Dear Ghada

You do not have to take things seriously even if they are not to your desire. Let go and try to do the best you can within the limitations that you have.  This is what happens when we live with other people, even if those people are our parents and sisters or even husband. Things are not any better when we get married. When you’re married you always compromise, whether willingly or unwillingly. We always have to compromise and sacrifice and it gets worse, the older you get. You can do what you want only when you live on your own and even then, you will hear a comment here and a comment there.  Since nobody takes us into consideration, we have to take ourselves into consideration and put ourselves above everything else. You’re the oldest and you should at least have an equal right to do and say whatever you want like your sisters have. They have to learn to respect your wish as you respect theirs. Do not expect them to do that spontaneously. You have to speak out and demand it. We are not given our rights, we fight for them. So the next time your sisters plan to do things and go places and you agree to their wishes, they have also to go and do one or two things that you like. They have to understand that and they have to learn to give you the same right. Crying and withdrawing do not solve the problem and do not teach people to care. I do not think your sisters care. They need to be taught to care. You should teach them, not your parents or someone else. I need to be more assertive. You need to learn and practice that.  Try to go on you own with a map and hotel address with you. If you cannot get back take a taxi. find out how to get to the place you want on the map first. It is easy. It only needs some courage and adventure.   Please cheer up and take care of yourself.