My sister is utterly obsessed with her career, completely devoted to her work, says Rebecca. Shes forty now, single, and hasnt got any children. Shes already bought herself a flat and a car. She rarely keeps in touch with me or our parents, but still expects something from them.
Rebecca and her elder sister have always had a rather distant relationship since childhood, mainly due to obvious differences in their looks and personalities. Rebecca is calm and family-oriented; she married early, has three children, and focuses on running her household. In contrast, her older sister is driven and highly ambitious, always working hard to reach her goals. She often travels for business, which means she hardly communicates with the family, especially during family gatherings at their parents house. Rebecca remains close to their parents, who help her with childcare, accompany the children to various events, and celebrate birthdays and other holidays in their spacious three-bedroom flat.
Currently, Rebecca and her family live in a small one-bedroom home. Realising their daughters family was cramped, Rebeccas parents thought long and hard about what they could do. Eventually, they decided to offer Rebecca a flat swap. Their one-bedroom flat no longer suits their needs, but they arent able to expand it or take out a mortgage themselves, as only Rebeccas husband earns a wage. Their plan was to help Rebecca by swapping flats and transferring ownership to her right away.
However, the parents didnt expect their eldest daughters reaction. The older sister voiced her discontent: So Rebeccas getting the whole flat, what about me? Am I not your daughter too? Their mother tried to explain: Dear, please understand our position. Were not neglecting you. Youve achieved everything on your own, and if you want something bigger, were sure youll manage. Rebeccas situation is more urgentshe has a family, children, and only a one-bedroom flat. Despite her mothers explanation, Rebeccas sister felt left out and responded with resentment. Rebecca chimed in, saying, Shes acting like a spoiled child who didnt get her sweets. Mums right, we need it more. She has everything she wants. After all, does she want yet another trip to Bali? Shes the one who chose to keep her distance, not answering her phone for weeks. Shes selfish.
The question is, is Rebeccas older sister self-centred for ignoring her sisters needs, or do her independence and rights as their daughter deserve attention regarding her own flat?
