“‘Tricking’ My SIL And ‘Ruining’ Her Skin”: Family Drama Ensues

One of the fundamental values we learn as children is never to use another person’s belongings without their permission. Doing so is a form of theft, yet some people can’t seem to grasp this principle. 

The author of today’s story experienced this from his sister-in-law, who began using his skincare products behind his back. To make matters worse, everyone blamed him when the entitled woman experienced an adverse reaction. 

The passive-aggressive treatment from everyone around urged the author to consult the AITAH subreddit for answers. 

Using someone’s personal items without their permission is a form of theft

Teen applying skincare product, with tattoos visible on arms, in a tiled bathroom.

Image credits: Ron Lach / Pexels (not the actual photo)

A young man dealt with this headache with his sister-in-law, who was particularly interested in one of his skincare products

Text about a family gathering involving a teen and his SIL using expensive skincare.

Text discussing teen's commitment to skincare routine, mentioning past skin issues and essentials packed for two-week trip.

Text discussing sharing a room with a niece, mentioning an en-suite bathroom and organizing items on a shelf.

Text about a teen refusing permission to SIL to use expensive skincare products.

Woman in a striped shirt looking frustrated, referencing skincare misuse consequences.

Image credits: Timur Weber / Pexels (not the actual photo)

He later found out that his SIL used one of his products behind his back, but it led to an adverse reaction

Text about SIL accidentally using salt water instead of expensive skincare, leading to skin issues and regret.

Text conversation about expensive skincare usage and regrets following unauthorized use.

Text discussing expensive skincare conflict with SIL, family reactions highlighted.

Teen covering face with hand, frustrated about someone using his expensive skincare.

Image credits: Adrian Swancar / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

After taking heat from everyone, the author felt bad and sought answers from the internet

Text about a conflict over expensive skincare use, resulting in arguments and feeling ignored.

Text clarifying family confusion related to SIL.

Text explaining potential skin reactions with daily salt water exposure and product use.

Image credits: Skincare_Saltwater

Teen crosses arms in annoyance while woman gestures, connected to expensive skincare issue.

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

Relationships with a sister-in-law can be tricky to navigate 

According to experts, relationships with a sister-in-law can be complicated to the point that they cause conflicts within the family. As licensed marriage and family therapist Sophie Cress tells The Independent, it is primarily due to feelings of jealousy and competitiveness. 

“Sisters-in-law may come from various families, each with their own set of values, customs, and expectations. These differences can lead to misunderstandings and stress,” she said. 

Cress explains that people typically have an ambiguous relationship with their spouse’s parents, which doesn’t bring much friction. However, they may have a “direct rivalry” with sisters-in-law regarding familial duties like hosting holidays, which can result in aggravated tensions and full-blown rifts. 

“Women are frequently raised to value relationships and family harmony,” Cress explains, adding that encounters may increase sensitivity and emotional responses.  

Teen in a white shirt talking, holding a grape, seated at a table in a bright kitchen setting.

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

Empathy and communication make for a smoother sister-in-law dynamic

Misunderstandings like what the author had with his sister-in-law are common among families. However, their situation did not need to escalate to the heated levels that it did. 

For these scenarios, Cress advises trying to comprehend the other person’s point of view and the reasons for their actions. 

“A simple talk can often uncover misunderstandings and clarify the air,” she stated. 

However, taking a stand may be the best move when people begin to take sides. In doing so, family therapist Laurie Carmichael urges a brief and direct approach. 

“There’s no need for fluff or apologizing. Just get to the point in a clear, kind way,” she said in an interview with Time Magazine. 

The entire drama is unfair to the author, the aggrieved person who had been made to come off as the villain. He must state his case sternly and respectfully to clarify his side of the story. Whether everyone listens or not is beyond his control, but taking action is necessary. 

The author answered reader questions to provide more information

Reddit discussion about expensive skincare and advice on talking to a dad.

Reddit conversation about skincare causing classism and bigotry concerns.

Reddit comments about a teen's expensive skincare being used without permission.

Comments discussing misuse of expensive skincare and its drying effects.

Reddit users discuss safe skincare practices for piercings in a comment thread.

Reddit comments discussing skincare and usage consequences of expensive products.

Reddit comments discussing skincare and piercings, mentioning costly consequences.

Reddit comments discussing teen's issue with SIL using expensive skincare without permission.

Most comments sided with him, with some advising him to focus on his mental health

Reddit conversation about SIL using expensive skincare without permission.

Reddit conversation discussing a teen's expensive skincare being misused by their SIL.

Comment discussing a teen's expensive skincare being used without permission and the ensuing complaint.

Reddit comment discussing a 29-year-old stealing skincare from a teen.

Reddit comment discussing expensive skincare and a SIL using it without permission, causing regrets.

Reddit comment advising protection of expensive skincare.

Reddit comment discussing regret over using expensive skincare without permission.

Text on screen about using expensive skincare without permission and its consequences.

Comment discussing SIL and expensive skincare conflict.

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