AITA for saying I don’t see why my sister always has to be included but I don’t?
In a family where differences between siblings are stark, a 15-year-old girl has reached her limit. Despite being close in age, she and her 16-year-old sister couldn’t be more different. While her sister enjoys the spotlight with friends, makeup, and fashion, she’s more introverted, into video games, baking, and reading.
Over time, the sister’s popularity—bolstered by a group of mean friends—has made her the “golden child,” leaving the narrator feeling constantly sidelined and bullied. Frustrated by the apparent double standard in how family time is allocated, she boldly declared that she doesn’t see why her sister always gets included when she doesn’t.
‘AITA for saying I don’t see why my sister always has to be included but I don’t?’
Family therapists emphasize that sibling dynamics can be incredibly complex, especially when one child feels consistently overshadowed. Dr. Laura Markham, a specialist in family relationships, advises, “When a child feels perpetually excluded or diminished in favor of another, it’s crucial for the parents to recognize these feelings and work toward balanced attention for each child.” (https://www.ahaparenting.com) In this scenario,
the narrator’s call for separate time with her parents isn’t an attempt to reject her sister entirely—it’s a plea for individual recognition and the validation of her own unique identity. Experts suggest that open dialogue, perhaps even facilitated through family counseling, can help address the underlying issues of favoritism and ensure that every child feels heard and valued.
Here’s the feedback from the Reddit community:
The Reddit community largely supports the narrator, with many commenters stating that her feelings of neglect and frustration are entirely valid. Several users point out that the “golden child” syndrome often leads to resentment among siblings and can create long-term emotional scars if left unaddressed.
Many advise the narrator to continue asserting her need for one-on-one time with her parents and to stand firm against any attempts to force unwanted inclusion. The consensus is clear: if a child feels consistently overlooked in favor of another, it’s both reasonable and necessary to demand a more balanced approach from the family.
This situation raises an important question: How should families balance group dynamics while ensuring that each individual feels valued? Is it fair to expect one child to constantly share their space with a sibling who dominates the family’s attention? We’d love to hear your thoughts—have you experienced similar challenges in sibling relationships, and how have you addressed them? Share your insights and experiences in the comments below!