A woman has sparked debate online after expressing frustration that her sister refused to help with a sentimental birthday gift for their mother.
Posting on the U.K.-based parenting forum Mumsnet, the woman shared that she had asked family members to send photos and written messages to include in a scrapbook for their mother’s upcoming 90th birthday. She said she had given everyone months to prepare their contributions.
“Pretty much everyone has, except my eldest sister,” she wrote. “She told me she ‘hasn’t got time’ and that it’s a gift from me. She said she already has her own gift planned. That’s kind of not the point!”
While the scrapbook was meant to be a heartfelt gesture from the whole family, the woman said she wasn’t surprised by her sister’s lack of interest. She claimed her sister has rarely supported similar efforts in the past.
“I want to reply to her and say she’s missing the point. How hard can it be to send a few photos and a message?” she wrote. “But honestly, is there any point? She’s not stupid—she’s doing this to sink my idea. Simple as that.”
Still, the woman remained determined to complete the project, saying she already had “loads of other nice stuff to include.”
She ended her post by asking fellow users if she was being unreasonable, writing, “AIBU [Am I being unreasonable] in thinking she’s a complete cow??”
The post quickly drew reactions from other forum users, who were divided in their opinions.
Some supported the woman and suggested including photos of her sister anyway, using pictures she already had of her sister and their mom together.
Others, however, defended the sister. One user commented, “I’m on your sister’s side here. I hate when people turn their gift into a job for me. If it had been a group idea from the start, that would be different.”
Another added, “She might not think the scrapbook is such a great idea. That doesn’t make her a bad person.”
One user also pointed out that gift preferences vary. “Your mum might love it, and it’s lovely that you’re putting so much effort in. But if your sister doesn’t feel the same way, just leave her out of it.”
