over the wall we go

My brother had just sent me several emails in succession which had descended into his usual vitriole and bile. He then suggested talking together on Skype. He "promised he wouldn't attack me". I really didn't want to get into a you-said-this and I-said-that match. Besides, in email, I have the advantage. He is dyslexic and not very articulate. In Skype, he has the advantage. I am not used to talking (arguing) and would crumble. This was my response to his suggestion. He wasn't expecting it, and it went downhill, rather rapidly, after this. All the shit came out (from him). I'm glad I didn't agree to talk.

"B, I'm sorry but this isn't important enough to me to waste any more time on it. I just want easy relationships which coast along. I don't want all these dramas, or you losing your top every couple of months. If it WAS important to me then I'd spend heaps of time making sure everything was cool. I know that there is no point in me doing that because you'll just flame up the next time you get the urge. You are determined to attack me, and you'll do it again. We both know this is true.

I'm quite prepared to still be friendly and polite to you. But you'll not have an important role in my life again. Sometimes I wonder if that's the right decision - but your repeated attacks prove to me that you are too far gone. Plus you have an agenda, which isn't in my best interests.

I am busy, and I am happy. And this may sound cruel, but I have better things to do with my Sunday than argue with you.

Despite your insistance on bashing me I still intend to stay in touch. But I won't wait for a Skype call that we both know you won't make. I will however reply in a friendly and polite manner to any emails you send me. But I won't make time for you. Neither will I be a punching bag for your Issues.

Anyway, I hope you have a nice Sunday evening. Don't worry - I don't hold this against you. I know what you are like. I may not like it. But I accept that that is the way you are. Drop me a line in a month, or whenever you feel like it. Till then, have fun.

Oh, why am I in touch with him? You ask. Well, if you remember, I said here that my parents were visiting him. He was trying to arrange a time to Skype me (with them there). But true to form didn't turn up.

Oh, by the way, it hurts.