You can pick your friends and you can pick your nose, and if you want, you can even pick your friend’s nose, but you can’t pick your family. You get what you get and that’s it, like it or not. I’m the universal “get along” of mine; I get along with my father and stepmother, my mother and stepfather, my brother, cousins, uncles, aunts and even in-laws. That’s not to say they’re all my favourite people–some aren’t–but it’s not like I have to spend 24/7 with them and it won’t kill me to be at least pleasant. I just dunno. I need a spreadsheet to keep track of who doesn’t like whom (this month, at least) and which ones are feuding, and over what, and who’s siding with which…this time. For God’s sake, we’re all stuck on this stupid planet together and you can’t change your blood, nor can you change a person who does not want to be changed, so accept them the way they are and shut up. Just because you think a certain way and they don’t agree does not necessarily mean you–or either one of you–is right, or wrong, and if you really can’t stand them, then stay the hell away from them….and shut up. Dredging up some real or imagined slight from twenty years ago to start a fight and holding grudges for something (someone) did because times were different then doesn’t serve any sort of constructive purpose to you or the other person, so why waste the energy? If you must bitch about it, fine, but what the hell do you think I can do about it? Turn back the clock and give you your way? Wave my magic wand so that person can clearly see that they’re wrong and you are, of course, right? I’ve long ago forgiven you both for being a pain in the arse. People don’t live forever. Unless you will honestly be glad when this person is dead–and one would hope you more forgiving than that–don’t wait for the funeral service to change your mind.