Woman Snaps After Years Of Sacrifice, Prioritizes Her Kids And Her Peace As Family Fumes

Siblings: can’t live with ‘em, can’t live without ‘em. If you grew up with brothers and sisters, there’s a decent chance that you’ve hated them at some point during your life. Whether your brother was cutting the hair off your dolls or your sister was pulling your hair in the midst of a heated argument, it’s natural for sibling relationships to have ups and downs.

As we grow up, we often come to realize just how much we love our brothers and sisters. After all, they’re our flesh and blood! But unfortunately, that’s not the case for everyone. One woman reached out to Reddit to find out if she was wrong for finally putting her foot down and excluding her entitled sister from a vacation. Below, you’ll find the full story, as well as some of the replies invested readers shared. 

This woman planned a lovely beach getaway for Easter weekend

Woman sitting on the beach with a child, contemplating Easter vacation plans without her sister.

Image credits: Jonathan Gallegos (not the actual photo)

But her sister was offended when she found out that she wouldn’t be getting an invite

Text questioning refusal to invite entitled sister to Easter beach vacation.

Text about a woman refusing to invite her entitled sister on a vacation, explaining family dynamics and obligations.

Text discussing an entitled sister's impact on family vacations and responsibilities.

Text discussing a woman's dilemma about excluding her entitled sister from Easter vacation plans.

Text discussing a woman considering not inviting her entitled sister to Easter vacation due to past behavior.

Text describing a disagreement between a woman and her sister over Easter vacation plans and sharing items with kids.

Text discussing a vacation and a decision not to invite an entitled sister.

Woman pondering decision about sister, Easter vacation conflict.

Image credits: engin akyurt (not the actual photo)

Text discussing a woman refusing her entitled sister's invitation to Easter vacation.

Image credits: LOQUESEAPLIS

Unfortunately, many parents show favoritism towards one child

A family shares a gift, sitting together on a bed, smiling and enjoying a moment.

Image credits: Getty Images (not the actual photo)

If you’re a mother or father, you would probably be offended by the idea that some parents have a favorite child. How could they love one more than the others? Isn’t their heart big enough for all of them? Despite the fact that they would assure their little ones that they love each of them equally, a recent study would beg to differ.

In fact, researchers found that most families follow a similar pattern when it comes to showing favoritism. Moms and dads might show preferential treatment by spending more time with or more money on one kid. And often, it’s daughters who tend to be favored, by both their mother and father.

As you might expect, “agreeable or conscientious children tend to be favored” as well, Alex Jensen, one of the study’s authors, told HuffPost. It’s also common for the eldest child to be the most loved, often being given more freedom and autonomy from a young age. 

Parents might also assume that eldest daughters are the easiest to raise, as they have a tendency to be particularly competent, which can lead to them being favored. However, Jensen points out that having a clear favorite in the household can impact everyone, especially their siblings. 

He noted that the golden child will tend to “have better mental health, do better in school” and have better relationships with their family members. They’re also less likely to experiment with substance abuse, and they’re probably not going to be getting into much trouble at school or home.

On the other hand, kids who grow up feeling like they’ll never be loved as much as their siblings will often have lower self-esteem, may struggle with childhood anxiety and depression, and might even have behavioral issues, like engaging in risky behavior.  

Growing up as the unfavored sibling can have life-long impacts

Woman thinking, looking through window blinds, contemplating Easter vacation decision.

Image credits: Joshua Rawson-Harris (not the actual photo)

Of course, this can also take a toll on the relationships siblings have with one another. It’s hard to be best friends with your brother or sister if you’re bitter about how much better Mom and Dad treat them. Meanwhile, the favored child might be blissfully unaware of the preferential treatment they receive, confused about why their siblings envy them.

Ideally, all siblings would have healthy relationships with one another in adulthood. But according to Ilene Strauss Cohen, PhD, at Psychology Today, a great relationship can’t be formed unless both parties are on the same page.

First, Cohen notes that brothers and sisters must be able to embrace their differences. They can’t judge one another for not seeing eye to eye on everything, and no one should ever feel like they’re better than their sibling. Open communication is also key. The siblings should feel safe to share what’s on their minds without an argument erupting.

It’s important to focus on self-reflection as well. Notice your habits, and remember that you don’t have to always respond with your first impulse. There might be a healthier way to get your message across.

Establishing boundaries is another key factor, as agreeing to things that are outside of your comfort zone can be a slippery slope. And finally, always lead with empathy for your brothers and sisters. 

We would love to hear your thoughts on this situation in the comments below, pandas. Do you think this woman was right to exclude her sister from the Easter trip? Feel free to weigh in. And then, you can find another Bored Panda article discussing similar family dynamics right here. 

Later, the author responded to a few comments and provided some more background information

Reddit comments discussing a woman's refusal to invite her entitled sister on Easter vacation.

Text conversation discussing a woman refusing to invite her sister on Easter vacation due to prioritizing her own family.

Reddit conversation discussing a woman's decision not to invite her entitled sister to Easter vacation.

Text discussion about refusing to invite an entitled sister to Easter vacation, with user comments supporting the decision.

Reddit comment discussing refusal to invite entitled sister to Easter vacation.

Readers unanimously agreed that the woman had every right to exclude her sister

Text discussing reasons a woman refuses to invite her entitled sister to Easter vacation.

Comment about woman refusing to invite entitled sister to Easter vacation, discussing boundaries and support.

Reddit comment discussing a woman refusing to invite her entitled sister on an Easter vacation.

Comment advising a woman on refusing to invite her entitled sister to Easter vacation.

Comment discussing a woman's decision not to invite her entitled sister on Easter vacation.

Comment advising a woman on handling her entitled sister about Easter vacation invitations.

Reddit comment about a woman considering not inviting her entitled sister to an Easter vacation.

Reddit comment siding with a woman refusing to invite her entitled sister to Easter vacation.

Reddit comment about a woman not inviting her entitled sister to Easter vacation.

Reddit comment discussing a woman's Easter vacation decision with her sister.

Reddit comment discussing a woman's conflict about her entitled sister and vacation invite.

Reddit comment about sister's behavior and vacation invitation refusal.

Reddit comment discussing entitled sister and Easter vacation refusal.

Reddit comment on entitlement of kids and not inviting an entitled sister during Easter vacation.

Text discussing a woman refusing to invite her entitled sister for Easter vacation, highlighting family dynamics.

Comment discussing family vacation issues and boundaries with entitled relatives.

Comment advising woman about not inviting her entitled sister to Easter vacation.

A woman refuses to invite her entitled sister to Easter vacation, expressing frustration with past behavior.

Text comment discussing refusing to invite entitled sister to Easter vacation.

Comment supporting a woman's decision about not inviting her entitled sister on Easter vacation.

Reddit comment advising on family dynamics and entitled sisters during holidays.

Comment advising woman on handling entitled sister regarding Easter vacation plans.

Reddit comment discussing a woman's decision about her entitled sister and vacation plans.

Reddit comment advising a woman to exclude her entitled sister from an Easter vacation for a peaceful family trip.

Anyone can write on Bored Panda. Start writing!

Follow Bored Panda on Google News!

Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda!