One evening, during a large family gathering, a friend complimented me for being an amazing aunt. I felt warm inside—until Rea laughed it off and said, “Oh please, she just watches them when I have no one else. She complains all the time about it.”
The truth was very different. I had often dropped plans, left work early, and even canceled dates to help. Hearing her dismiss my efforts so cruelly hurt deeply. That night, driving home alone, I felt disappointment and sadness more than anger.
Finding Freedom and Setting a Boundary
A few days later, Rea texted: “Hey! Can you watch the kids tomorrow? I need to go to that spa thing I told you about! Pleeease ❤️”
In the past, I would have immediately said yes. This time, I paused and simply replied: “I can’t tomorrow, sorry.”
She responded with a sad face emoji and “Okay, I’ll figure something out.” I didn’t feel guilty—only a wonderful sense of freedom. That weekend, I focused on myself, met friends, and enjoyed time purely for my own joy.
The Honest Talk and the Beginning of Change
The next week, I invited Rea for coffee. I explained how much her comment had hurt me. I told her I loved her kids but needed her to respect my time and life.
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