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I always change my methods depending on who I'm talking to. I will focus on self-defense from the female and mother's perspective when dealing with my sister.
Who knows... she may want to go gun shopping one day. She's a bit of a diva, so I may have to keep her from basing her purchase on which one matches her outfit. (Fortunately, they stay concealed, so we don't have to worry about that.)

I've been going through the links from those last two posts. Those are some really good articles. I started printing for my file, but my printer ran low on ink. I'll try to swing by Wal-Mart today and get more ink so that I can continue working on it.
To anyone who's interested, those articles are really good, and worth reading. Some are lengthy, so you may need to return to them.
Thanks, guys!

I think I'm going to do that seamus. I'm not going to pull out articles in the file until THEY bring up the subject, which they inevitably will.
Thanks for posting that. It was on my mind, but your suggestion convinced me that it's a good idea.

I already sent the letter.
I can't just go over there and talk to them, as they live near Dallas, and I live near Houston. My sister did call my mom & apologize for not going straight to me.
I did end up handwriting the letter and sending it through the mail. I thought it better suited my personality (as opposed to a typed letter or e-mail). My family members are all used to getting written correspondence from me, as I send notes and cards every so often through snail mail. I also send everyone (even my parents) thank you cards after Christmas and birthday for my gifts. I know people think it's extreme, but I like for them to know I'm grateful.
I see where the written correspondence may seem odd to most people, but it shouldn't strike my sister and bil as odd, since they are used to getting written cards and letters from me.
You all have been so much help to me. You have either encouraged or corrected me during this past several days, and I'm so thankful for it. I really took it hard when I heard it, and I needed people that understood "the armed person's mindset" to talk to me.
After sending the letter, I feel as if I've been released from it all. In my past experiences, this kind of peace comes from God to tell me I did the right thing.
If anything more comes of it, I'll let you know.

Thank you. And no, my Mama did not name me Venus Pax. I use my screen names when I post on boards for security.

Okay, folks. I've drafted up a letter, but wanted to run it by everyone before I send it. My objective is not to apologize for carrying, but for doing so in their home without their explicit or implied consent.
Tell me what you think.

Dear sis & bil,

I was recently informed of the fact that I offended you when I entered your house with my handgun. I would like to apologize for this. Had I thought it would bother you, I would have separated the gun from its ammunition and locked one of the two in Mom’s car while in your house overnight.

Although I stand by my decision to carry outside of my home for personal and family protection, I was insensitive to the fact that your views could be different from mine.

I know that I have certain house rules that I like honored, and realize you are no different in your viewing your home as your private sanctuary. Please accept my apology.

Love,
Venus Pax

I don't want any of you fighting on my account. I've had enough fighting already!

I appreciate both the encouragement and the rebuke. The Bible (in Proverbs) says that "open rebuke is better than secret love." I think wise, sincere rebuke makes one wiser. I realize that I've been upset about this, and I don't want to be irrational. That's one thing that gets on my nerves about my sister--she's goofy and lacks a rational mindset most of the time. I want to strive beyone that mindset (for myself), and appreciate the wisdom to get me there.

I still appreciate the encouragement. With everyone but my natural father telling me I'm foolish to carry a gun with me everywhere I go, I come here to read that it is neither foolish or irrational, but wise.

There is more than one side to this coin, and I appreciate both.

You all have given me some very good advice. You're right, txinvestigator. I'm getting very defensive over it. I need to cool down and not bring up the subject with family until I can think rationally about it.
Dh told me tonight that I should send them a letter of apology, since I've obviously offended them. I gave him an emphatic NO, since the apology would be insincere. (I also don't feel that I have done anything wrong.)
Dh doesn't think I should carry anywhere but in the car, and that it should be in the glove box when I leave the car. (But that's another issue.)

We just got into an argument over it. I guess I'm just pretty upset over it now.

As for the stadium, it was a professional sports stadium, and state law prohibits carrying in one.

I’ve got a strange problem.

A few weeks ago, I went to visit my (step) sister, who just had a baby. I went with my mother and step-father, who both know that I carry and am licensed.

While we were getting ready to go into a large stadium, I asked my sister if her glove box or console locked so that I could put my gun in there. (State law requirement.) She told me that my carrying makes her “very uncomfortable.� I asked her why, and she replied that it could just “go off.� I informed her that properly functioning guns kept in holsters don’t “go off� by themselves. I also informed her of the statistics for women becoming victims of a violent crime, and suggested she consider carrying. She seemed fine after that, so I let it go.

She giggled about it when we were out shopping. In fact, she almost blew my cover by shouting it to her husband from a distance of about 7 to 10 feet. I stopped her before “gun� came out of her mouth. I thought she was okay with it, and figured he was too. (He grew up in deep east Texas, a region where gun control means accuracy.)

Before I left, I asked BIL if he liked guns. He said “yes,� and so I showed him my carry weapon. My sister giggled, amused that I carry a weapon.

A few days ago, my mother tells me that BIL was upset that I brought a gun into their house. He told my sister this, who then told my step-dad (her parent), who told my mom. Mom & step-dad prayed that I wouldn’t be offended by it. They don’t like the idea of a gun being in their house, especially now that they have a baby, who is under five months.

I explained to my mother that I didn’t see how a five month old was going to do anything with a gun. If older, I could see concern. I also explained to her that they are taking a great risk by not having a gun, considering burglary and violent crime statistics. Mom basically sided with them, saying that its their choice. I understand, but I believe that they should make more informed choices. I told her that she didn’t need to tell them, but that I just wouldn’t go over there to spend the night if I can’t bring my gun. (I don’t like to be without it at night time, as I believe this is when people are most vulnerable.)

Mom is upset at this. I explained to her that I had only been to their house once anyway, and we usually just all meet up at Mom’s. She brought up that I haven’t been carrying long, and can’t see why I just can’t leave it in the car for a night.

I realize that I am posting to the choir, and that most of you will agree with me. I’m looking for ways to best deal with this situation without causing a family feud. And if all possible, I’d like to convince my relatives to take their own safety, and each other’s, more seriously.