My privacy is one of the things I cherish a lot, and I appreciate it when people don't interfere with it. I always thought it was just a personal thing until I realized that my siblings also place so much importance on their privacy, and we eventually traced it back to our parents. My dad is someone who keeps almost everything about himself private, and it pisses him off when you start digging. Although it's quite a good thing to keep some part of our lives, it shouldn't be all.
Understanding how important my privacy is has made me respect people's privacy since I know how it would make them feel when their privacy is been invaded.
Growing up, I loved my privacy so much, and it wasn't as if I had things to keep away from people. I just enjoyed being alone and keeping some things personal. It annoys me a lot when people start invading my privacy but sometimes, I understand it's for my good.
My mom was very clinical about interfering with my privacy, she kept a close eye on me which I knew quite well and I didn't because that tightened my security since there has to be someone who must see through us.
As important as privacy might be to every individual, I understand that completely ignoring our loved ones private lives can be dangerous, and that's why I sometimes let my defense down. I willingly allow my loved ones to see things so that can guide me when there is a need for that. One of the things I am capable of doing is making mistakes, every human is bound to it, and sometimes letting our guards down to people we can trust is not as bad as we think.
Being the eldest child of my family, I have learned a few tricks about invading my siblings privacy because we live in a delicate world where a lot is happening and somehow the young generation is the most affected. Many of them ignorantly get into trouble; they involve them in things they should not due to peer pressure, trends, and others.
It doesn't appear to them that I am invading their privacy, but it's for their good, and I feel like that's the way it should be because if ignoring their private life sparks trouble someday, I wouldn't be left out of the stress or consequences.
A few years ago, I realized that my immediate younger brother was becoming too restless. He barely leaves the house, which was unusual of him because even if he wasn't going out, he would hang out with his friends in the neighborhood. Figuring out what was wrong with him was impossible just because, aside from keeping things private, he doesn't like bothering me with some issues.
I finally got my hands on his phone and browsed through his chat but didn't find anything troubling. I paid attention to his conversation on the phone but still didn't get anything, so I asked, and he said it was something he could handle.
His restlessness turned into sleepless nights, and I became worried. One particular day, I heard him speaking on the phone to someone and their conversation lasted for sometime. I didn't get the details of their conversation but he was trying to plead for time.
After our morning devotion the next morning, I asked him who he was talking to yesterday and he said it was just a friend.
"A friend is threatening you," I asked, and the expression on his face made it clear that he didn't want to talk about it but I was keen on knowing.
What happened? I asked, and he explained everything to me.
He actually involved himself in Ponzi, and it backfired. The main issue was that the money he used belonged to a friend who wasn't welcoming any story and just wanted back his money. I was so pissed he got involved in Ponzi because he knew I was once a victim; he ought to have learned from my experience.
I told him to invite the friend over to get the money, and when he came, I spoke to him about getting the money later. He wasn't happy about the situation, but he just couldn't disrespect me. I wasn't financially stable either, so I gave him a date when he would get his money back.
My brother apologized as well, and I made sure he raised the money before that promised date. I could have just overlooked it, but it was difficult because that small issue could have escalated into big trouble if I didn't invade his privacy.
As much as I respect my family privacy, invading once in a while whenever I suspect anything fishy is inevitable.
Just like mom did with me, I have learned to create a balance between respecting privacy and showing concern for my loved ones wellbeing. By embracing balance, I have fostered a stronger and more supportive relationship with my family. While privacy is essential, it's important to recognize when intervention is needed to prevent harm.
Privacy is definitely a right for every human and at the same time, it is flexible concept that requires empathy and understanding. A time will come when they will be in their space, and I won't be able to invade their privacy like I am doing now, but the things they have learned from me will guide them further in navigating through life.