I submitted my vacation request 6 months ago for a specific week and planned everything in detail, flights booked, hotel reservations made, and activities lined up that I’d been excited about for a long time. The request was approved with no issues, and I had been counting down the days to a much-needed break.Then, just last week, my teammate, Martha, found out her kids’ school break happens to fall during the same week. She came over, smiling at first, and asked if I’d be willing to swap vacation weeks so she could travel with her children. I politely explained that I had already made non-refundable bookings and plans I couldn’t change.

Her attitude changed immediately, and she said, “Really? You can’t adjust? It’s not like you have kids to think about. It’s just you.” That rubbed me the wrong way. I kept my response calm but firm, “Not having children doesn’t make my time any less valuable. Sorry, I need my vacation too,” she suddenly cried and left.I felt bad about the way she reacted, but I also assumed that would be the end of it. But since then, she’s been cold, giving me the silent treatment, being short in conversation, and generally making her frustration obvious. And it didn’t stop with just us.The next day, I got called into a surprise meeting with our boss. He told me that he “heard things” and said Martha was in a tough position and only wanted to do something nice for her kids. He implied I should’ve been more accommodating and understanding.Honestly, I had to bite my tongue. It felt like my plans, money, and personal time didn’t matter simply because I don’t have children. I calmly responded, “I’m sorry, but I’ve already committed to plans I can’t cancel. My vacation matters, too.”He seemed uncomfortable but didn’t press it further. Still, the whole thing left me feeling thrown off and uncertain.Now I’m stuck wondering—did I actually do something wrong? Should I have given up my carefully planned vacation just because Martha has kids?