My sister treats me like her built-in babysitter just because I’m single and don’t have kids. She drops her children off without warning, expecting me to feed them, help with homework, even do their laundry. It’s like I’ve become their second mom—without ever agreeing to it. She assumes my life is wide open because I don’t have a family of my own, and it’s exhausting. I love my nieces and nephews, but I never signed up to be her fallback plan every time she wants a break.
Recently, she planned a weeklong vacation with her friends and casually told me, “You can watch them, right? You’re always free.” No question, no consideration—just entitlement. I told her I had my own plans and couldn’t commit to a full week. She didn’t argue, just smirked and walked away. The next day, I found out she’d told our mom I “refused to help.” Suddenly, I was the villain in a story I didn’t write.
My mom showed up furious, calling me selfish and heartless. She said I was the only one my sister could count on and demanded I apologize and “do the right thing.” I was stunned. How did saying no to being taken advantage of make me the bad guy? I felt cornered, like my boundaries didn’t matter. It wasn’t about helping—it was about being expected to sacrifice my time without respect or choice.
Now I’m stuck second-guessing myself. Am I wrong for finally saying no? For wanting my own life, my own time? I don’t think so. I’m tired of being guilted into roles I didn’t choose. Just because I’m childless doesn’t mean I’m endlessly available. Families should support each other, not exploit the ones who seem “free.” I’m learning to stand firm—even if it means being called the “bad guy.”
