The Extended Family

We all belong to a family. We have relatives. Some of them are so obnoxious and we just do not want to see them. Some are so loving and caring that you are always so happy to see them. However, members of our extended family are never the same. They fall under some categories and they include the following:

1 The Pace-Setters
They are the most successful member of an extended family. Sometimes you are lucky that they are your parents, other times you are not. Everyone in the family wants to be on their good side. If your parents are rich,they are wealthy. You either find going to their place intimidating or a wake up call(depending on your self-esteem). Nothing happens in the family without their say.This sometimes causes conflict in the family especially if they are younger.

2.The Ghosts
They are the members of your extended family that are usually mentioned in passing. This is very common among the Yorubas. All you hear is the name. They do not even have a picture to show. You are left with the task of trying to build an image of them in your head. You sometimes do not even meet them till they die!

3. The Favour-Seekers
Due to circumstances your parents are well-off than these members of your family. They are of two categories.
The first category are the favour-seekers that come bearing gifts. No matter how small it is they bring something to the family. This even encourages your folks to try and do more for them.
The second category are the favour-seekers that come with nothing. They come to your house, boss you around,eat your food and still complain when their needs are not fully met(WTF). They are the kind of relatives you do not like seeing but they come around often.

4. The Live-In
This is prominent among the Ibos. I have been to a friend’s house and when he was trying to explain our someone was related to him I got confused. These kind of relatives live with you, they have a room in the house. As a child you always feel that they are mean(some of them are), you dislike them. They hardly do anything in the house but are quick to point out mistakes. They report to your father for any slight mistake you make. They are the best ingredient to break a happy home(if you let them).

5. The Once In A Blue Moon
The only time you see them is when you go to the village or there is a family emergency. The time frame between the last time you see them and the next time you do is usually years. You even have to be re-introduced at times.
After all said and done, no matter which category members of your extended family fall into,your parents always tell you that they are family and as such you have to do all you can for them even when you owe nobody nothing *sighs*.

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