I repeatedly watch her chafe
uncomfortably, while her
family tells old stories of
embarrassing things she
did when she was much younger

She obviously hates it

They obviously know that

They obviously don’t care

What I learned?

Two things, really:

First:
Not to try to
Fight her battles for her
Because
That was my first impulse
And because
That didn’t go well

But second,
And more importantly:
The impulse that drives
Cruelty between parents,
Kids, or
Siblings
Never goes away –
We just dress it up
In better excuses

But, I don’t believe
That “loving” someone
Is any excuse for
Trying to hurt them