don’t you need employees?”
“No, the staff is fully equipped.”
Margaret looked at her daughter disapprovingly.
“So, there are absolutely no spots?”
“I’ve told you, we don’t have any openings.”
But this argument didn’t stop her mother, and she persisted.
“You know, it seems to me you just don’t want to help your sister. You’re just making excuses.”
Annie understood why her mother started this conversation. It wasn’t surprising and wasn’t the first time.
Growing up, Margaret favored Lizzie, her younger daughter, and gave her the best of everything. As a result, Lizzie got used to having everything handed to her. Annie, in contrast, worked for everything she had and strived for a better life.
While their parents worked, Lizzie wouldn’t lift a finger, and only when necessary because living on a pension wasn’t enough. Lacking education and experience, she wasn’t welcomed anywhere. Annie, on the other hand, worked from the age of 18 and earned a higher education simultaneously. Eventually, she and her husband opened their own business, leading a content life. Lizzie remained dissatisfied but was reluctant to change anything herself. It was easier if someone else did it for her, like their mother or sister. Margaret also believed Annie should help her younger sister, and so she persisted.
“Mum, I’ve already explained.”
“Indeed. It’s easier for you to hire strangers than to help your own.”
However, Annie and Mark held steadfast to one rule: never employ relatives or friends, because it often led to slacking and entitlement. They’d learned this lesson once and swore never to repeat it. In the end, one should never mix business with personal relationships, including family.
This wasn’t the only reason Annie hesitated to help her sister. Initially, they didn’t have the best relationship. They could barely tolerate each other since childhood, exacerbated when their mother began favoring Lizzie.
What did Margaret expect with such treatment of her eldest daughter?
“Mum, I’ve said I can’t help. I’m not going to fire anyone to hire Lizzie.”
“You’re so selfish, no words! But what should I expect? You’re privileged and just can’t understand ordinary folks like us.”
Margaret turned and walked toward the door, taking the bag of groceries with her. Annie didn’t stop her, knowing it would be pointless and seen as weakness by her mother.
Later that evening, when Mark returned home, he saw Annie had been crying.
“Annie, what happened?”
“Mum came by.”
“I see. Another request about your sister?”
“Yes.”
Mark embraced her tightly, showing his support.
“I hope you didn’t take her words to heart?”
“No, I’ve become used to her antics,” Annie shook her head.
“That’s right. You know if you give in once, it never ends.”
“Yes, I know, but it’s still hurtful.”
Suddenly, the phone rang; it displayed Lizzie’s number.
“Yes?” she answered, dispassionately.
“I just don’t understand. Are you really that stingy?”
“What do you mean, Lizzie? What are you talking about?”
Initially, Annie thought her sister meant the job, but it turned out to be something else entirely.
“I saw Mum brought over the salami and fruit. Why didn’t you give more? You earn well, after all!”
Annie sighed deeply and replied:
“Why do you think I owe you anything?”
“Because I’m your sister, you should help me.”
“No, dear. I owe you nothing, just as you owe me nothing. We all live according to our means. If you want better, find a way. Don’t wait for handouts.”
She predicted Lizzie would hang up in anger after that, but instead, she responded.
“Of course, it’s easy for you to say with your own business and everything handed to you. What about me?”
“Well, then, go and start your own, what’s stopping you? Go for it!”
Annie no longer wanted to hear accusations. She knew her sister and mother were unlikely to change. Arguing her point would cost her more than it was worth.
Truly, it was important to appreciate those who appreciate you, and not to try to please someone just because they’re family.
