For good reason, people discourage merging business with pleasure: things never, ever turn out well. The story below is an account of a frustrated cousin. The original poster (OP) gave $5,000 to his cousin a few years ago, stating that his cousin was in dire need of help due to serious financial problems. Years later, though, the cousin's financial circumstances have much improved, but he still won't pay OP back for the $5,000 he so kindly loaned him, and he keeps silent whenever the topic is b…

Your priorities should always be centered around your family. That being said, how would you react if your sister—who is essentially trying to spare you from heartache—broke your heart by telling the entire family the darkest secrets about you and your spouse? The story below is an account of a frustrated sister. The original poster (OP) had been married to her husband for a long time. More than a decade ago, when they first started dating, OP's spouse had an illicit relationship with a fellow…

Your priorities should always be centered around your family. That being said, how would you react if you learned that your sister, the person you love the most in the world, was an advocate for everything you find objectionable? The story below is an account of a heartbroken sister. The original poster (OP) and her sister have always been very close. All of that changed, though, when OP learned about her sister's secret relationship. To put things in perspective, OP's sister recently moved in…

One of the most momentous days in your life is the birth of the first of your children. That marks the official start of your parenthood. On a day like that, one may experience anything, including fear, excitement, and delight. So, if your spouse hadn't been present during the birth of your firstborn, how would you have responded? The story below is an account of a frustrated husband. The original poster (OP) and his spouse had been married for a considerable amount of time. Not too long ago, t…

Healthy relationships take ongoing effort. So, after spending hours upon hours cooking your partner a delicious Christmas meal, what would you do if he arrived late and carrying a cheap bottle of wine? The story below is an account of a frustrated girlfriend. The original poster (OP) and her boyfriend had been together for a considerable amount of time. She was quite excited to plan her boyfriend a lovely Christmas dinner, even though she had just begun a new job and had numerous shifts in her…

It's not easy to express love with words. The reason you love someone or the reason you set aside a piece of your heart for them. The story below is an account of a heartbroken girlfriend. The original poster (OP) had just become engaged to her prince charming, the man of her dreams. However, not long after they made their engagement public, a lot of people started to wonder if her fiancé wasn't deserving of someone better than her—or, more accurately, someone who was on his ‘level’. Since she…

Your family should come first at all times. That being said, how would you react if your own sister took advantage of your kindness and love? Would you keep your unwavering devotion to her, or would you demand that she start expressing gratitude? The story below is an account of a frustrated brother. The original poster (OP) decided to help his younger sister in paying for her dream wedding after learning that she was experiencing financial difficulties. However, OP found out that his 'naïve' s…

You would think he'd know better.

Your primary concern should always be your family. Having said that, where do your allegiances lie after having kids? With the people who raised you, your siblings and parents, or your innocent child? The story below is an account of a confused sister. The original poster (OP) is a mother to an adorable girl. Because of the speech impairment that her daughter was born with, OP's life goal has been to provide a secure sanctuary for her where she may always feel loved and appreciated. When OP's s…

We have said it time and time again: your family is your first priority. However, how would you respond if your family betrayed you and then pleaded with you to stay and provide for them financially? The story below is an account of a frustrated brother. The original poster (OP) had been outed to his parents by his brother, who caused him to be shunned at an early age. As a result, OP had to start learning at a very young age how to survive and thrive on his own merits. OP has established a res…

Your wedding should be a day set apart just for you and your partner. Everyone in your life should be celebrating your union and the start of your journey as a couple. Still, how would you respond if your brother attempted to steal the spotlight by using your nuptials as a political platform? The story below is of a frustrated bride. The original poster (OP) is getting married to the man of her dreams in the upcoming months. Before the wedding, OP threw a bridal shower for her close friends and…

In a friendship, trust and loyalty are crucial components. So, what would you do if a friend violated your confidence while it was advantageous, just to turn around once karma struck? Would you stand back and tell her that if she made the bed, it's time to lay in it, or would you still have her back as if nothing had happened? The story below is an account of a frustrated friend. The original poster (OP) had been married to her husband for a long time. As a gesture of support, she thus complied…

Your priorities should always be centered around your family. That being stated, how would you respond if you wanted to support your siblings but also understood that doing so would entail defying your parents' wishes? The brother in the story below is perplexed. The original poster (OP) lost both of his parents not too long ago. When the will was made public, OP discovered that, in contrast to his brothers, his parents had left him a sizeable sum. They took this action because they believed th…

A partnership requires a great deal of effort and sacrifice on both sides. As a result, the couple experiences both good and bad times; nonetheless, it is precisely because of these that they grow stronger and better equipped to deal with the challenges that life presents. The story below is an account of a frustrated boyfriend. The original poster (OP) has been dating his partner for an extended period of time. Like in any relationship, there were qualities in his partner that OP cherished and…

Trust is essential in friendships since some of your best friends are the ones you confide in your darkest secrets. Given this, how would you react if you found out that a close buddy had been lying to you for the past two years? The story below is an account of a confused friend. The original poster (OP) has been friends with her best friend for a considerable amount of time. Thus, following her wedding, OP asked kindly that her friend store her wedding gown while they complete their home remo…

The birth of a new baby is accompanied by a wide range of emotions. One could experience joy, terror, or excitement. The story that follows comes from a frustrated friend. Sadie and the original poster (OP) have been close friends for more than ten years. Sadie opened up to OP about everything, including how much she despised kids and was not looking to settle down and spend the rest of her life with the same man. OP was therefore taken aback and perplexed when Sadie texted her to let her know…