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Original post
Junebug

Recently me and my partner have talked about moving forward with getting engaged YAY! Where I am very excited for moving torwards our future together I do have my reservations with the whole wedding ceremony/party because of my sister. For context: my family is very fractured so my sister and I have had a strained relationship. In recent years we have tried rebuilding our relationship but I noticed that I was the one really doing most of the work to do that. If she had to make the effort to see me she 9 times out of 10 would cancel. It all came to a head when our birth mother passed. Long story short: my sister was having an affair with the funeral home detector who was doing our mother's cremation and the weekend of her wake my sister found out that he was lying to her about separating from his wife. She proceeded to make the whole weekend about herself and her affair instead of supporting our grieving grandma or be there for me emotionally. Our relationship as not been the same since then, so I decided to have had minimal contact with her. I only hear from her when she needs something from me. (Like she texted me to wish me a happy birthday and asked what my plans were. I told her I went out of town to a tattoo from a specialist. She INSISTED I stop by her place on my way back, not because she had a gift to give but because she wanted to show off her new apartment) Now the problem is that her attitude and behavior has become increasingly more rude and entitled. For example: we recently had a family dinner and it wasn't clear if our partners were invited or not so I wasn't planning to bring mine. My sister then texted me seeing if I was bringing my partner so she could bring her new boyfriend. I told her I wasn't told that i could, so no I was planning on coming to dinner on my own. She replies to me saying "well I'm bringing my boyfriend, and I'm not asking permission". I was taken aback with how rude that felt. I sent a screen shot to our eldest cousin (kinda the head of the younger generation of our family). She then proceeds to tell me about how my sister acted similarly during a family vacay. Saying that she expected her dinners to paid for, never cleaned up after herself and got really toody about not being able to bring her bf. I have a huge fear that when I announce my engagement my sister will start making it weird by getting an entitled attitude or by making it about herself (like she does often). What should I do? Should I confront her about it now to avoid any issues when the time comes or should I leave it be and allow her the space to make those mistakes then confront her about it? (Nuclear options: not invite her at all)

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Question for the jury

How should I deal with my sister?

The verdict

4–1–1

6 jurors voted

Majority467%

Limit contact to minimize potential drama

117%

Decide not to invite her to the wedding

117%

Wait to see how she responds after engagement

0

Confront her about your concerns now

The Jury’s Read

You’re navigating a complex relationship with your sister, and the jury feels it's time to prioritize your peace. Many see her history of drama and entitled behavior as strong indicators that inviting her could lead to a stressful situation on your special day. While some suggest finding a way to minimize her influence, others feel it might be best not to divulge your engagement news until the right moment to preserve the joy of your announcement. Protect your happiness above all else.

Where they split:

A minority view expressed some hope for a more balanced approach, suggesting that communication could potentially lead to a better relationship.

From the jury

Why they voted

Juror419Juror

Personally I would try if at all possible tell her last. Don't tell everyone all at once. Make a day of it with you and your new fiance to go around and tell the people who matter most to you both and tell her last. I feel like that would minimize the damage the most without having to completely write her off.

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StopEatingNow03Juror

Because of her attitude up until now, you know she will make drama. Inviting her will only cause issues for you. At this point, limiting your contact and not inviting her seem to be the best options.

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IvationJuror

Her narcissistic personality is NOT going to let you have any limelight. Once you announce she will have to one up you by also getting engaged (whether her bf wants to or not). Planning a BIGGER wedding AFTER yours so she can borrow all the stuff YOU buy. Skip the drama. Brace for impact when you do announce. Consider a small destination wedding and leave her at home! Guard your heart with her!

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ScarSkinwalkerJuror

If she has a track record of causing issues/drama and you want to truly enjoy YOUR day, then it’s best if you limit contact. If she causes issues about being “iced out” provide examples and explain how this is important for you because it’s about you.

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shut_the_doorJuror

The problem with narcissists is that they suck the oxygen from the room and all the positivity from your life. Your sister adds nothing to your wellbeing and happiness, and I suspect you know this and may even have enjoyed the drama in the past. This stops now. Live your life, enjoy your freedom. Don’t let her infect your life now you have this wonderful new beginning with someone who will bring you the love and happiness you deserve.

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CherJuror

You deserve to get to celebrate your love with your family don’t let the fear of what might take away from that. If she tries to insert herself in the planning or she starts getting pushy you can always say that’s a great idea for YOUR wedding Fiancée & I are hopping to do it more XYZ. For the celebrations you can either recruit someone to be your designated AH to keep an eye on things. If truly in your heart you don’t want to pursue this relationship or you’re just not at the point of being able to have her around cause she brings you that much stress you could tell her "I want to be upfront with you. At past family gatherings, things have often ended up centering entirely around you and your needs. I want this specific event to be focused differently, so I’ve decided it’s best not to invite you this time. I care about rebuilding our relationship and hope we can find a better balance for future gatherings." Or something along those lines. Congratulations on your engagement :)

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