A 16-year-old boy explains that his parents insist on extreme family closeness — he and his 15-year-old sister share a room, have “family time” 3–4 nights a week, and are encouraged to share everything, even friends and hobbies. His sister constantly inserts herself into his activities and social circles, often copying what he does and following him everywhere.
When he finally joined a small gaming group whose members didn’t want her included, his parents objected and tried to forbid him from going if she wasn’t welcome. He pushed back, saying he’d stop participating in family time if they didn’t let him have this one separate thing. They reluctantly agreed but warned him his sister would be hurt. She cried and accused him of hating her, but he told her he just needed his own space. Now his parents think he’s heartless for not feeling guilty. He admits her feelings were hurt but says it was the only way to get boundaries and independence. He asks if he’s the asshole for being okay with hurting her feelings to finally have something that’s his alone.
AITAH for being okay with hurting my sister’s feelings because it means I get to have stuff that doesn’t involve her?
