On Relatives, from a Relative

Several proven facts about relatives:

1. They eat their young
2. You can't pick 'em but you can choose 'em.
3. Relatives and company stink in three days.
4. Your closest relatives are usually the ones who live the farthest away.
5. If a relative starts to agree with you on every little matter, lock your back door and hide your checkbook.
6. Relatives make poor business partners, really poor business partners.
7. Never share personal business with relatives. It is extremely improper to test integrity under fire.
8. Never offer aid to a relative unless you can afford to give it away. Relatives should be more important than money.
9. People watch your relatives and decide who you are based on impressions of your kin. Be wise!
10. Relatives can be your greatest asset or your major impediment, depending on how they use you.