Woman Appalled At Family’s Attitude Towards Her Wealth, Cancels Xmas For Taking Advantage Of Her

Many people, unfortunately, grow up in abusive households. In most cases, their family seems to fail to realize the impact of their actions and how they affect the person in the long term. 

A woman endured lifelong unfair treatment from her immediate relatives, having to support them fully and not have it reciprocated. The last straw for her came when she prepared well-thought-out Christmas gifts for everyone and received nothing of substance in return.

Tired and fed up, she contemplates canceling holiday celebrations and possibly cutting ties with her family. Scroll down to read the entire story. 

Some family members can be emotionally abusive and neglectful

A woman looking distressed with a festive background, symbolizing emotional stress over family and presents.

Image credits: voronaman111 / envato (not the actual photo)

This woman had endured lifelong unfair treatment from her family, and she has had enough

Alt text: "Woman upset about poor family's inability to buy gifts, considering canceling Christmas.

Text about a woman upset that her poor family doesn't buy her Christmas presents, feeling frustrated and unsupported.

Text describing family issues, financial struggles, and feeling hurt over lack of celebration and gifts from a poor family.

Woman upset over poor family's lack of gifts, discusses holiday giving frustrations with an emotional message.

Woman in red sweater holding a striped gift box with a silver ribbon, Christmas tree in the background.

Image credits: Julia Volk / pexels (not the actual photo)

Fed up from how she’s been treated, she plans to cancel Christmas celebrations and distance herself completely

Text about a woman upset over family Secret Santa gift situation, feeling hurt and frustrated.

Text expressing a disappointed woman's conversation about gifts and the hurtful response from a poor family.

Text expressing frustration about feeling taken advantage of and wanting to cancel plans due to a lack of care.

Text about family struggles with gift expectations and financial challenges.

Text update about family's expectations for expensive gifts and past encouragements.

Text about family arguments and expectations for gifts, related to a woman's perspective.

Text about a woman's challenges during magical Christmases with her family, reflecting on maintaining illusions.

Image credits: Grinch123

Some people may be prone to abuse because of their personalities

A distressed woman with long brown hair sitting on a couch, holding her head in her hands.

Image credits: Curated Lifestyle / unsplash (not the actual photo)

The author painted a picture of her personality, and she seems like a responsible person, to a fault. 

She hosts grand parties for everyone to make them feel loved and welcome, even if she doesn’t receive the same treatment. She exerted a large chunk of her time and effort to maintain a warm and harmonious relationship, which was often thankless. 

According to author and psychotherapist Dr. Avery Neal, such a trait makes someone prone to abuse. In an article for the American Counseling Association, Dr. Neal explained that people who take on more than their fair share of responsibility tend to be exploited by loved ones. It applies to familial and romantic relationships. 

Empathy is an excellent trait, but having too much of it has downsides. As Dr. Neal explains, highly empathetic people will most likely give in after standing up for themselves when their abusers begin the guilt trip. 

“A person’s greatest strength can also be their greatest weakness, and this is certainly the case with empathy,” she wrote. 

The author seemed too understanding towards her family without thinking about herself, which is likely why they didn’t take her concerns seriously when she confronted them. 

When your pleas fall on deaf ears, it may be time to cut ties with abusive family members

Woman looking upset while leaning on a sofa, reflecting on gifts and family issues during holidays.

Image credits: Getty Images / unsplash (not the actual photo)

Despite the long-term abuse she endured from her family, the author remains uncertain about whether or not she should maintain a relationship with them. She’s already stated her case, yet she remains to be ignored. 

According to licensed therapist Dr. Claire Jack, these are clear signs that she should cut contact with her abusive relatives. 

“These people are never going to see your point of view or admit any of their shortfalls,” Dr. Jack wrote in an article for Psychology Today. 

Based on her story, the author doesn’t seem to be gaining anything positive from her relationship with her family. In such cases, Dr. Jack advises weighing the pros and cons; if the latter bears more weight, it may be time to go without contact. 

“You have a right to lead a happy life and to distance yourself from people—no matter who they are—who act in an abusive manner towards you,” she says. 

At this point, it may be healthier for the woman to keep her distance from everyone. She has done more than enough to show them her love and care. It won’t be easy because it still involves family, but it may be for the best.

Readers didn’t hold back with their comments, as the author responded to some questions

Comment suggesting to refund gifts, donate to charity.

Text detailing expensive gift requests from a poor family, including Uggs, AirPods, and concert tickets.

Reddit comment advising on returning gifts and seeking validation in family conflicts.

Forum post discussing family issues and Christmas with a focus on seeking therapy.

Online comment questioning personal holiday plans amid family gift conflict.

Text describing a single parent's struggle with relatives not buying gifts for her daughter due to financial issues.

Screenshot of a comment with advice on family dynamics and gift-giving.

Text exchange showing advice about family dynamics and gift-giving.

Text message discussing a woman's frustration with a poor family not buying her presents.

Text discussing the dilemma of buying presents for a family that seems undeserving, advice on spending differently.

Text screenshot about hosting Christmas, suggesting focusing on better friendships.

Text advice on handling family holiday presents, emphasizing self-worth and independence.

Text response suggesting return of gifts to family taking advantage of kindness.

Text message suggesting to donate presents to a charity, instead of buying for a woman and her poor family.

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