Sleep-Deprived Aunt Ruins Family Gathering By Leaving Because Her Nephews Were Too Loud

"My nephews are loud. Very very loud."

Filip

• Published in Interesting
• March 27, 2024

Each of us has our own preferences when it comes to sleeping and resting, but when with the family, it's natural to put those preferences aside to spend some quality time with the family. However, some people are not eager to sacrifice their comfort for others.

Consequently, it can cause a rift in the family, as it did in this story. The OP, a 27-year-old female, returned to her parents' home after approximately three years.

The gathering also included her two elder brothers and their families, aimed at allowing the family to reconnect. She was thrilled at the prospect of reuniting with everyone.

Her eldest brother, Malcolm, 35, has two sons aged 4 and 6. The plan was for everyone to stay in their childhood rooms, a setup their mother had arranged given the spaciousness of the house.

She anticipated no issues, but there were problems. Malcom's children were extremely loud.

Working a demanding job left her sleep-deprived most of the time, and she wanted to avoid further sleep deprivation by booking a hotel nearby. When Malcom discovered this, he accused her of disrupting the family gathering and the expected unity.

She explained her decision was made for everyone's comfort, emphasizing her need for space to sleep undisturbed by the children's noise. Malcom reacted strongly, labeling her a terrible aunt and person.

After informing their mother, who was supportive of her decision, Malcolm continued his criticisms, accusing her of being unwilling to endure minor inconveniences for the sake of family and calling her selfish. Her other brother, Paul, 30, agreed with Malcom, whereas their parents supported her stance, noting that her participation in main events was what truly mattered.

Seeking further opinions, she turned to her friends, who were divided on the issue, so she asked the Reddit community for their opinion.

The OP asks:

The OP and her two brothers were invited to their parent's house for a few days:

But the OP couldn't stand the noise from her brother's kids:

So she booked a hotel nearby and got accused of ruining the trip:

Eventually, she told her brother that she couldn't stand the noise his kids were making:

Her parents didn't see it as a big issue, but her other brother called her selfish too:

The OP's friends' opinions were divided on the matter, so she asked Redditors:

A Redditor said the OP was not in the wrong

It's totally understandable, the OP is not used to that level of noise

A Redditor asked if they were expecting her to look after the children

Another Redditor thought the same

The OP made a perfectly valid choice

The OP's brother doesn't have the right to be mad at her

The OP should also feel comfortable in their parents' home

Redditors told the OP that she was not in the wrong. She should also feel comfortable in their parents' home.

Additionally, her brother should know that people who don't have children of their own are not used to all the noise that kids make. The OP did right by booking a hotel for herself.

This way, she can still engage in family activities and get her sleep.

Filip