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…

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…

You should be willing to go above and beyond in order to ensure the happiness of the people you care about. However, what would you do if your sister—with whom you have lost contact—kept ‘dumping’ her kid on you out of the blue? The story below is an account of a frustrated sister. The original poster (OP) had no intention of having a big family. As a result, she and her spouse decided to have just one child. Therefore, the unexpected arrival of OP's sister's child in need of childcare caused s…

Your family should always come first. That being said, is it appropriate for you to violate your end of a contract if one of the parties breaks it, regardless of who the other party is? The brother who is frustrated is described in the story below. Using financial leverage, the original poster (OP) was able to join his younger brother's wedding party. The brother of OP is planning his wedding, but he's having trouble locating a venue that fits within his budget. As a result, OP graciously volun…

In any kind of connection, romantic or platonic, honesty is paramount. Therefore, how would you react if someone penalized you for telling them the truth? After all, finding the truth isn't always easy. The story below is an account of a protective sister. In an attempt to learn from their mother's mistakes and not repeat them, the original poster (OP) and her sister promised to notify each other right away if they saw any behavior that mirrored that of their mother after becoming parents. Ther…

Hey, parents, your favoritism is showing!

As writers, we come across a wide range of narratives from individuals across the world. Some joyful, others mournful, but each one special in its own way. Still, nothing has prepared us for the tale that unfolds below. The original poster (OP) and her spouse had been together for a long time. The couple is blessed with three beautiful kids. Apart from the occasional argument, though, OP's home life was very normal—just like it would be in any other family. Nevertheless, everything changed when…

Naming your child is the first thing you do as a parent. Thus, it makes sense to think that picking a name is a painful and stressful procedure. The story below is an account of a frustrated sister. It was just recently discovered by the original poster (OP) that she is expecting her first child, a girl. A long time ago, before she or her sister was pregnant, they talked about a name they both adored and decided that whoever became pregnant first would get to use it. However, when OP became pre…

Your primary concern should always be your family. Having said that, what would you do if you started to suspect that your family was exploiting your kindness? The story below is an account of a frustrated sister. The original poster (OP) has long taken care of her family's financial requirements as she is the only one with a reliable source of income. OP was delighted to help her family when she could, but when her parents demanded that she cover her younger sister's wedding, that inclination…

Your family should always come first in your priorities. Having stated that how would you respond if your allegiance to one family was causing discord with another? The story below is of a confused father. The original poster (OP) had recently separated from his spouse. The marriage ended because the wife realized who she truly was and came out as a lesbian, which is why the marriage ended amicably and respectfully. The husband has made great efforts to co-parent, while the wife has moved on wi…

"My BIL always made clear that he doesn't like my boyfriend"

Your priorities should always be centered around your family. That being stated, is there ever a circumstance in which turning down help is preferable? that is, putting your needs and principles ahead of those around you? The story below is an account of a frustrated wife. The original poster (OP) had been married to her husband for quite some time. In an attempt to avoid future contentions, they decided early in their relationship to maintain a joint bank account for bills and domestic costs a…

Weddings commemorate the joining of two people in the holy bond of matrimony. As bridesmaids, it is our responsibility to ease the bride's transition in the days leading up to the wedding. But would you, without a doubt, submit to every whim and desire thrust upon you to please the bride? The story below is an account of a frustrated sister. The original poster (OP) and her sister had never had a close relationship. So, when her sister asked her to be a bridesmaid at her wedding, she was taken…

Family bonds are complex and ever-changing. Parents go above and beyond to ensure that their children are happy. However, occasionally, when one child requires a little more love and attention than the others, it is easy to get caught up in his or her problems and forget about the needs of the rest of the family. The story below is an account of a frustrated son. The original poster (OP) recounts his personal experience of growing up with well-intentioned parents. The original poster, the sole…