06/06/2022
To the alpha of the family
Christine Y. Guinacaran
There is an alpha in every family.
He is that relative who has brought great honor to the entire clan by virtue of his accomplishments, awards and recognitions. His achievements may not be as great as the other alphas, but in his family, he is that one who has reached the highest in the totem pole of success.
His family members intentionally mention his name in conversations even if he has nothing to do with the topic, just to make the listeners know that they are related.
In family gatherings, the alpha is the center of attention and is always proudly introduced to the visitors with a whispered addendum, “The one I’ve been telling you about.”
Some alphas behave naturally to this special treatment, while some, squirm in embarrassment, wishing fervently that they are just left alone and treated like the rest.
So how are alphas to conduct themselves in get-togethers? Here’s my two-cents for the alphas of the family.
1. Be loving to your parents in front of everybody. They may act nonchalantly with your affectionate conduct, but inside, they are bursting with pride, to be seen by their friends as the object of your attention. Then, tell everyone in that assembly how much you miss your mother’s cooking and care, and the companionship and wisdom of your father. Declare unabashedly that there is no place like home and that you are so glad to be with your mommy once again.
2. Fool around with your brothers and sisters and tease them about their love life. Confide your own with them as well, and swear them to secrecy. They will feel very flattered to be privy to your personal affairs. Ask to meet their sweethearts over a nice dinner which will be paid for by you or over BBQ at home, where you will play the gracious host.
3. Confirm kinship with your aunts and In- laws even if your relation may not be as close as what they make it appear to be. Acknowledging them as your relatives will give them great honor and joy.
4. Give your grandparents money secretly and thank them affectionately for the happy times you had with them. Ask lola to cook for you her specialty and don’t procrastinate to set an appointment for this purpose.
5. Reminisce with your cousins about the days of old. Joke around with them and laugh at their jokes as well. Be chummy with the younger ones no matter how irresponsible and foolish they are. They look up to you and wish that they can reach your status in life as well. Remember, you can get more flies with honey than vinegar. Be friendly with their friends and be a good sport in posing for endless photos with everybody.
6. Be extra attentive to the friends of your father. They were the ones who put up with his constant boastings about you, so reward his pals by sitting with them and buying them snacks.
7. Be enthusiastic in being around your family as they are with you. Do not look as though you had a more important appointment to rush to but because of the goodness of your heart you are there humoring them with your important presence.
Postscript: There are alphas and there are alphas. But the best kinds are those who still take pride in their family and long for their company.
