The Prima Donna......
By jillhill
@jillhill (37354)
United States
November 2, 2009 4:19pm CST
I spent the weekend with my sisters and my sister in law....we had a scrapping weekend and it was soooooo much fun. One problem....we have one prima donna in the bunch. Whenever it's meal time she sits on the sidelines watching or doing her own thing....comes to eat but when mealtime is over and clean up in emminent she disappears....or sits on the sidelines just watching. Wouldn't want to get her hands dirty.....I didn't say anything because is wasn't my house. But had it been me doing the entertaining I am afraid I would have had things for her to do....and politely asked her to do them. Do you have a prima donna in your family?
7 people like this
14 responses
@AlkaiserMO (106)
• United States
2 Nov 09
I know how you feel about that. Perhaps she felt a little outcasted in such a close social circle. I think you had the right idea of mayhaps having certain things she should be held responsible for. Not only would it keep her busy, but it would make her feel more apart of the planning. We all have these prima donna characters in our family, and we have to do our best to include them!
@carolbee (16230)
• United States
3 Nov 09
This is pretty much how I do now because of my back. Can only stand so long and have problems bending so my helping is limited. I do what I can. Not sure I could call myself a prima donna since I don't mind getting my hands dirty. Don't believe we have anyone in the family who sits and does nothing. Am sure others wonder why I am sitting after awhile because nobody can tell I have a back problem. It's not a visible thing but our kids sure know I am pretty much useless when it comes to standing for a long period and lifting. I am old and hate it..lol
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
3 Nov 09
I would say as long as she does EVERYTHING when she throws a party, fine. But if she expects people to help her (or never entertains) and then does nothing when everybody else entertains, not right.
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
4 Nov 09
Feels uncomfortable maybe? Does anybody ever speak up and ask her?
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
3 Nov 09
I know someone like this very well. At the retreat I went on last weekend we are expected to wash and dry up, as well as clear the tables and re lay the tables for the next meal. She just sits there each year and does not do anything. So on Saturday I invited her to help us in he kitchen and she then said that her doctor had told her not to do any strenuous work. so I gave her the job of laying the tables for the next meal. She said that she could not manage to carry the plates (they are plastic) So I suggested that she just pick up a few at a time and make frequent trips!
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
3 Nov 09
I've mean meaning to ask you if you had any frugal ideas for decorating the house for Christmas or ideas on wrapping presents or any cheap gifts that we could tart up for presents. I think that it would make a good post. What do you think? You sound so talented!
@chris33 (24)
• United States
3 Nov 09
I don't think of my daughter as a prima donna, but she definitely is lazy and will not do anything unless we make her. She just moved out and we were both so glad. She has a 19 month baby, she would leave the room without saying anything and leave him in the room, we would have to take care of him. Don't get me wrong, we love our grandson,but we shouldn't have to take care of him unless asked. She would always get mad if we asked her to clean something even though we both worked and she was always at home. So i just call it lazy. I do love her but am glad that she moved out.
@cutepenguin (6431)
• Canada
3 Nov 09
Sometimes I feel awkward doing things in other people's kitchens - I feel like I am inserting myself into an already running system. it would actually be nicer if there were set tasks for each person to do, because it's hard to just walk into someone else's kitchen and declare that you are going to do something. Maybe that's what's going on?
In my family, the work gets pretty evenly spread out. Sometimes I don't participate, but sometimes someone else doesn't.
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
3 Nov 09
Uh- Oh.I think I am the Prima Donna of my family.There are certain things I won't do and others I will.If I am in the company of All women ,I keep my mouth shut unless I am spoken to.I don't feel comfortable . I rather be out with the guys.That's more comfortable.I guess you can take a girl out of being a tom boy but not the Tom Boy out of the girl.
@ellie333 (21016)
•
2 Nov 09
LOL Jill, Glad you had a good weekend but my answer to your question is 'no, I don't have a prima donna, I have a dishwasher! There is always one eh! I bet she even has others doing the running around when she is hostess that is just the way some people are but I like you if my house would have delegated. Hope all is well with you as I haven't been here that much recently to play catch up. Huggles. Ellie :D
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
3 Nov 09
I don't have much family left but if any of them think they are a prima donna they don't show it at my house, lol. I have no problem letting them know what needs to be done,lol.Prima donna's irk me.
@Jenaisle (14079)
• Philippines
3 Nov 09
I am the Prima Donna..he he he..but it's only now that my kids, nephews, grandkids are old enough to do things for themselves and me. All I do is sleep, go to work, come home, face my computer, eat, go back to my computer...he he he...I don't wash a single plate or sweep a single place..I know, I know, I need exercise, but I'm too lazy. Sometimes I do jogging in place though but never a household chore. 
@guylianMattot (51)
• Philippines
3 Nov 09
I would say now that I am a prima dona. My mom spoiled me to be like that, uhm, before i am independent, now i just can't help asking my sisiters do things for me, i even ask them to get what is already infront of me that is more closer to them, maybe because my mom is taking this time to give the time she did'nt gave us when we were younger,when she was training us to be independent but i ma just like that in our house and where when everybody is doing everything and when i have nothing to do because they all did it already but if they would want me do something i dont mind if they would ask me...hehehehheheh
