I’m a plastic surgeon who always gave family free advice, until my aunt demanded a $22,000 facelift “as a favor.” I refused and explained the risks and real costs. She showed up at my office with relatives to pressure me, but I stood my ground.
She then went to a cheaper surgeon, the surgery went wrong, and it cost her $35,000 to fix. Now my family blames me, saying it’s my fault for not doing it myself. The experience destroyed my relationship with my parents and taught me a painful lesson: setting professional boundaries can cost you family, but breaking them can cost you everything.
