AITA for telling my parents I’m allowed to resent the times they dragged me to another state to do nothing so my stepsiblings could see their family?
Family trips and reunions are meant to create memories and bond loved ones. But for one 17-year-old, these annual road trips have instead become painful reminders of feeling left out. When she was just five, her mom remarried and suddenly became part of a blended family that included stepsiblings who received all the attention, gifts, and fun family moments during visits to their maternal grandparents.
For years, she was forced to tag along on long, tedious road trips to far-off states—staying in tiny, run-down places—while her stepsiblings enjoyed lavish time with relatives. Now older and more aware of the emotional toll, she finally confronted her parents. During a heated discussion about an upcoming trip, she declared that she no longer wanted to be dragged along to these trips that only served to remind her of being unwanted and ignored.
Her parents dismissed her resentment as “unfair” and insisted that family comes first. But she stands by her words, arguing that it’s completely reasonable to resent being sidelined and forced to sacrifice her own experiences for the sake of others.
‘AITA for telling my parents I’m allowed to resent the times they dragged me to another state to do nothing so my stepsiblings could see their family?’
Family dynamics in blended households can be incredibly complex, particularly when one child consistently feels neglected. According to family therapist Dr. Rachel Simmons, “When a child is repeatedly made to feel like an afterthought, it can lead to long-term resentment and emotional withdrawal. It’s crucial for parents to ensure that every child feels valued, regardless of the circumstances.”
The teenager’s feelings of abandonment and isolation are not only understandable—they’re a clear sign that the family structure has been imbalanced. Research in developmental psychology indicates that being forced into these situations can affect self-esteem and social development. Her reaction, though it may seem dramatic, is a natural response to years of feeling overlooked in favor of her stepsiblings. Experts stress the importance of honest communication and reassessment of family plans to prevent further emotional damage.
Here’s the feedback from the Reddit community:
The Reddit community has been deeply divided yet largely sympathetic toward her situation. Many commenters echoed her feelings, expressing outrage at the notion that a child should be forced to endure such neglect while others are pampered. Some argued that if family outings are meant to be special, every member’s experience should be considered—and if not, then why should she have to participate at all?
A few redditors recommended that she set clear boundaries and even suggested she consider alternative arrangements during these trips, such as staying with a trusted friend or relative. Others noted that her parents’ insistence on these trips, despite knowing how isolating they were for her, highlighted a serious issue of favoritism and emotional neglect.
While a handful of voices urged compromise and understanding, the prevailing sentiment was that she deserved to have her feelings validated and her voice heard, not dismissed with platitudes about “family unity.”
In conclusion, this story sheds light on the often-overlooked consequences of blended family dynamics when one child feels consistently marginalized. While parents might see these trips as a necessary way to maintain extended family bonds, for some children, they represent a painful sacrifice of their own happiness.
Is it reasonable for a teenager to resent being forced to partake in trips that offer her nothing but isolation? How should families balance collective traditions with individual emotional needs? Have you ever felt left out in your own family gatherings? Share your thoughts and experiences—let’s start a conversation about the importance of inclusivity and honest communication in blended families.
