Growing up, I always knew my younger sister, Lily, was the favorite. My parents gave her everything — more attention, more support, more chances. I told myself to accept it, but when they recently gave her the family home “because she needed it more,” it hit me hard. My wife and I are also trying to buy a house, yet they didn’t even offer a conversation, just brushed me off when I said it hurt.

Then last week, they asked me to help renovate their new downsized place — for free. I refused. My parents were stunned, calling me ungrateful, and Lily accused me of “making drama.” The hypocrisy was painful; they’d never cared about fairness until they wanted something from me. Extended family even told me to “remember family comes first,” but I couldn’t ignore how one-sided that loyalty had always been.

When I confronted my parents again, they doubled down, saying they had “every right” to give Lily the house. They refused to acknowledge years of favoritism or how deeply it affected me. Lily just shrugged, saying she wouldn’t care if things were reversed — easy to say from the comfort of a free house. Their dismissiveness made me realize nothing I say will ever change their mindset.

So now, I’m stepping back. I may help them minimally to keep the peace, but I’ve stopped expecting emotional fairness. For once, I’m choosing myself — setting boundaries and focusing on my own family. Sometimes, the healthiest thing you can do is stop chasing love where it’s never freely given.