AITA for refusing to provide support to my sister after her divorce?
A family home hums with unease as a sister, reeling from divorce, seeks solace. Yet, her sibling, unmoved, skims past her emotional Facebook posts. The catch? Her marriage imploded due to her own affair, a betrayal the OP deems unforgivable, unworthy of their comfort.
This Reddit AITA post unravels a knotty family clash, pitting loyalty against judgment. Readers are hooked, questioning if the OP’s icy stance is harsh or a justified response to betrayal.
‘AITA for refusing to provide support to my sister after her divorce?’
Infidelity can fracture more than a marriage—it strains family ties. The OP’s refusal to support their sister reflects disapproval of her affair, but it also risks deepening a sibling rift.Dr. Terri Orbuch, a relationship expert, states in a HuffPost article, “Infidelity often ripples beyond the couple, straining family relationships as trust erodes” (source). The OP’s distance mirrors this, choosing principle over family unity. The sister, however, may be grappling with guilt, seeking support to rebuild.
This connects to a wider issue: family dynamics post-betrayal. A 2022 Family Relations study found 68% of siblings reduce contact after moral breaches like cheating (source). The OP’s stance fits this pattern, though it may hinder future reconciliation. Experts suggest balancing boundaries with empathy. The OP could engage minimally, like attending family events, without condoning the affair.
Here’s the feedback from the Reddit community:
Reddit dished out bold takes, from fiery support to nuanced pleas for empathy. Here’s the community’s unfiltered voice:
![[Reddit User] − NTA. She's looking for an echo chamber, you won't be able to provide that. Even if you could, you're still going to be hanging out with her 'just because'. That makes her - and anyone forcing you to do it - the a**hole.](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/205567c-09.png)
![[Reddit User] − NAH but I could never, ever treat my sister like that. I love her to death, and people make mistakes. You can be there for someone emotionally without validating or excusing their behavior. It sounds like you don't like your sister very much, so of course you're not obligated to support her in that case.](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/205567c-11.png)
![chi_lawyer − [Text of original comment deleted for privacy purposes.]](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/205567c-12.png)
These opinions spark debate, but do they capture the full complexity of family?
This tale of a sibling’s firm stand against their sister’s post-affair struggles stirs up questions of forgiveness versus accountability. The OP’s choice to step back resonates with some, yet others see a chance for compassion missed. Have you faced a family member’s mistake that challenged your loyalty? What would you do here? Share your thoughts below and let’s keep the discussion alive!
