Sister Leaves Husband And Kids For Random Guy, Then Demands Pregnant Woman Buy Her A Home

Family is often the first place we turn when life gets tough. But even then, there’s only so much you can ask of someone.

One Redditor and her husband spent years saving £50,000 for a house deposit. Just as they were finally ready to buy, some relatives demanded she hand over half to secure an apartment for her homeless sister.

After all that hard work, she isn’t willing to give it up—and for that, she’s being branded selfish and horrible. Scroll down to read her story and let us know: is she right to stand her ground?

The woman and her husband spent years saving £50K for a house deposit

Person writing on paper with a calculator on a wooden table, symbolizing family demands for money conflict.

Image credits: Frank van Hulst / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

But her family now insists she give up half to buy an apartment for her homeless sister

Text from a woman explaining her family demands $33k, saying her sister needs it more despite her saving for a house deposit.

Text describing a family dispute demanding 33k from a woman, emphasizing family financial conflict and sister issues.

Text excerpt explaining a family dispute over money and trust involving renting an apartment and debt concerns.

Text excerpt showing family conflict over money demand and buying an apartment amid refusal and tension.

Woman with a frustrated expression resting her face on her hand, reflecting family demands and financial conflict.

Image credits: freepik (not the actual photo)

Text discussing family demands for money and issues with mortgage repayments on two properties.

Text message discussing family conflict over $33k demand and being told she’s no longer family amid financial stress.

Text describing family conflict over money demand, with woman feeling sad and questioning if she should comply.

Sad woman in a purple sweater sitting indoors, reflecting on family demands and strained relationships over money.

Image credits: katemangostar / freepik (not the actual photo)

Text update describing family demands and emotional conflict during a phone call about $33k and sister’s needs.

Young woman in striped shirt sitting on bed, talking on phone, dealing with family demands for money conflict.

Image credits: Stockbusters / freepik (not the actual photo)

Text excerpt about family conflict and demands for $33k, highlighting sister's needs versus family fairness dispute.

Text excerpt from family dispute where woman feels justified in prioritizing her needs over sister's demands for money.

Text showing a woman’s message about a nasty argument with her sister amid family demands for 33k dollars.

Text excerpt showing a woman expressing she has washed her hands of the family and cut off contact completely.

Text stating enjoying pregnancy and starting to enjoy the process of buying a new home in black font on white background.

Pregnant woman gently holding her belly, reflecting on family demands and sister needing money more than her.

Image credits: cookie_studio / Freepik (not the actual photo)

Text expressing gratitude to commenters and relief at not losing sanity by refusing family demands.

Image credits: Fit-Statistician8031

Why we feel guilty when we say no

The word no may be short—just two letters, one syllable—but it carries a weight that can feel overwhelming. For many, it’s one of the hardest words to say.

In fact, according to a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 77% of people avoid rejecting others because they fear the possible fallout.

Often, that fear comes down to guilt. Saying no feels like letting someone down, especially when the request comes from family. Just like in this story—where refusing means being branded selfish.

But what’s really behind this guilt?

“Guilt is the feeling you have when you think you’ve done something wrong,” explains Sharon Martin, DSW, LCSW, author of The Better Boundaries Workbook. “So, when you feel guilty about setting boundaries, it’s because you don’t think you have the right to protect yourself, say no, have your own ideas, or ask for something.”

If you grew up in a dysfunctional family or developed codependent tendencies, Martin adds, asserting yourself can feel even harder.

That’s because setting boundaries may seem like breaking unspoken rules. Even choosing to prioritize your own needs can bring on a wave of discomfort and doubt.

When you’re raised in an environment where other people’s wants consistently take precedence, it makes sense that looking after yourself feels unnatural.

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

How to feel less guilty about setting boundaries

The most important step, Martin suggests, is to reframe how you view boundaries. Instead of seeing them as rejection, view them as a way to put yourself first.

“Setting boundaries is about acknowledging personal limits and honoring your need for self-care. Keep in mind that everyone needs and deserves self-care,” says Martin. “It’s not wrong to consider your needs and take steps to meet them. Self-care is how we maintain good physical and mental health.”

Here are a few practical tips to set boundaries without drowning in guilt:

Express gratitude first. Acknowledge the request and thank the person for thinking of you. It shows respect while softening your refusal. Example: “Thanks so much for asking me to help with [request]. Although I can’t help, I appreciate you thinking of me.”

Be clear and direct. Don’t overexplain or apologize. A simple “Unfortunately, I can’t commit to that right now” conveys confidence and avoids confusion.

Offer an alternative (if it works for you). Suggest another way to help only if it genuinely feels right. Example: “I can’t help with [request], but I could contribute [alternative].”

Prioritize your needs. Remind yourself it’s okay to put your energy toward what matters most. Example: “I need to focus on [your own commitment] right now, so I won’t be able to help.”

Practice saying no. It feels awkward at first, but the more you do it, the easier it gets.

Ultimately, Martin reminds us that boundaries are never a loss—they’re a win-win. They allow you to take charge of your own life and do what truly matters to you, while also strengthening your relationships through genuine connection and mutual respect.

Commenters overwhelmingly supported the author, arguing that if the relatives want the apartment so badly, they should pay for it themselves

Screenshot of a Reddit conversation about a family demanding 33k from a woman, sparking conflict with her sister.

Reddit comments discussing family demands for financial support and prioritizing personal needs over sister’s request.

Screenshot of a Reddit discussion about family demanding $33k and personal consequences of financial support decisions.

Reddit comments showing a user refusing to discuss a family demand for money amid a dispute over a sister’s needs.

Screenshot of a forum discussion about family demanding $33k, with advice on responsibility and prioritizing a child’s well-being.

Reddit comments discussing family demands for $33k and financial strain over a sister’s needs and support refusal.

Reddit conversation showing a user discussing family demanding 33k and the sister needing it more than her.

Reddit user discusses family demands $33k from woman, highlighting financial strain and family conflict over sister's needs.

Reddit discussion about family demanding 33k, with users debating responsibility and financial contributions.

Reddit comments discussing family demands for money and one woman feeling guilt over supporting her sister more than herself.

Screenshot of a Reddit conversation discussing family demanding money and prioritizing sister's needs over hers.

Screenshot of online discussion about family demands $33k from woman and sister arguing who needs money more.

Reddit comment discussing family demands for money and disagreement over supporting a sister in a personal conflict.

Online family argument about demanding 33k from a woman, highlighting issues of money, support, and breaking ties.

Screenshot of a Reddit conversation about family demanding money and sister needing it more than the other woman.

Screenshot of an online conversation about family demands for money and refusal to give $33k due to family conflict.

Screenshot of an online comment discussing family conflicts over money and financial demands within family relationships.

Reddit post explaining family demands $33k from woman, highlighting sister’s manipulation and debt issues leading to estrangement.

Comment discussing a family dispute where a sister demands $33k, saying another sister needs it more than her.

Alt text: Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing family demands and responsibility in a financial dispute involving a sister.

Reddit comment urging to stop enabling sister, prioritizing family loyalty amid $33k demand and family conflict.

Comment advising not to use mutual savings for sister, highlighting family demands and financial dispute over $33k.

Comment about sister needing a job and taking responsibility in a family demands 33k conflict discussion.

Comment on a social media post about family demanding 33k, suggesting raising funds for sister’s apartment instead.

Comment on family conflict over $33k demand, discussing sister’s needs and consequences of family choices.

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