and observed family situations like these via my own family. It is scary to watch and think how close we came to having some unnecessary tragedy in our family. It is a reason why I handle most of my cousins with a long handle spoon. If I know we don't get along I avoid you at all cost. I have missed funerals, weddings and a family reunion to avoid the more volatile members of my family (a specific group of cousins). It is sad that it appears she didn't have the option of avoidance for so many reasons (she lived there, she was still under 18, etc.).

Aside from the emotional stress of family fight, I just have always been fearful of stuff going to far. And it has sometimes! But thankfully no one ended up dead or physically injured.