My sister is absolutely obsessed with her career shes laser-focused on her work, really. Shes forty, single and childless, yet shes already bought herself a flat and a car. She barely speaks to me or our parents, but always expects something from them.
Ever since we were children, theres been a distance between us partly because we look so different and our personalities couldnt be more opposite. Im the calm, family-oriented one, married young, have three kids and spend my days managing our home. Meanwhile, my older sister is the determined and ambitious sort, always striving toward her goals. Shes constantly travelling for business, which means she rarely keeps in touch, especially around holidays at our parents place.
I maintain close ties with Mum and Dad. They help with the children, take them to various events, and we even celebrate birthdays and Christmas in their spacious three-bedroom flat.
At the moment, my family and I live in a tiny one-room house. Realising how cramped our situation is, my parents spent ages considering what to do. Eventually, they decided to offer us a swap their three-bedroom flat for our one-room place. The single room isnt enough for our needs, and we cant afford to expand or get a mortgage as only my husband is employed. So the plan was to help us out, letting us move into their bigger flat and transferring the ownership to us.
What they didnt anticipate was my sisters response. She was clearly unhappy and blurted out, So the whole flat is Rebeccas, and what about me? Arent I your daughter as well? Mum tried to reason with her, Sweetheart, please understand our position. We havent forgotten you. Youve managed everything on your own, and if you want something bigger, we believe you can achieve it. Rebeccas situation is more urgent. She has a family, children, and a single-room flat.
Even with Mums explanation, my sister still felt overlooked and reacted with resentment. I couldnt help myself and said, Shes acting like a spoiled child who didnt get sweets. Mums right we need the flat more. She has everything! Does she want another trip to Bali? She chose to keep her distance, not answering calls for weeks. Shes selfish.
I wonder: Is my sister being self-centred by ignoring my needs, or does her independence and role as their daughter mean shes entitled to equal consideration when it comes to the family flat?
