Dear Delilah,

It’s sad to say, but I can’t stand my younger sister. She is such a brat and thinks the whole world revolves around her. She says nasty things to me and is blatantly disgusting with no regard for others around her. She’s 13 and needs to get a grip of what growing up means. She also has no respect for me or anyone else in our house. She has straight up told me she hates me and never listens to me. I love her as a sister but am not sure how much I like her right now. What should I do?

Sincerely,
Annoyed

Dear Annoyed,

I totally understand what you’re going through. I myself have a little sister who can be a total parasite sometimes. I just have to remind myself of what she’s going through and give her some space. Thirteen is a tough age, and there’s times when space is the only answer. In times like that all you can really do is focus on yourself. Whenever my sister is being the worst I go to my room and play video games or paint some more.

If not talking to her doesn’t work, maybe inform your parents on what’s happening, and they can reprimand her. They can’t do anything if they don’t know what’s going on. Keep a list of everything that happens between you two with a date and time along with the circumstances leading up to it. It sounds ridiculous, but it will give you traction to show your parents that there is a problem, and it needs to be resolved.

If possible, try to improve your relationship with her. Schedule a few hours a week where you go to the movies, have a sleepover, go to the beach, help her with her homework or anything else that shows her you care.

Family is one of the most important things in life, and you can’t choose who you’re related to. It’s normal to fight, but no siblings should hate each other.

Best Regards,
Delilah