Who taught them to fold

I’ve always known I was a bit of a bully. A brat, if you’re being generous. Lately I’ve worked out where I got it from: my mum ran the house the same way, and I take after her, the good and the bad.

The part I hadn’t thought about is who was on the receiving end. My sister grew up with me. She’s the kind one now, the one who pushes back, then gives in anyway. People call that grace. I’m starting to think it’s a survival skill she picked up early, from me.

And it costs her. Listening to her talk about her life, I can see people take advantage of her more often than they should.

So next time you meet someone who’s endlessly agreeable, don’t just enjoy it. Ask yourself who taught them to fold.