“What is this ‘Village’ Dress?” my sister humiliated me in front of everyone. My “Gift” in return made her flee…
Imagine this scene. My Katia is a real fashionista, always slender as a straw, always stylish. And me… I’m just an ordinary woman. I’ve lost a little weight here, a wrinkle has appeared there. That’s life, what can you do?
Every time we saw each other, it was a little torture for me. She did it, I think, not out of malice, but with her «best intentions.» She would approach, scrutinize me from head to toe with her X-ray gaze, and begin:
— «Svietik, isn’t that dress a little too tight? It looks… too granny.» — «Svietik, a different bob cut would suit you better; this one ages you by five years.» — «Oh girls, look at her lipstick color! No one has worn that for ten years!»
All this with a soft, compassionate smile. Can you imagine? As if she meant well. Except that with every «compliment,» my morale plummeted, and I didn’t even want to look at myself in the mirror for a week.
Yes, it’s hurtful! I was already not a magazine cover model, and here was my own sister constantly throwing my «flaws» in my face.
At first, I endured it, I joked, I changed the subject. But the last straw came at Mom’s birthday.
I had prepared so much! A new, gorgeous dress, hairstyle, makeup… I truly felt like a queen!
We were all gathered at the restaurant: guests, family, everyone elegant and in good spirits. And then, my dear Katouchka comes up to me, assesses me from head to toe, and, so loud that everyone could hear, announces:
— «Svietik, what is this dress? You look like our Aunt Shura from the village. You could have asked my advice; I would have found you something suitable.»
My friends, at that moment, I felt like the floor was giving way beneath me. She did it in front of everyone! She spat in my face. And do you think I had an ounce of joy left for the celebration?
That’s when things changed. Stop! Enough with the silence! I told myself, «Now, it’s my turn.» And believe me, I had prepared for this day!
I didn’t make a scene. What was the point? I just took a deep breath, put on my most charming smile, and, in a lively voice, interrupted her:
— «Katia!» I exclaimed, cheerfully. «Thank you so much! I love your thoughtfulness! You really are an expert at finding flaws in others!»
Katia immediately thought I was complimenting her. How naive!
— «Since you are so knowledgeable about everything,» I continued, holding up a box I had prepared in advance, «I decided to give you a gift!»
All the guests turned towards us, intrigued. I handed her a beautiful box, tied with a ribbon. She rushed to open it, surely expecting perfume or makeup.
Inside, ladies and gentlemen, was a magnificent certificate printed on quality paper. An individual appointment with a renowned psychologist—titled: «How to boost your self-esteem without putting down your loved ones.» And of course, I read the title out loud, so that everyone, including those in the kitchen and even the bus passing by the restaurant, could hear it!
— «Here you go, my sister!» I added, when she looked at me, stunned. «I thought this would be useful. It will help you be truly self-assured, and not have to value yourself at my expense! It’s spot on!»
You should have seen her face! First shock, then realization, then her cheeks turned a deep red. A silence fell, before an uncle burst out laughing, followed by everyone else. All her digs, all her venomous remarks came rushing out! She wanted to humiliate me, and she became the laughingstock.
The outcome was immediate: Katia mumbled something, grabbed her bag, and bolted out of the room…
And yes, you’re wondering, of course we reconciled. After all, she is my sister.
Since that day, imagine this: she has never made a single remark about my appearance again. When we see each other, we just talk about the weather. And you know what? It’s actually pleasant.
That’s my story! Thank you for reading to the end! If it touched you, please leave a «like,» I would be very happy! And tell me your anecdotes: has this ever happened to you? Share this with a friend, that would be perfect!
