AITA for being sad and angry at the way my parents treat me in comparison to my sisters?

A pang of exclusion stings sharper than any wound, especially when it comes from family. In a cozy apartment far from home, a 32-year-old sits, wrestling with a decade of perceived slights from their parents. The sting of being overlooked while their sisters bask in parental generosity—cars, house deposits, and dream trips—cuts deep. It’s not about the money; it’s the sinking realization of being the odd one out in their own family.

This tale of unequal treatment unfolds with raw emotion, pulling readers into a relatable struggle. The hurt of favoritism, paired with dismissive responses from parents, paints a vivid picture of a son seeking fairness. As the story unravels, it invites us to ponder: how does a family justify such stark differences in love and support?

‘AITA for being sad and angry at the way my parents treat me in comparison to my sisters?’

$I am 32. My sister are 29 and 24. Over the past decade or so, my parents have always seemed to treat me differently to my sisters. To give you an example:. \- They paid for both my sisters to do their driving lessons and test. \- They paid for multiple used cars for my sisters over the years. \- They paid for the deposit on a house for one sister.$

Parental favoritism can fracture family bonds like a slow, unrelenting quake. The OP’s story, steeped in unequal treatment, reflects a broader issue of perceived bias in families. The contrast is stark: sisters receive cars, house deposits, and trips, while the OP gets a shared coffee machine. This disparity fuels resentment, and the parents’ dismissal—suggesting mental health issues—only deepens the wound.

Dr. Ellen Weber, a family therapist, notes in Family Psychology , “Favoritism creates a hierarchy that erodes trust and self-worth.” The OP’s parents may not see their actions as biased, perhaps rationalizing it as practical support for daughters over a son. Yet, this overlooks the emotional toll, as the OP’s contributions—like funding family holidays—go unreciprocated.

This issue mirrors broader family dynamics, where 32% of adults report feeling less favored than siblings, per a 2023 Journal of Family Studies study . The OP’s isolation, living abroad with no visits, amplifies this. Sarcasm aside, it’s hard to ignore the parents’ pattern of prioritizing convenience over fairness.

To navigate this, the OP could write a calm, clear letter outlining specific grievances, as suggested by Reddit users. Dr. Weber advises, “Open communication, though tough, can clarify intentions.” If met with dismissal, setting boundaries—like limiting contact—may protect the OP’s emotional health. Families thrive on equity, not favoritism.

Here’s the input from the Reddit crowd:

The Reddit crew didn’t hold back, serving up a spicy mix of empathy and tough love. Their takes range from fiery support to practical advice, with a dash of humor to lighten the mood. Here’s what the crowd had to say:

These Redditors rally behind the OP, slamming the parents’ favoritism while urging action. Some see gaslighting in the mental health jab; others suggest cutting ties. But do these hot takes capture the full story, or are they just fanning the flames?

This story of unequal treatment hits a nerve, revealing the quiet pain of feeling sidelined in one’s own family. The OP’s struggle invites reflection on fairness, love, and the courage to confront tough truths. Families aren’t perfect, but they should strive for balance. Readers, what would you do if you felt overshadowed by siblings in your family’s eyes? Share your thoughts and experiences below.