Meet OP (18), who is living with their sister (28), who is a single mother of two young boys. The sister has been living with the OP and their family since the breakup of her previous relationship almost two years ago. The sister, facing financial constraints and the need for childcare, relies on the OP and their family for support.
The conflict arises when the OP, who has been taking care of the sister's two boys, informs her that they won't be able to babysit for a day and a half in the coming week. The sister, already tired from work, reacts negatively, expressing frustration at the OP's inability to provide assistance.
A heated argument ensues, with the OP expressing that the children are not their responsibility and that they can't be tied down to the sister's obligations. In the heat of the moment, the OP also mentions that the sister should be grateful for the help they are providing.
The argument brings to light underlying tensions, including the sister's frustration with the OP's perceived lack of commitment and the OP's frustration with the sister's demands and critical behavior. The OP points out that they are helping out of privilege and not obligation, emphasizing that they should not be treated with ingratitude or yelled at for every minor issue.