Q: I’m fourteen, and my nine-year-old sister is always getting into my stuff without asking. I really want to get along with her, but she gets us both into trouble. What can I do?
A: That sounds a lot like my sister and me (Pat). Except in my case I was the little sister! There’s just something awesome about big sisters. In my case it seemed as though everything my big sister had—from perfume to clothes—was way more cool than my old stuff. Everywhere she went I wanted to go, and everything she did I wanted to do.
I’m sure I really bugged her sometimes.Here’s an idea: try to determine at least one affordable item of yours that your sister seems to get into the most. Then go to the store and buy her an identical one, along with some pretty wrapping paper. When you get home, wrap up the gift and hide the box in a place where she usually gets into your stuff.
Put her name on it and attach a note that reads: «Dear Sis, since you like my so much, I decided to buy you one for your very own. I don’t mind you borrowing my stuff, but please do me a favor. Please ask first, and be sure to put my things back when you’re done, OK? Love, [your name].»