Kindred Keri: Should I Apologise to My Sister? - DWC Magazine: Strong Women, Strong Voices

Kindred Keri: Should I Apologise to My Sister?

Should I Apologise to My Sister?

My workload has increased significantly and I am happy with this but it has started affecting my family life.

Last weekend I had a few hours to myself and wanted nothing more than to sleep. My sister sent a text inviting me for pizza with her family. I saw it but did not respond.

Now, she clearly seems offended by it and I'm not sure I want to apologise. What do I do? Should I apologise to my sister?  

Kindred Keri says: 

First, let me acknowledge how challenging it can be to balance a demanding workload with family life. You’ve reached a point where the weight of your responsibilities is affecting your energy, and it's understandable that when you finally found a few precious hours to yourself, rest was your top priority.

Now, onto your sister. Family dynamics can be tricky, especially when communication breaks down. It's clear that your sister values your presence and likely felt hurt by the lack of response to her invitation. On her end, what might have seemed like a simple invite for pizza turned into a perceived slight when she received no reply.

You’re at a crossroads—on one hand, you cherish your family, but on the other, you’re protective of your well-earned rest. So, what’s the solution?

Consider this: Apologising doesn’t mean you were wrong to prioritize your needs. It’s about acknowledging her feelings and maintaining a healthy relationship. A simple message saying, “I’m sorry I didn’t respond, I was completely wiped out and needed some rest. Let’s plan another time to catch up soon!” could go a long way in mending any hurt feelings.

This allows you to communicate your need for self-care while showing your sister that she matters to you. Moving forward, being upfront about your busy schedule and exhaustion can help prevent these misunderstandings. Sometimes, a quick, “I’d love to, but I need to recharge,” is all it takes to set boundaries kindly and clearly.

Remember, it’s all about balance. Your family wants to see you happy and healthy, and setting these boundaries will help you maintain your well-being while staying connected with those you love.

Got a question for Kindred Keri? Write your question in the comments section or email lecamillesocmed AT gmail DOT com 

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