Resentment Simmers As Teen’s Parents Withdraw Consent Forcing Her To Miss Out On Big Moment, While Showering Sibling With Full Support On His Journey

“I’m forced to wonder if my parents actually hate me.”

Jesse

• Published in Interesting
• January 3, 2024

A year ago, our narrator’s (Original Poster’s) high school choir was invited to grace the stage at a music conference/competition in the city that never sleeps—New York.

The cost per student loomed at a daunting $1500, but fear not! OP had an emergency stash that just about covered it. The only thing left was to secure her parent’s signatures since she was only 17.

Sadly, OP’s parents raised hell at the thought of her missing a week of school. Her academic achievements were exemplary, and a school calendar promised a test-free absence during the allotted week. Yet, OP’s parents vehemently disagreed.

Sadness and frustration settled in as the choir meant more to OP than life itself. If only her birthday was a few months earlier! 

Fast forward to today, when the plot takes an unexpected twist. The spotlight shifts to a different artist in the family—OP’s brother.

The young prodigy participated in a youth artist competition, and his masterpiece was chosen to grace a gallery in sunny California. 

OP’s parents were ecstatic. They quickly secured three seats on a plane for themselves and the young artist to witness his artwork on display in real time.

Her brother was awarded three days off school to visit the gallery and embark on touristy adventures with his parents while in LA.

The core of OP’s being throbbed with envy as she witnessed this unfold. Was his art more important than her choir? 

As OP began questioning her self-worth, she turned to the online community for guidance. Resentment had begun to build; how did she deal with these emotions?

Let’s dig into the details

A bit of background

Apparently, OP’s brother is currently in the same situation she was not long ago. But this time, their parents have chosen to treat her brother differently

OP has been feeling pain ever since she found out. In her mind, their parents might actually love her brother more

Here’s how the Reddit community reacted to the story:

“You need to express your hurt and your thoughts to your parents. You need to tell them that you have thoughts that they must love your brother more.”

“I just want to warn you that if and when you DO bring it up to them, protect yourself by not expecting a good response.”

“It's possible your parents have loosened up on their rules with your younger brother - it's also possible that they DO care more about his accomplishments than yours.”

“Tell your parents how you feel before the resentment has time to fester.”

“Communication is everything in relationships, so let them know how disappointed you are in their behavior and hypocrisy.“

The community advocated that OP express their feelings to their parents. From where they were standing, it looked like some elements of favoritism were at play.

Redditors warned OP that the answers might be tough to hear, but it might give some clarity—anything was better than letting the resentment simmer.

OP missed out on an important experience, and for that, the community sends out their sympathy. 

What do you think about this story? Let us know in the comments.

Jesse