Parents go above and beyond to ensure that their child has a fulfilling life. However, some parents find it difficult to put aside their problems in order to fully prioritize the physical and mental well-being of their children. So, how would you react if your parents assumed you had forgiven them after years of neglect? Would you seize the chance to cut short meaningless discussions, or would you confront them about their sly attempt to make amends? The story that follows is an account of a he…

In life, friends come and go, but your family is forever. So, how would you respond if your own brothers no longer considered you to be family? Would you give up and admit defeat, or would you persist in attempting to make amends? The story that follows is an account of a frustrated sister. The Original Poster (OP) recalls the moment she realized her siblings had never seen her as a member of the family. OP, the youngest of her siblings, has always held her three older brothers in high regard.…

Your name has the ability to shape who you are by its strength and profundity. However, how would you feel if your grandparents forbade you from using your given name? The story that follows is recounted by a disappointed granddaughter. Once it was established that her mother could not support her, the Original Poster (OP) moved in with her maternal grandparents. All was okay for a while until the couple stated that they felt uncomfortable with the name that was given to her and that they would…

The most significant thing in life is family. But sometimes it's unavoidable to pass judgment on people closest to you. The story that follows is an account of a frustrated sister. To the dismay of her parents, the Original Poster (OP) entered the sales industry shortly after high school. On the other hand, OP's sister went to college and has spent the last ten years pursuing a medical degree. That being said, OP's financial status is significantly more secure than her sister's because of her b…

It makes perfect sense that not every marriage ends with a happy ever after. A completely distinct challenge arises, though, when one partner remarries and the new spouse is hostile toward the former spouse. The story that follows is an account of a dumbfounded ex-wife. Following a decade and a half of marriage, the Original Poster (OP) and her former spouse decided it was time to call it quits. They had three lovely children together and coexisted well. That all changed, though, when OP's ex-h…

Family should come first at all times. But what would you do if your sister decided to design your wedding gown? In other words, the dress that you have been dreaming of since you were a little girl will now be in the hands of an aspiring seamstress… The story below is an account of a frustrated bride. The Original Poster (OP) tells the story of how her step-sister asked to design her wedding gown. OP was first hesitant to agree because the sister is by no means a trained wedding dress designer…

Teens, especially young females, should be treated with grace and compassion. Given their daily struggles with drastic bodily changes, hormone imbalances, and, well, the bizarre social environment they live in, one would think that a person in a position of power would make an effort to lead by kindness and example. But in the story that follows, the exact opposite occurs. The Original Poster (OP) is the mother of a thirteen-year-old teenage girl. OP's daughter called one day, sobbing, saying t…

Being a parent may require you to miss some of the events you used to be able to attend. In the end, though, how you interpret the situation, your willingness to make compromises, and the significance you place on other areas of your life will determine whether you regard yourself as a victim or simply as a mature adult. With her closest friends, The Original Poster (OP) is excited to celebrate her birthday. In honor of the birthday girl, two friends reserved a private room at a bar. However, i…

Your parents undoubtedly want the best for you. They would never put you in danger and they would never, ever go against your wishes in an attempt to offend you or overstep your bounds. Having said that, how would you react if your parents attempted to decide on matters that would affect your child without first seeking your input? That's exactly what the story below is about. After giving birth to a baby girl, the Original Poster (OP) refuses to have her child's ears pierced, even though her p…

Nowadays, a large number of women work in fields that were once thought to be exclusively the domain of men. Think about the vast field of healthcare. But should there still be a gender disparity now that women have entered the public sphere and have proven their value via perseverance, education, skill, and dedication? Does the gender of an employee impact their degree of competency? Below is the story of a puzzled healthcare worker. According to the Original Poster (OP), a male coworker decid…

In the corporate world, men are the majority—or at least they were until bold female entrepreneurs and businesswomen ventured into the ring. However, as everyone knows, everything is fun and games until money is involved. So, what would you do if someone tried to minimize your abilities and potential solely because of your gender? Would you run away in fear, or would you put in even more effort to prove them wrong? The story that follows centers on a female academic who has been subjected to cr…

Not all relationships have happy endings. Sometimes a couple finds that their relationship is no longer working out and that it is best for them to split up so they can lead independent lives. That being said, while all endings are tough, infidelity-related endings—breakups in particular—are especially hurtful. In the story that follows, a woman finds out that her husband is divorcing her through her kids. The Original Poster (OP) had spent nearly a decade blissfully married to her now ex-husba…

Marriage is a sacred commitment that is entered into with eternity in mind. Occasionally, though, irreconcilable differences lead to the end of a marriage. Breakups are painful at best, but when kids are involved, matters get significantly more difficult… The story that follows is of a frustrated step mom. The Original Poster (OP) and her partner are both parents to children from previous relationships. OP has one child, whereas her now-husband, has three. After getting married, they successful…

What characteristics define a woman? Clothes? Name? Perhaps the way she carried herself? A woman's external attributes do not define her. What makes any modern woman amazing is that she can express her personality in whatever way she chooses. The story below is an account of a frustrated mother. The original poster (OP) feels pressured to get her daughter's ears pierced by her parents. For years, they had been bothering her about this issue. However, things took a turn for the worse when the yo…

Women are a beautiful species. They possess amazing abilities, but they also have some rather challenging monthly obligations, such as their monthly cycle. Every woman has a unique monthly cycle; some have excruciating pain for several days, while others have no symptoms at all and can go about their regular lives without any problems. But what would you do if your step-sister's boyfriend scolded you for accidentally leaving some dirty underwear on the bathroom floor of YOUR apartment? The stor…

At a wedding, the happy couple is the primary focus. As guests, it is our duty to interact with them and help create the dream day they have always wanted. However, what would happen if your own parents chose to sabotage your wedding in order to make your friends and relatives happy? The story that follows tells an account of a displeased son who has decided to get married. For the past nine years, the Original Poster (OP) has been with his partner. The couple feels ready to take their love to…