"How Could You Say That!"

Confidential Instructions for Terry

You are Terry, a sophomore in high school. About a week ago, you decided to look for a part time job as a salesperson in a clothing store at the mall. Your older brother/sister Cory, a senior, has been a well-respected salesperson for three years, and you thought talking to Cory would be a good place to start your search.

Unfortunately, you have always had a hard time talking to Cory. "Perfect Cory" does well at everything, whether it's school work or working at the clothing store. You on the other hand have never really tried your hardest in school or at anything else, partly because you already knew you could never be as good as Cory. You really look up to Cory, but also feel jealous. You hated having teachers that Cory had because you knew you were always being compared to Cory, and that you could never do as well. The one thing you are really good at is music and dancing, something you went into because Cory had never done it. You've had a good time in the talent shows and dances and made a lot of good friends.

This winter you decided to apply to become a salesperson even though that is something Cory is good at. You felt that if you really applied yourself, you could be as well-respected as Cory. You also thought it might bring you and Cory closer together.

But your conversation didn't go as planned. You told Cory you wanted to work at a clothing store in the same mall and asked for some advice on how to find a job. You were surprised when Cory started yelling at you about how it was probably too late in the year to get a job. You asked Cory if anything could be done, and you were extremely upset by the reaction. You don't remember exactly what was said, but it was something about how Cory thought you wouldn't work hard and wouldn't get to work on time. Cory made it sound like you were planning on spending the whole time at work talking on the phone with friends. It was as if Cory thinks you can't do anything right. It really hurt you to have your own brother/sister putting you down like that. You had already made a decision to work hard; you'd think Cory would want to help you instead of making you feel even worse about yourself. You told Cory to forget you ever asked for any advice.

It's been three days since that conversation, and you and Cory haven't spoken to each other. You've communicated through your mother, who has informed you that Cory did talk to some people for you, but that nothing turned up. Given what Cory probably said about you, it doesn't surprise you that no one wanted you.

Recently, you and Cory promised your neighbors you would help them move some pieces of furniture from their apartment. They are willing to pay you well for your help, but they need both of you. Although you could really use the money, you aren't sure you want to do it because you are still furious with Cory. You have agreed to talk this over with Cory to try to straighten things out, though you're not sure anything will come of it. You've decided you'll only agree to do the job if Cory apologizes and you feel satisfied with Cory's explanation for why certain things were said.