Survival...

For some the holidays are a battlefield. Survival of the fitness. A time families come together to brag about the accomplishments or sulk and get angry about what they have not accomplished. Brothers and Sisters are competitive by nature. My sister and myself are the perfect example of this. In constant battle of who can do what better and faster. I am proud to say that as we have aged we no longer are in competition with each other. We have both taken separate paths in life... for her she now has a wonderful family... and for it is my career. Our family holidays are quite peaceful in that respect.

However not every family can enjoy this. As you know last week I met -W's family. Not just his immediate family but also his aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins. I was pre-warned that my experience might not be pleasant, and to just prepare myself. Jokingly -W would say, "I am just trying to scare you off!" Sitting around the table I could sense some tension from time to time. But nothing I couldn't deal with. But after witnessing a family who has tension and then spending a few days with mine I am thankful for my family. Life is too short to be in competition with each other. Instead love each other, and love each day to its fullest. That is were happiness truly lies.

So over the holidays don’t try to SURVIVE but rather look at it as a time to be happy and you will. The holidays are not a battlefield, trust me.

Oh and by the –W didn’t scare me off. We are still dating and loving it.

I am Living Single in Texas.