no to the bulldozer

I've been a pretty passive person my whole life I guess.  I definitely don't like fighting, physically or verbally.  I usually take an attitude, naturally, that maybe I'm wrong.  I like reserving judgment - it least out loud - and I choose to be slow to respond.  Even in a regular conversation, I allowed myself to be talked over, butted into, interrupted - I didn't even like fighting for "air" time.

That is my Scandinavian side that weirded people out on the East Coast.  Definitely got that from my dad's side.  And I could go on a whole tangent about how refreshing living on the East Coast was, alongside a whole bunch Italian-Americans that said every thought that came to their head.

That doesn't mean I don't have my moments.  I do speak up.  I do fight.  And I can be stubborn or proud and not admit my mistakes.

But generally, I'm passive.

However, I feel things changing in me - and I'm not sure why.  Maybe it was the 40-years-old turning point, and I don't want take people's garbage anymore.  You will not bulldoze me with your noise, your words, and your opinions. 

It kind of hit my when I was in Minnesota last and Tuana was crying.  My younger sister took her from my arms and ordered me to take a shower, telling me Tuana would be fine.  Normally I would shrug my shoulders - not a big deal, she's just trying to help.  But there's nothing like a mama's baby crying to snap you out of that one.
I know my baby.  I know why she is crying - she is not manipulating me, she does not always cry.  She actually needs me, this is no ones call but mine.  Give me my baby.   
My brother did the same thing to me.  I began telling him a story about my in-laws.  The point was about Tolga and his relationship with his brothers, but the lead-up (because my stories are never short) was about my sister-in-law, her German-Turkish-ness, and the problems it's creating.
He interrupted my story to give me advice about how I should have acted around her.
Um... shut it!

Anyhow, I'm no around a whole bunch of opinionated educators.  And while I may not be the finest educator, I may not have a researched backed opinion - I do have a level head, common sense, and an opinion to be considered.

Enough is enough.