I’m a single mom working two jobs. My half-sister (29) never worked and got everything—house, wedding, money. “You’re fine on your own,” my parents said. I stayed quiet. But when they demanded I babysit her kids for free while she went on vacation, I shocked everyone by calmly packing my things and leaving their house in the middle of dinner.

No yelling. No argument. Just silence—and then the sound of my car pulling out of the driveway.

I’ve spent years helping my parents and sister without a second thought. When they needed someone to clean up after family gatherings, I did it. When they needed someone to drive across town to pick up things for her wedding, I was there. I even worked extra hours to buy my own dress for that wedding because “they had too many expenses already.”

Meanwhile, they paid for her entire ceremony, her honeymoon, and later, her down payment on a beautiful home. I never complained. I thought maybe that’s just how things were.

But when they asked me to babysit her kids for free while she went on vacation—after knowing I’ve been exhausted and struggling—I realized something: They don’t see me as a daughter. They see me as the backup plan, the unpaid help.

I didn’t lash out. I didn’t explain. I just left before I said something I’d regret. Now they’re all calling me dramatic. My sister texted me, saying, “You’ve changed.” But maybe I have.

I love my family, but I can’t keep being invisible and unappreciated. How do I move forward without burning bridges—but without falling back into the same old pattern? I’d really appreciate your advice.