When’s the last time you blew up on your family — and was it really about them?

In this letter, an older sister writes to Sofie, her younger sister. Despite the older sister being raised to raise Sofie, they were often mistaken for twins growing up because of how much they enjoyed being sisters. Even as their paths diverged — different colleges, different cities, and a decade apart — they still felt fondly about each other. At least, that’s what the older sister thought.

When Sofie returns home, the older sister begins to see who her younger sister has become: a social justice warrior returning to save her oppressed mother. Soon enough, the older sister realizes who Sofie is saving their mother from.

If you ever grappled with a family member coming home completely changed from childhood, this letter is for you.

Letter 194 is part of The Filipino American Woman Project’s letters series, inspired by real conversations. This is our Summer Edition.

Reflect on past relationships that have grown distant, and ask yourself: Did I play a role in this?

In this letter, Nance writes to Wanda, the loud-and-proud president of a Filipino student organization who felt like the big sister she never had. Even though she was too nice to say no, Nance found purpose and belonging with Wanda and the organization's members. But when the activism began to feel more than she could keep up with or express, she did what she’s always done when things get overwhelming.

If you ever got too busy to say what you really wanted to say, this letter is for you.

Letter 193 is part of The Filipino American Woman Project’s letters series, inspired by real conversations. This is our Summer Edition.

Who was the last Filipino person you were excited to meet — and did you ever stop to wonder if they wanted to connect that way?

Claire’s new friend invites her to a dinner party, a refreshing change from the Filipino parties she’s used to. That is, until she meets Marco.

The moment he finds out she’s Filipino too, the evening takes a sharp turn toward assumptions, unsolicited opinions, and questions she didn’t anticipate having to answer. Claire thinks very carefully about her response the next time her friend invites her to another party.

If you’ve ever felt stereotyped by another Filipino, this one’s for you.

Letter 192 is part of The Filipino American Woman Project’s letters series, inspired by real conversations. This is our Summer Edition.