Do I have the right to be angry with my sister when I've asked her not to discuss her hair and she does anyway?

I've have diffuse alopecia areata. I'm trying to deal with it the best that I can, I barely discuss it with anyone anymore. Even though I am making baby steps, I am still very hypersensitive about it. I go through my ups and downs. My sister loves talking about her hair, something I just can't listen to. I've asked her MANY time that I don't wish to discuss her hair. I TRULY don't care about it. Well, she called me to tell me that she just got her hair cut. I told her that I really don't care, and said that I don't wish to discuss it. She got highly offended, and then told me I was being a brat and that she should be able to tell me about aspects of her life. We hung up on each other. I just don't get what she doesn't get. I'm just asking her to be a little compassionate or sensitive about my situation. She, on the hand, has a major problem with her feet, and the last thing I would do is bring up buying shoes or brand new pair of heels. I my mind her talking about her hair, is like telling a newly blind person that I got new glasses. Am I in the wrong????? Love your opinions.

Views: 69

Comment by Tallgirl on January 22, 2011 at 9:14pm
You didn't tell your ages, or any behavioral/learning/emotional difficulties, so it may not be fair for us to comment or make expectations. I am glad you took the high road and didn't make a rude comment to her about feet...but realize that most people are excited about haircuts and want compliments. She is probably so excited to make her sister her friend that she forgets about the hair loss. Would you want her to be excited if you got a really gorgeous wig that she couldn't afford?
Comment by ABsitively on January 22, 2011 at 9:33pm
How long have you had AA? I'm guessing you haven't had the condition so it's been a challenge to come to terms with it? Is that right?
I've had my condition basically since birth so I've gotten quite used to people talking about their hair around me. In fact, my sister did not have the condition at all and I used to love watching my Mom French braid her hair. Also one of my favorite toys was a Barbie styling head that she received as a present (clearly noone was worrying about the effect that would have on me which in turn caused me not to think about it either). I honestly don't think people are being malicious when they talk about their hair in from of me. It's a concern of theirs, that's all. It even makes me laugh inwardly when they complain about their hair.
Comment by ABsitively on January 22, 2011 at 9:35pm
*haven't had the condition that long or at least not as long as I have
Comment by Heather Bloom on January 22, 2011 at 9:51pm
I don't understand what behavioral/learning/ emotional difficulties has to do with it. I've had the condition for about ten years, it grew back once, but then fell out again.
Comment by Heather Bloom on January 22, 2011 at 10:09pm
Why would she be jealous or envious of a wig she couldn't afford if she doesn't need a wig?
Comment by Elizabeth on January 22, 2011 at 10:14pm
u have the right to be angry but i dont think it helps grow hair back ...i used to get upset whn with my ex and a woman with beautiful hair was in the vicinity but now i just compliment their hair. it's better 4 me that way i stay happy
Comment by Angie P on January 22, 2011 at 10:41pm
I agree with Elizabeth. You have the "right" but really what purpose does it serve? Besides, stress negatively affects the immune system, which you DON'T need. Your wellness would be much better served by putting your focus elsewhere. Harboring anger over another person's behavior, which you can't control, is just a waste of energy.
Comment by Tallgirl on January 22, 2011 at 11:14pm
If your SISTER, not you, has challenges in understanding things, then she might not remember your telling her that you are sensitive to hair comments. Some wigs are prettier than some people's natural hair, so people might get envious.
Comment by Becca on January 23, 2011 at 10:23am
Heather,

I don't think behavioral/learning/ emotional difficulties has anything to do with it either. I think you do have the right to be upset with her. I used to get upset with my friends all the time talking about their hair, especially when they would complain about it.. I am now ok with people talking about their hair, it really took me a long time to get there. If you ever want to talk or vent just let me know.

hugs.

-Becca
Comment by Heather Bloom on January 23, 2011 at 12:54pm
Thanks Becca, I almost feel as though it's been intentional. It's not the first time she and I have gotten into arguments about this. So, why on earth does she keep on doing it? I don't know. What does she expect me to say, oh my hair is falling out, but you tell me more about your hair, PLEASE?

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