Zsófi, 34, Budapest, Hungary

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Sister, I'm not here for your bullshit.

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I don't care if you're open minded, cool or nurturing. Sensitive or modern. Thoughtful or intelligent. Patient or fun. Helpful or shy. Any of these traits you can put on and take off and swap with a friend as you do with your clothes. I'm not interested.

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Once upon a time it used to be barbies, then clothes, then make-up, then activities, even relationships, and now the ever-evolving succession of personality goals. The things that we borrow and copy and exchange. The things that will make us better and happier and more real if we manage to conquer them. I don't have time for this.

 

But tell me, if you have ever been alone, and been okay with it. Tell me, if you have ever felt the satisfaction of very small results coming from great effort. The birth of a new skill, a new project, a new child. Tell me if you have made your own decisions, even if that left you standing alone on your side. Tell me if you have stuck with someone through hard times. Tell me if you have been happy for no reason.

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Or don't tell me anything, if you don't want to. That's fine with me.

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Either way, know, that I'm watching. I see you, Sister.

And please, be here to watch out for me too.