Traveling With Family

Me (13) and my brother (11) had an argument. Maybe it's my fault. But let me explain. I just told him I found Hindi overwhelming, and he said his isn't that easy either so I should also know, but I do and I was gonna explain to him how hard mine is. Then I was shooing away a fly, and this is one of the many things about me I hate, it's that I really don't like flies and their sound and all that and makes me go nuts. So in the lift, he asked me why I hated and overreacted to flies so much, I didn't wanna talk about it and I thought we were going off-topic, but he then said he didn't care angrily. Then we started arguing that he should leave me, then he said he shouldn't even when I COULD potentially become the worst sister ever, he never listened to dad saying to LEAVE family members who hurt you on a visceral level, and I feel as if I did. Next thing you know, he says it's OKAY for Indian families to have lots of beatings, even though OUR PARENTS don't like it and now they rarely do it and feel great remorse when doing it (my dad even admits when he has flaws and he gets somewhat better at handling them), while I'm "glamorizing" an "American movie idea". Then we started arguing about how even though he has many friends he doesn't know that if friends don't wanna speak about something they shouldn't pressure them to, he said I don't even have friends, and we did name-calling and swearing, and in another lift alone together, he called me psychopath, I called him child murderer and pedophile, and at home now, he treats me like I'm a stupid crazy hysteric lady on an 8 ft restraining order. It's my fault this happened. It's my fault for not calmly telling him he's going very off-topic. See? Failure on my part. Failure never equals improvement.

Man, why doesn't he get it? I know I have no friends, but why doesn't he get it? Why doesn't he know with 6 friends, if they don't wanna talk about something, no matter how stupid, you don't! One thing I learnt when I overshare my interests with people NOT interested! Not everyone wants to speak about gemstones! But, maybe that's why I don't have friends.

We spoke to mom, I explained this to her, he said he wanted to stay away from me since I've gone crazy, she sounded exhausted on the phone, and right now, I hate myself. I feel like an abusive sister. My brother will assume these things for life, he's done this for a long time. Mom came, and she spoke to us that we shouldn't call each other names OR ELSE, and that if the argument or conversation goes in a nasty direction, either one of us stays quiet. I asked her what if my brother will think I'm weak or I can't clap back at him, and mom said she does this with dad to avoid getting nasty if things go south, and she said I shouldn't think for others. The reason I hate it when people say that is because it is my job to think what others think, otherwise I'm gonna grow up to be a criminal. She even told me I'm not abusive. I am, considering I called him nasty things and after some time, he acted like nothing happened.

Why doesn't he know it yet? That if I don't wanna speak about flies since I find my disgust and overwhelm stupid, why was he pushing me? My fear is stupid. Even though their sound drives me nuts and makes me feel like vomiting or peeing, it's stupid. He even got very off-topic when he kept asking me that, when we were talking about Hindi studies. Dude, even dad tells you not to go astray, yet because he isn't here for now, he didn't do it. And when I asked my brother, he really had no idea what he did could've been a sign he's not really a friend-friend, even though him and friends have no seriousness at all. My dad's right, he really cannot think AT ALL, only cook up smart answers and score good marks, and even he failed months ago in most of his tests! Guy really can't think about anything, what food he wants (actually, he can't adjust to what foods adults don't wanna give him and he is very stubborn and whiny), motor functions (his writing makes even doctors confused) because bro's only good at piano but not anything else involving his hands, he can't understand social nuance in that sense, and somehow, even with 6 FRIENDS, he doesn't know that lesson of "Not to Push People Into Talking About Uncomfortable Things is Wrong and Weird" yet! Bro really has the thinking capacity of a potato. He sounds smart and looks cute, but really he's not that impressive. Sure he's good at piano, but actually using his hands is like expecting a Snorlax to do a backflip. Another thing is, he can actually make me think I'm the big issue, until someone like my parents snaps me out of it and shows that what he also did wasn't great either. Homie cannot think at all.

(I didn’t know what to put for the category sorry)

I’m 14 years old (female). I don’t feel safe in public, and I haven’t since I was 11 because of men. It doesn’t matter what I’m wearing or were I am, men just stare. When I was 12, I went to camp with my mom and a man came over and asked how old I was. I told him I was 12 and he just came over to sit at the campfire with me, my mom, and my moms friend who’s camper was right next to ours. He just sat himself down asking where I was from and what I like to do. He then said “Maybe you and me need to hangout alone sometime”. I was incredibly uncomfortable the entire time, after he said that my mom asked me to “go get smth from the camper” as a way to get me away from him.

My moms husband (My step dad, but I don’t like him so I just call him her husband) would always watch me when I was around 8 because I lived with my mom at that time. My moms shower had a clear curtain that was just kinda blurry, I asked her not to let him in because he would come in and stare at my blurred figure through the curtain. She said she would keep him out but he did it again and he wouldn’t leave till I asked him to because I had to get out of the shower but the only reason he left was because my mom needed him. I stopped taking showers after that. One night I woke up and saw him in my room, I didn’t think much of it but the room was dark so I just laid there with my eyes open to see what he was doing. He took a pair of my underwear out of my drawer and just left. I don’t remember what happened, but I was running from him one day and locked myself in my room, but since my door didn’t have a lock I pushed my dresser against the door. I remember I was crying and I didn’t come out till my mom begged me to move the dresser away from the door. I told my dad how creepy he was and we got a restraining order for a year. Thankfully after that he aged me and I hated him so he didn’t talk to me. I haven’t seen him or my mother in a year and I couldn’t be happier.

Just the other day I went to the gas station a few blocks from my house with my dad and my sister. We walked in and I almost bumped into this guy so I said sorry and turned around to go to my dad who was standing at the ATM machine at the isle right next to me. The man followed behind me very quickly and I quickly went to stand next to my dad. The man stood behind my dad and looked at me then looked around before walking away. I wasn’t gonna say anything to my dad about it but my dad saw it and told me to stay close to him because he didn’t like how he followed and how he was looking at me.

Every time I go out now I feel scared, there’s always some man staring at me for way too long. I’m scared to leave my own house and I can’t go to stores alone out of fear that something will happen to me. I don’t want to have to worry about what I’m wearing, that shouldn’t be an issue. I never wear anything that shows a lot of skin. I just want to feel safe

Heyah👋🏻😄!!

I'm headed to Lake Havasu soon, and I know nothing about that place other than my cousins live there🏡. And I guess I also know that there isn't an airport there🛬.

If there's anyone who's been there or lives their, could you send some recommendations on what to do there please🙇🏻‍♀️✨!!

And yes... I'm aware that I could ask my family, but they be busy people too, and I figured that if you had time to read this whole thing, then maybe you had a tiny bit of your time to share your thoughts and opinions on the place I mentioned😊🙏🏻✨?

Eat good food and drink lots of water guys😋👍🏻!!

hello..as by now i don't know where this is gonna go..end up?...but i wanna share what im going true....

me and my mum..it always been me an her...she and my dad spilt up before he came back into my life again...i was young...i grew up 8 years without my dad...then i had a little sister before when i was 2....ok ok fastforwad...my dad and mum argue ALOT. like its a house hold hm...so...ya ever heard the saying hurt people hurt people?..yeh...thats exactly what is happening....

back in 2021 i started hanging out with a group of people.....hanging w them made me know that they had problems to...like me...

in 2021 my mum became...physical...often hitting me...calling me names....and all i did was brushing it off..keeping to myself...but things started getting far..over the waters..

i tried . i seeked help ..and got help until 2023 when i got into high school. life was going good..until my mum started again...

she started to pull me down,with what i wear,do or even say...i couldn't say nor tell her anything...so for 2 years i kept it in..dealing with in mentally...lost focus in studies...started cutting again...did it help?..no..it just left scars...even tho sometimes i felt as it did.

i judged myself daily..found out i had pcos...started starving myself to look like models...wanting to be pretty...helping around the house...so i can unless get a good job..but i didn't...

recenlty...it has been hard...i almost got death beat, mum it physical...jus because i talked to a boy....she says she would cuff out my teeth..make it bleed..brake my hand and foot...and if she has to go to jail she would...she said....anything i do is wrong..telling people don't follow my lead..im bad...im this that...but all i am is a girl...a girl that now is getting to explore..do things....i-...i try ...i try so damn hard...and theres so much more i wanna say..so much worse things she did...but i will just share this for now...all i wanna do is take a rest...kill myself?....i dunno...but imma keep cutting for awhile....even tho i been overthinking..getting frustrated....i-...stress...i wanna reach for the waters above...ti breath...but i only feel like im drowing deep below...i try reaching..swimming...but it went futher....

yep..thats all i need to share...for now..i just need some help...mentally and physically...

I just turned 13 and my family and I thought it would be good to host a birthday party for me they invited all my family to come over even friends I went to my room but then my uncle came in. I told him to leave multiple times because I was changing BUT HE WOULDNT WANT TO LEAVE I HATE HOW NO ONE NOTICED HE WAS IN THERE EVEN THOUGH I RAISED MY VOICE he trapped me in my room and he...🍇 me I hate it so much I hate how I let this happen to me I feel fucking disgusting I feel weak I feel horrible after that happen I didn't want to get out of my room I just wanted to hide under the bed like a scary bitch I am...after the birthday party i kept quiet for a couple days i told my dad BUT FCKING GUESS WHAT he didnt listen he just told me i need to be a man AND THAT I WAS LUCKY IT HAPPEND HOW COULD U SAY THAT TO UR SON WHAT THE FUCK I HATE EVERYONE I HATE MY FAMILY I HATE HIM I WANT TO KILL MYSELF NO ONE LISTENS ME

Written as a letter to my mom...

Dear Mom,

You promised me that you'd visit China were I was adopted.

You promised me that we'd drive up the coast of California.

You promised me that we'd visit where you grew up in Long Island, New York.

You promised to show me around Europe and the places you went on your college trip.

You promised me that you'd go to Las Vegas for the Chinese New Year decorations for the Year of the Snake.

You promised me that we'd visit Chilé were you spent your younger years.

You promised me that you'd be there for me on all those trips.

But the most important place that I wanted you to visit is walking me down the aisle if I got married.

I'm single again, but I would've wanted you to be there with me to comfort me when things well out between my boyfriend and me.

I know you're in a better place, and we always said, "Fuck Cancer!" But by God, by anyone who would listen, we'd promised that we'd travel the world together!!!

I'm tired, it's late at night when I'm writing this. I'm sleepy.

I love you!!!

Love, you're daughter who loves you to the moon and stars and back!!

Every year, organizing a family getaway has become one of my cherished traditions. This year, with Easter approaching, I reached out to gather everyone's availability, aiming for a winter holiday suited for all. Unfortunately, not all plans aligned perfectly. My daughter-in-law and son mentioned that the initial dates wouldn’t work due to her job constraints, and even our backup options failed to suit them.

Traditionally, our family vacations were accessible by a car ride, but this year marked a thrilling change. The consensus among the adults was that the children were now mature enough for a more adventurous outing, prompting us to set our sights on Europe. Excitement buzzed as tickets were purchased and accommodations were secured by me.

As the planning solidified, my son and daughter-in-law, having been absent from the vacation chat due to initially opting out, caught wind of the European destination and expressed a sudden interest to join. She called seeking details on what they needed to do to be included. Curiously, she now mentioned she could manage time off work, which made me suspect that the allure of Europe swayed her previous decisiveness.

Regrettably, I had to explain that it was too late to alter the arrangements. The accommodations were already booked, and adjusting them to include two more adults would entail additional costs, which I wasn't prepared to cover. She seemed surprised by my decision and lamented how excluding them from a Christmas family trip seemed harsh. My son echoed his disappointment, affirming that I could financially handle the modification. Yet, I stood by my decision, which only led him to label me as unreasonable.

Given the circumstance, I am curious about how others might perceive this situation. If this family dilemma were part of a reality show, I wonder how the audience would react. Would they sympathize with my adherence to the plans and budget, or would they vilify me for not extending the budget to include my son and daughter-in-law last minute?

I'm keen on hearing an outsider's perspective on this. How would you handle such a family conflict, especially under the scrutiny of a public or televised audience?

My husband, Ted, and I co-own a charming lake house on the shores of Lake Michigan. This place, while jointly ours now, was initially Ted's before we exchanged vows, a detail that becomes significant as this story unfolds. My sister, Eliza, has had the privilege of using our lakeside retreat since Ted and I began our romance. Eliza has always been the exemplary guest—tidy, respectful, and meticulously careful to leave the house in impeccable condition.

However, Eliza's relationship dynamics shifted when she started seeing her current boyfriend, Dave, around a year ago. Unlike Eliza, Dave lacks appreciation for cleanliness and order. Dirty dishes, empty drink containers, and miscellaneous messes seem to trail behind him, and he invariably relies on Eliza to tidy up after him. Dave also shares custody of two vibrant youngsters from a previous relationship, but places the majority of caregiving and housekeeping duties on Eliza, despite the children being his responsibility. Moreover, I've witnessed him demand Eliza fetch him a beer while she's busy, which leaves me worried about how he might treat her when we're not present to see. Given how chaotic their living situation sounds, due to Eliza's demanding 60-hour workweeks, I’m baffled yet touched by how deeply Eliza seems to adore Dave. She speaks of him with shining eyes and a voice filled with affection, as if he were her entire world.

Given this backdrop, when Eliza asked if they could use the lake house recently, I hesitated but eventually agreed, thinking, "What’s the worst that could happen?" Ted and I had plans to visit the house anyway, arriving a few days after them, which meant our paths would briefly intersect.

Upon our arrival, the scene was disastrous. The stench of decayed food hit us first. A mound of unwashed dishes occupied the sink, the floors were sticky, and crayon artworks adorned the walls. Walking into the living room, we found Eliza frantically trying to manage the chaos, while Dave sat passively, beer in hand. I couldn’t hold back; I snatched the beer from his grasp and confronted him about the mess. His indifferent shrug and insistence that one person’s efforts were sufficient infuriated me further. Outraged, I demanded that Dave and his children pack up and leave within the hour, threatening to involve the police if necessary. Ted supported my stance, dismissing Dave's glance for backup.

Eliza was visibly hurt by my actions, arguing that I had ruined their peaceful getaway and dismissed simpler solutions to the issue. She claimed I had no right to the house as I hadn’t purchased it myself. I countered that Ted, the rightful owner, backed me up. In the emotionally charged moment, Eliza decided to leave with Dave.

That evening, a heated phone call from my mother questioned my decision to expel them. She urged me to embrace new family members despite differing lifestyles. Now, with my mother displeased and Eliza avoiding my calls, I'm left pondering if I might have been too harsh.

Imagine how this story would unfold in a reality show environment! Cameras capturing every dramatic moment, the audience watching Ted and I arriving at the chaotic scene, and the intense confrontation that followed. Would viewers rally behind our demand for respect and cleanliness, or would they criticize us for lacking empathy and flexibility?

Recently, my husband, our three young ones, and I needed a break, so we decided on a beach vacation. To make it more enjoyable, we invited his sister Laura, her husband, and their two children, as there was an extra bedroom detached from our main rental. I had previously mentioned to Laura that I wanted a low-key vacation, especially since I am still recovering from childbirth and now juggling three kids.

Upon one of our beach days, I was surprised to see my in-laws, along with my stepson Alex and his girlfriend, arrive unannounced. They had driven three hours to 'surprise' us and had coordinated with Laura to find our location. While the gesture was sweet, things quickly became overwhelming. They had no arrangement for their lodging or meals and naturally expected to stay with us in our small, open-plan beach house, which barely accommodated doors, much less extra people.

Assuming they had no plans, we scrambled to prepare a meal using the extra food I had packed just in case. Faced with a lack of space, I had even settled the baby into one of the two small pack-and-plays in our only restroom. When I returned to check on him later, I caught Alex and his girlfriend using the glass-enclosed shower right next to where my baby was sleeping which was unsettling and inappropriate.

I quickly discussed the situation with Laura, emphasizing that we couldn't host everyone due to the constraints and lack of privacy. Despite my husband initially disagreeing, understanding the impracticality, Laura began looking for nearby hotels. Meanwhile, Alex's girlfriend had settled on using our only couch, which was my last refuge for a moment of peace with a glass of wine after a long day.

Eventually finding a hotel, the group didn't leave until midnight, further disrupting the night with loud poker games on our patio which led to an unpleasant exchange between my husband and his father. This incident has sparked ongoing arguments between my husband and me about family and boundaries during vacations. We even ended up footing half the bill for their hotel room, while Laura covered the rest.

Reflecting on this, if this entire scene were part of a reality show, I can only imagine the audience's reaction to the unfolding chaos and lack of consideration. The dramatic entrance, the tension over house space, and the late-night confrontations would certainly make for compelling television, but no doubt many viewers would sympathize with the struggle of maintaining order and boundaries in such a packed setting.

If this was on a reality show, would the audience rally behind us for enforcing boundaries, or would they support the surprise and spontaneity brought by the in-laws?

Each year, my parents organize a small getaway for our family, and this year was no different. Along with me, they invited my fiancé and my younger brother’s girlfriend.

I have been in a relationship with my fiancé for over two years and we got engaged about three months ago. My brother has been with his girlfriend since they were freshmen in high school, making her practically part of the family by now. However, this trip was to be the first our family would share with my fiancé, marking an exciting milestone for us.

The key detail here is that my fiancé is entirely dependent on his guide dog, a gentle and indispensable aid due to his visual impairment. This dog isn’t just a pet but an essential part of his ability to navigate the world.

The issue arose when my mother realized we intended to bring the guide dog along. She was taken aback and questioned whether that was really necessary. I was puzzled by her reaction—how could we possibly not bring the dog? She's a vital part of my fiancé's mobility and independence.

My mother expressed her reservations, suggesting that while she appreciated our situation, she preferred that the dog not accompany us on this particular family outing. I tried to explain how integral the dog is to my fiancé's daily life and that excluding her was not feasible.

The situation escalated quickly. My mother became agitated, calling me ungrateful and disrespectful. I felt a mix of disappointment and anger and eventually had to end the phone call to avoid saying something I might regret. Shortly after, my father called, attempting to mediate. He suggested I could assist my fiancé instead, minimizing the issue to a mere inconvenience. This suggestion was not only impractical but also insensitive. The argument heated up when I insisted on the importance of inclusivity and fairness, especially given that my brother’s girlfriend was invited with no objections.

If this scenario were part of a reality show, cameras would zoom in on the intense emotional debates and the tears, capturing each biting comment and painful silence. Viewers would likely be polarized, with some empathizing with the struggle for inclusivity and others siding with the supposed simplicity of the parents' request.

Given this strained situation, am I the wrong one here? Should family unity come at the cost of exclusion? How can we reconcile these differences without feeling like we've compromised our principles or our loved ones' fundamental needs?

I have two elder sisters, both in their 30s, while I'm the youngest, still enjoying my 20s. Mother's Day was approaching, and they proposed a lunch outing, intending to divide the expenses by three. Lee and Megan, my sisters, each have two children, all well beyond toddler age, the eldest nearing 18. Given past incidents where their kids dug into the meal but were absent from the bill, I raised a concern about this division method. I suggested accounting for the kids in the split, which did not sit well with them. They dismissed my thoughts as confrontational, and somehow, the matter reached my mom, who sided with them, as tends to happen.

To add some perspective, this isn’t the first time I've been financially inconvenient due to their oversight. A previous family trip ended with me paying for one-third of the total expenses, despite my sister's family (including her husband and kids) greatly outnumbering me. My mom knew it was unfair but pleaded for me not to raise the issue to avoid conflicts. I maintained my peace then, but it’s becoming increasingly challenging to keep silent.

Now the question popping in my mind is whether I'm unreasonable to desire a fairer method to split the bill, considering I am only responsible for my and mom's costs.

Now, imagine if such a dispute unfolded on a reality TV show, with cameras catching every argument and reaction. The audience might view the family dynamics differently, perhaps siding with me or maybe criticizing my approach as petty. Reality TV thrives on drama and conflict, and this situation seems ripe for on-screen entertainment. Would the viewers understand my point, or would they see me as someone causing unnecessary drama over a few extra dollars?

I’m curious how people would have reacted if this was all played out in front of an audience. Would they think it fair to include the kids in the bill, or am I just being too stingy over what they might see as a minor issue?

Growing up in a bustling, tight-knit family meant attending an endless stream of family gatherings, ranging from birthdays to numerous holiday celebrations. It was almost considered a cardinal sin if anyone failed to show up.

While I deeply cherish my family and appreciate their support, the sheer number of compulsory family functions can be overwhelming. Even more so, each event comes with the explicit expectation that attendance is non-negotiable.

Now that I'm married with a four-month-old child, I find joy in the festive spirits of my wife’s family gatherings during Christmas and Thanksgiving, as well as the celebrations on my father’s side. There's a lighter, more jovial atmosphere there compared to the stifling ambiance at my mother's family events. My mother's relatives are notably conservative; they adhere strictly to old-fashioned values, including a strict no-alcohol policy during gatherings. This policy once led to a distressing incident where my drinking a single beer at a bowling alley made my aunt burst into tears in front of her teenage children, who were stunned by the uncommon sight.

The holiday events on my mother's side are particularly exhausting. Every aspect, from the overly structured agenda to the prolonged photo sessions, drains the energy out of me. Instead of a casual, relaxing atmosphere, there's a forced attempt to engage everyone in board games and card games. To be honest, playing tedious games with unenthusiastic people isn’t my idea of fun. Moreover, there's an underlying expectation that not only must you attend but you should stay for the entire duration. Last year, we spent five hours there, and still, there were attempts to guilt-trip us into staying longer. Usually, I try to find a plausible excuse to avoid these gatherings, such as scheduling conflicts with my in-laws' holiday plans. Frustratingly, they would then reschedule their event to a date when we are available.

Sometimes, I wrestle with guilt, wondering if I am in the wrong for wanting to avoid these gatherings. Our family is incredibly close, living within a five-mile radius of each other, but I question the necessity of forcing ourselves to attend when it brings us little joy.

In a reality show setting, I wonder how my family's expectations and my resistance would be perceived. Would the audience see my actions as justifiable self-care or as selfish disregard for family traditions? Reality shows tend to dramatize personal conflicts, so it's intriguing to consider how my family dynamics would be portrayed and received by viewers.

Am I wrong for wanting to escape from these oppressive family obligations?

Recently, I embarked on a journey from Melbourne to Dubai. Anticipating the long, fourteen-hour flight, I opted for a premium economy seat to ensure some degree of comfort during the travel. Little did I know that this decision would involve me in an unexpected dilemma.

As I settled into my seat, the passenger beside me struck up a conversation. It turned out he had just been upgraded and was traveling with his new wife, as they were on their honeymoon. He put forth a request; if I could possibly switch seats with his wife, who was seated in the standard economy section towards the rear of the aircraft.

I expressed my congratulations on their marriage and inquired about her seating location. When he pointed out her economy seat, I found myself in a tough spot. I politely declined to switch seats, given the significant difference in comfort and amenities between our seating classes.

He persisted, asking if there was any incentive that might persuade me to change my decision. In response, I suggested that I might consider swapping seats if he compensated me for the price difference, an additional $1,000 AU$. Upon hearing this, he mentioned they were traveling on a budget for their honeymoon, and I congratulated them again while resuming to my own world of music and solitude with my earbuds. His parting words, under his breath, were not too kindly, as he labeled me selfish. My retort was that he, too, was not being considerate by opting for the upgrade alone rather than with his wife.

Later, sharing the incident with my wife, she opined that perhaps I should have been more gracious. Yet, I know well her own disdain for economy class, and I doubt she would have made the switch either.

If this encounter were part of a reality show, one can only imagine the varied reactions of an audience watching the dilemma play out on screen. Viewers might align with my desire to retain a seat I paid extra for, or they might sympathize with the newlywed couple, seeing my decision as unsympathetic. Reality TV thrives on such conflicts, compelling the audience to ponder what they would do in a similar situation, possibly provoking debates and discussions long after the episode airs.

What's your take on switching seats on a plane?

I'm currently 22, turning 23 soon, and I'm in my fifth year of undergrad. Each summer, my family embarks on extensive trips in their camper, and this year, we rendezvoused during their travels. From the outset, my relationship with my father was strained; he barely spoke to me, which I initially attributed to problems he had with his truck during their journey.

After spending a few days together, my mom mentioned their plan to remodel their basement into a one-bedroom apartment. The idea was partly to provide me with rent-free living space and partly to enhance the property’s value. Given my tumultuous year with housing—having had to move three times due to disagreements with roommates, issues with past girlfriends, and troublesome landlords—my parents suggested this basement apartment as a solution. They presented it as a way to ease my financial burdens and curb the ongoing stress. Unlike my brother, who seems to excel in following their guidance and is pursuing a high-paying major, I've chosen to become a music teacher, a path that doesn’t promise substantial financial rewards. Additionally, my secret continuation of smoking weed, which they caught me doing years ago, and their incessant unsolicited advice and opinions, have only widened the gap between us.

I expressed my reluctance to move into the basement, citing the constant familial conflicts and my desire for independence. Having always felt overshadowed by my parents, especially since my father was also my high school science teacher, I’ve struggled to carve out my own identity. This historical backdrop intensifies my current resolve.

Predictably, my decision was met with disappointment. My parents think I’m making a financial mistake by not moving back. Despite juggling a full-time job as a restaurant manager and my studies, I find this scenario less damaging to my mental health compared to living with them. I’m tackling some credit card debt, but it’s manageable with a few months of dedicated work. Their continued attempts to monitor my phone, control my banking, and pay for my education make me feel boxed in. Any resistance from my side seems to position me as the ungrateful, rebellious family member.

Imagine if this whole dynamic was unpacked on a reality TV show. The cameras would likely amplify our family tensions, portraying a dramatic generational clash over independence and control. Viewers might sympathize with my struggle for autonomy, or they might side with my parents, viewing their interventions as caring, albeit overbearing. The added pressure and public scrutiny could either force a resolution or deepen the rift, making for compelling television but an unnerving personal experience.

My dad is constantly urging me to cover the vacation expenses for my sister since she's swamped with debt, while I'm in a better financial place. I've always been there to support her and pitch in with family finances, yet it feels overwhelming to be seen as the family's financial pillar since my income is significantly higher than most of my relatives.

My wife and I often enjoy trips to Disneyland and need to travel for both business purposes and family events, which seems to stir up some envy. To add to this, my parents have recently gained a substantial amount of money from a property sale they executed a while ago. I'm worried that they're mishandling this fortune and might end up with nothing.

A family wedding was announced recently, and just as we were planning to go, my father suggested that my wife and I should join their short vacation which happens to be just three days long. I tried explaining that it's a particularly busy period at work since my job is seasonal, but this only led to him being upset. He then insisted I handle the vacation expenses for my sister for an upcoming getaway, despite the fact that last year when I paid for her trip, she canceled at the last moment. I'm reluctant to do the same again.

The insistence on everyone being present for the whole trip disregards the reality that my sister and I have pressing work commitments. The focus of our travels should really be the wedding, not extra holiday activities that would detract from the important event.

Frustrated, he demanded that I should cancel our flights, which were costly due to the lengthy travel and destination being pricey, almost $1.3k for both me and my wife. He even pushed for canceling our Disneyland plans to accommodate his vacation agenda. This felt unfair, leading to my decision to unfriend him and another close relative from Facebook who echoed his unreasonable demands.

Canceling the flights would also mean a significant loss financially as getting a refund would be unlikely.

Considering this, if this were a scenario in a reality TV show, it’s likely that the drama and financial tensions would be heightened. Viewers might be intrigued by the family dynamics and the pressure placed on one member to shoulder financial responsibilities. The tension between maintaining personal boundaries and familial obligations could make for engaging television, possibly polarizing the audience in their sympathies and reactions.

Am I being unreasonable?