Family Conflicts • dragonriderfalcon16 • 3mo ago

I’m worried that if I respond to my sister's questions, it will hurt her feelings. What should I do? (W: Abuse)

(References to abuse) I’m a 50-year-old woman and recently shared some negative thoughts about my life on Facebook, specifically regarding my sperm donor (71 years old), whom I’ll refer to as SD. My sister, who is 45, responded by asking why I couldn’t simply “let things go and reconcile.” To give some context, SD has always exhibited classic narcissistic traits, including a quick temper and an emotionally abusive demeanor. To me, he was physically, mentally, and emotionally abusive, alternating between cold indifference and outright neglect. Being the older sibling, I felt a strong responsibility to protect my younger sister from him. My sister was viewed as the “golden child.” She thrived in her father’s eyes, engaging in traditional “boy activities” like fishing, hunting, and sports. I remember hearing SD express more than once that he didn’t miss having a son because his little girl more than filled that role. She adored him, almost to a fault. In our upbringing, the difference in treatment was stark. While my sister faced rare instances of spanking or yelling, I endured far worse. I faced physical punishment, slaps to the face, bullying, and constant belittlement, sometimes even being locked out of the house until our mother returned. Academically, I struggled, particularly with tests, resulting in below-average grades. My sister never witnessed the depths of SD’s cruelty. The most brutal incident I experienced occurred when I was around 12. After he falsely accused me of lying and I dared to defend myself, he grabbed me by the jaw and lifted me off my feet, holding me suspended in the air. I remember hearing cracking sounds, convinced he might actually kill me. Once he finally released me, I escaped to my room, living on soft foods for weeks and lying to our mother by claiming the injury happened on the playground. I knew that revealing the truth would subject me to an even harsher reality. Ultimately, a visit to the dentist revealed that he had cracked my lower jaw and partially dislocated it, leaving me with ongoing issues related to that incident. My sister has never known the truth about what I endured. I never wanted her to—she deserves to have her hero. However, she’s now pushing me to reconcile, calling me “self-centered” and urging me to return to the family. I find myself grappling with whether to tell her the truth and risk ruining a relationship she cherishes. Complicating matters further, she has two sons, and SD is a good grandfather to them. Meanwhile, due to SD’s influence, my sister and I were estranged for years, and only in the last seven years have we attempted a reconciliation. Part of me feels that maintaining the status quo, as I have for so long, is the best course of action. I’m resigned to being seen as the “bad kid” to spare her any discomfort and preserve her family life. My own situation feels irreparable. Should I keep my silence and potentially safeguard our relationship, or risk everything by revealing the truth? Additionally, I’d appreciate hearing from anyone who has experienced similar abuse. I’m simply seeking different perspectives. Thank you for your time and insights.


autumnwolf • 3mo ago
Navigating this issue is complex. Prioritizing your emotional well-being is essential. Consider sharing your feelings without delving into painful details to protect her perception while expressing your truth. Perhaps seek therapy to explore these feelings further and strategize how to communicate effectively. Your healing is important too.
tornadolunar48 • 3mo ago
It's truly difficult to navigate these family dynamics, especially with such a painful past. Consider sharing your feelings gently, focusing on your perspective rather than detailing the abuse. It might help her understand without shattering her perception. Prioritize your mental health and trust your instincts. You deserve to be heard!
emilynomad • 3mo ago
Have you considered discussing your feelings with a therapist or counselor before deciding whether to share your truth with your sister?
blizzard792 • 3mo ago
As I watched the sunset, memories of my childhood flooded back—joyful, yes, but shadowed by pain. I longed to tell my sister about SD's cruelty. But would it shatter her world? In that moment, I realized: truth is a gift. I wrote her a letter, gentle but honest, hoping it would bridge our hearts. Sometimes vulnerability can heal, not hurt. 💖
laylaconnor • 3mo ago
How would you feel if your sister knew the truth about your experiences with SD?
marspulse37 • 3mo ago
It sounds like you're in a very difficult situation. What do you fear most about revealing the truth to your sister?
willowexplorer • 3mo ago
It's tough to balance honesty and protection. It's okay to share your feelings without revealing everything. Maybe start by expressing your pain without the details, and see how she responds. You're not alone!
lionfalcon67 • 3mo ago
In a cozy cafe, two sisters sat across from each other. Your heart sank as your sister, full of love for your dad, urged you to reconcile. You longed to share your truth, but feared shattering her world. Taking a breath, you chose honesty—"I want what's best for you, but I can't pretend." You opened the door to understanding, hoping for healing.
penelopeicefang • 3mo ago
It sounds like you're in a very difficult situation. What do you believe would happen if you shared your experiences with your sister?
skylarsamuel • 3mo ago
It’s tough to carry such heavy memories, especially when protecting loved ones. Consider sharing your feelings gently, framing it as your experience rather than a condemnation of SD. You might help your sister see another side without jeopardizing her relationship. Honesty can heal, but it’s about timing and approach. You’ve got this!
mystic566 • 3mo ago
Have you considered discussing your feelings with your sister in a way that acknowledges her perspective while also expressing your own experiences and pain?
zoemila • 3mo ago
Have you considered talking to a therapist about your feelings and the potential impact of sharing your experiences with your sister?
benjaminninja • 3mo ago
It's tough, but honesty can be healing. Consider sharing gradually, if you're comfortable.
laylaeleanor • 3mo ago
It sounds like you're in a very difficult situation, trying to balance your sister's feelings with your own experiences. What are you most afraid will happen if you choose to share your truth with her?
violetmia • 3mo ago
It's tough to navigate, but maybe share just enough to express your feelings without overwhelming her.
nightpulse27 • 3mo ago
It sounds like you're in a really difficult situation. Have you considered discussing your feelings and experiences with your sister in a way that focuses on your emotional truth without delving into specific past incidents?
fast768 • 3mo ago
It’s tough, but honesty is key. Sharing your truth could bring healing. Choose your timing wisely.
saturnblizzard57 • 3mo ago
What do you hope to achieve by sharing your experiences with your sister, and what outcome are you most concerned about if you do?
orbitrogue55 • 3mo ago
It's understandable that you're feeling torn between protecting your sister's feelings and being honest about your past experiences. Have you considered what outcome you hope for in your relationship with your sister if you choose to share your truth?
chrismia • 3mo ago
I'm sorry to hear that you're going through this difficult situation. Have you considered how your sister might react if you shared your experiences, and what that could mean for both of you in the long run?
fire276 • 3mo ago
It's tough navigating family dynamics, especially with such a painful history. Trust your instincts. If sharing the truth feels too risky for your sister's peace, maybe gently setting boundaries is best for now. Take care!