So, here's my story. At 35, I've always had a strong bond with my older sister, Sarah, and her daughter, Ava. Sarah had Ava quite young, and being a single mom for most of the time, I stepped up to help wherever I could. Through the years, I've covered costs for Ava's summer camps, college applications, and even her first car. I love them dearly and have always wanted to provide them with support.

Everything took a turn when Ava got engaged to her longtime boyfriend last year. At a family dinner where they shared their engagement news, I mentioned I’d be happy to help with some of the wedding costs. I thought my offer was clear — help, not sponsor the entire event. However, it seems there was a miscommunication because shortly after, Sarah and Ava began planning a lavish celebration which included a destination setting and a guest list of over 200 people.

Concerned by the escalating plans, I had a sit-down with them and clarified I could contribute $15,000, which I believed was generous. To my dismay, they reacted poorly. Ava claimed I had “promised” to fund the entire wedding, and Sarah supported this by saying I had “always been there” for them and this should be no different. They were under the impression I would bankroll a wedding costing over $50,000. I had to stand my ground; $15,000 was my limit.

The situation deteriorated quickly. They excluded me from any further wedding discussions. For months, I heard little about their plans until I discovered they had booked the wedding, assuming I would relent and foot the bill. Now, three months before the event, they're overwhelmed by the expenses. Sarah called me, distraught, saying they risked losing deposits and I had “destroyed” the wedding because I failed to meet their expectations. Currently, Ava won’t even speak to me.

It gets worse. Now, Sarah and Ava are accusing me of being manipulative by offering help and retracting it suddenly, which they claim embarrasses them in front of the groom's family. If they thought I was covering everything, why did they plan something so grand?

Honestly, I never agreed to fund the whole thing. I just wanted to help, and I feel I’ve done plenty over the years. Yet, now I'm seen as the bad guy for not financing their extravagant dream wedding.

Imagine if this was all playing out on a reality show. The cameras catching every tear and angry accusation, the public weighing in with their opinions on each episode. Would viewers see me as the villain, or would they sympathize with my situation, recognizing the pressure and unrealistic expectations thrust upon me?

I've probably done more for them than anyone else could be expected to, but does this make me the villain in their story?

I only offered partial help for a wedding; am I unfair?

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