My sister is a single mom of 3, and she has been having a hard time financially for the last few months. I try to help her wherever I can, but it’s not always possible or easy. Last month, though, I didn’t have to worry. I got a work bonus that helped me quite a bit financially.

After getting everything I needed, I sent my sister the money that was left from my bonus with the hope that it would help her. She was thrilled and spoke about all the things she could get for the kids. It made me feel good to know that she would be okay, even if it was just for a little while.

But yesterday, my sister called me and asked when I’d send more money. I was shocked by the assumption. I send her a lot of money. It should’ve sorted her out for at least a month or two yet less than a month later, she wanted more, and she wasn’t asking, she was demanding.

She only made matters worse when I told her I wouldn’t be sending more. She gasped and requested to make it a monthly thing. I refused and told her the only reason I managed was because of my bonus and that isn’t a monthly thing

I told her that I always tried to help her when she asked, but it was difficult for me because I often ended up cutting down on my own expenses so she could get what she needed. I also advised her to get a full-time job instead, since her part-time job couldn’t cover her expenses.

She was furious and ended up arguing with me, saying things like I had a better-paying job, and it was the family’s responsibility to take care of each other in times of need. I hung up after that. But then, within an hour, my niece called me crying.

She said, “Mom is packing our things. She says we’ll have to go live with grandma because she can’t afford the rent. Can you please help us?” I was gutted, but I knew it was just a trick. She was using the kids to soften me up, and I wasn’t going to stand for that.

So I told my niece to tell my sister that she has a good idea. Maybe if she didn’t have to pay so much for rent, she wouldn’t be in this kind of trouble. Now my entire family is upset with me because they say I should’ve made a plan to help her.