I am much older than my siblings and more settled in life. Our parents still work and struggle to save for retirement. I am usually the one who steps up to help my other siblings. I cosigned a loan for my brother to get a car and gave my other sister money when she needed to replace her roof and air conditioner. Then there is the baby of the family, my sister, “Annie.” There is a 14-year gap between us.
I sent her a check for a few grand and she threw a fit. It was insulting in her opinion. I told her that going to the courthouse cost $50 and to be happy she got anything—a fancy party wasn’t a need, it was a want. Annie will not shut up about the subject and accuses everyone of ganging up on her. We had plans to rent a beach house for a family vacation this summer but I don’t want to spend a week listening to my sister complaining. I still want to see my family but not with this going on.
Remember that, “No,” as they say, is a complete sentence. “No, it’s not in my budget,” is a complete sentence paired with a generous explanation. And, “Sorry but no, it’s not in my budget” is the absolute maximum number of words you should dedicate to the topic if your sister confronts you while you’re trying to sunbathe. But definitely go. After all, the origin of this entire situation is your love and commitment to your family.
Because that’s not happening, I think the situation either points to pure selfishness and possessiveness on your partner’s part, or simply highlights a weak point in your connection. It hasn’t been long since you lost your wife.