My own sister has this peculiar trait. She puts her child on a pedestal and is convinced that everyone around her ought to feel the same way about him as she does. But of course, that just isnt how things work.
Her child is only five. I havent got anything against him naturally, we all care for him as family, but thats about as far as it goes. We have enough on our plates with our own children, after all.
Meanwhile, my sister keeps insisting to herself that her son is some extraordinary, rare child. Were supposed to refer to him as an angel. And since angels are apparently incapable of wrongdoing, were meant to forgive every little thing this angel does, no questions asked.
Well, at least thats what she expects. This is exactly why no one jumps at the chance when she invites us over. To be honest, even visiting her home isnt exactly appealing. But as fate would have it, were not only sisters but colleagues too, working at the same company. So I needed to have a word with her.
Come round, my sister says over the phone. Ill whip up your favourite omelette. See you at dinner time.
Now, she is a dab hand in the kitchen, especially when it comes to her famous omelette.
Ill be there, I replied shortly, then hung up.
I dashed about searching for my car keys. Figured Id pop into the bakery on my way and pick up a few pastries no visit is complete without a proper cup of tea and something sweet after all. Anyway, when I arrive, shes at the table, spoon-feeding her son, and she motions for me to join them. I sit down, we start chatting, and next thing I know, she tells me:
Here you go, she says, pushing towards me a plate with half-eaten, rather sorry-looking omelette. Oliver didnt finish his.
Thats when Id had enough.
Dont you have clean plates in this house anymore? I asked, barely managing to keep my irritation in check.
My Oliver is the tidiest little lad around. His hands are always immaculate, she insisted, hugging the boy as he sat there picking his nose.
That was it for me. After that, I laughed in disbelief and havent been back for lunch at her place since.
What would you do if you were in my shoes?
