Realwomen.co.nz

Hi Ellie
I was just reading this post and have to say that everything that Katy has said is so true. We so often hurt the most we love or treat our families in ways that we would never get away with work. I have a sister who sounds like your niece. I have always found it good to be able to step away from the situation. I used try to stay out of it until she really upsets my elderly mum and then I tend to ring my sister and scream due to the frustration. Then I realised it was damaging my health and the truth is both have toxic personalities (my mum refused to speak to her sister for 20 years) and can hold a grudge. Throw my sister in law into the works and we have our own fireworks.

Time heals all wounds and as my doctor said to me today what is important and is so significant won't be remembered or will be significant in 2 years. I tried running away to Europe but my leaky home situation meant I had to come back to NZ and despite my sister living in Sydney and my mum in Wellington - they were at each other's throats. I've also learnt to 'keep a wise counsel' and not say anything against the other person as it will all end up thrown in your face. IT sounds like a hard time for you so feel free to pm me if you need a coffee at the weekend or just a rant!