SIBLING RIVALRY

Wow, what a tricky area… love, turmoil, joy, companionship, fights, and jealousy.

I realised something today after a lengthy chat with my littlest sister (Hello Spawn of Satan, I am sure you are reading this) – I no longer look at my sisters, The “Spawn” (the youngest) and The “Adopted One” (She’s not adopted – she just looks nothing like anyone else in the family… Hmmm) and feel envious of the way they are treated by the family. I think it’s because for the first time I am starting to feel like an adult. I have a family of my own, an income, a home etc. I feel my life is full. In a good way.

ETIQUETTE

When did we stop addressing people formally? After moving to Australia, one of the things I struggled most with was the informality with which people addressed each other. As an Englishman, receiving a phone call from my bank and being addressed by my first name still sends shivers of discomfort through my body. I am of the firm belief that until invited to do so, a formal relationship should be maintained where one is addressed by surname or title. This is even more important if you are trying to sell me something…

COURTESY

Lesson 2 of living in Australia… Courtesy is dead.

How hard is it to say thank you when someone lets you pull out in your car, or holds open a door for you? Today, I was in the supermarket with my daughter in her pushchair. We stepped aside to let a lady pass by – I awaited the customary “Thank you”, but nothing came… Obviously in my slightly irritated frame I abruptly retorted with a sarcastic “You’re welcome” too which the surrounding customers promptly turned around and stared at me, as if I was the weird one in the one sided exchange of courtesy. When did it start costing something to smile or be polite to one another?