UNDER THE WILL… OVER THE DRAMA…

Episode 4 Smile! You’re in a Passive-Aggressive Family Sitcom

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by

Mae Faurel
in

(Except It’s Not Funny)

Nothing says ‘we respect your space‘ like waking up to find security cameras that can be pointed directly at your windows. Yes, windows. As in: kitchen, back door and the upstairs bathroom. Because apparently privacy is optional now – especially if your brother owns the house and thinks that makes him King of All He Surveys.

Let me back up.

You ever walk through your home and feel like something’s… off? That weird skin-crawly feeling like you’re being watched? Turns out, I wasn’t just paranoid – I was being actually watched. New cameras, suddenly installed, no warning, no discussion. One minute you’re living your life, the next minute you’re in a low-budget version of Big Brother: Rural Edition.

I live here under legal right of residency. Not as a tenant. Not as a squatter. Not as a couch-surfing cousin. Legal. As in written-in-a-will, black-and-white, not-up-for-debate. But in Bully Yates Land, that just means I get to star in his surveillance experiment, complete with boundary-blurring camera angles and zero consent.

Can we take a moment for the camera that overlooks the bathroom? Because that’s not just inappropriate, it’s a whole new level of messed up. Is this security, or some twisted Sims game where my morning shower is now considered ‘suspicious activity’?

And of course, no surprise visit from the rural security state would be complete without that classic family move: silence. No conversation. No ‘hey, heads up, I’m installing cameras’. Just quiet control dressed up as ‘concern’.

Let me say it louder for the people in the back: Security doesn’t require secrecy. And protecting your property shouldn’t come at the expense of someone else’s dignity and right to feel safe inside their own home.

So here we are again. Me, my blog, and a fresh helping of boundary-stomping nonsense.

Lesson of the day: Even your own home can feel like a hostile environment when power, ego and tech meet unchecked entitlement. But hey – at least the blog is thriving, right?

Next Episode

Comments

2 responses to “Episode 4 Smile! You’re in a Passive-Aggressive Family Sitcom”

  1. G Man Avatar
    G Man

    Wow…there’s so much to unpack here.
    I’m one for calling out crap, and having to deal with passive aggressive in-laws and siblings, I was drawn to this particular post.

    However, enough about me.
    I know I’m late to the party, so please forgive me…
    * How is it going with your bro?
    It sounds as if he has an agenda to ‘ease you out’ of the way.
    * Has he had a discussion with you about things yet?
    * Are you able to take down the most offending cams?
    * If you did take them down, would it provoke a conversation or more of the same actions?
    * As sad as it is, and as much as I think it should never have to go that far, have you considered a legal mediator?

    I know, so many questions, but just when i think I’ve heard about (and experienced) all the crazy, so-called family can dish out, I learn even more about the oddity of human nature.

    On a lighter note, thanks for passing by and leaving your mark.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Mae Faurel Avatar
      Mae Faurel

      Hey there, thank you so much for this comment. Honestly, it means a lot when someone truly gets it. Family dynamics can be so messy and complicatedand it’s oddly comforting (though also a bit sad) to know others have had to navigate the same passive-aggressive nonsense.

      To answer your questions:

      My brother and I haven’t had a proper conversation in years. He seems to prefer his silent power moves over actual words, so it’s been more of the same sidestepping and control tactics.

      The cameras are still up, I have contacted the probate solicitor and it hasn’t sparked a conversation, just more of the usual cold war.

      I have considered a mediator, but truthfully, it feels like one of those situations where unless both sides are willing, it’s a waste of breath (and money). Still keeping it on the back burner, though.

      And you’re absolutely right, just when you think you’ve seen the limits of what people will pull in the name of ‘family,’ someone comes along and raises the bar for dysfunction.

      On a brighter note, I really appreciate you stopping by and sharing your own experience too. It makes this whole strange online world feel a little less lonely.

      Sending solidarity and a slightly exasperated, knowing grin your way.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

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