I thought I was doing the right thing by helping out my older sister Emma when her car broke down a few months ago. She couldn’t afford to fix it and since I work from home and don’t need my car every day I told her she could use it whenever she needed. It felt like the natural thing to do helping family when they’re in a tough spot.
At first it seemed fine. But then I started noticing a pattern: every time Emma returned my car the gas tank was almost empty. I’d lend it to her with half a tank and she’d bring it back barely running. The first few times I didn’t say anything.
I figured maybe she forgot or didn’t realize how low it was. But when it kept happening I gently brought it up. I said “Hey can you make sure to put some gas in the car next time? It’s really inconvenient when it’s always empty.” She agreed or so I thought.
The problem didn’t stop. Last week was the final straw. She borrowed the car for a few days and when she returned it the fuel light was blinking. I had to drive straight to the gas station praying I wouldn’t stall on the way. That was it for me.
I called her and firmly said “Emma this isn’t okay. You need to refill the gas you use when you borrow the car.” Her response shocked me. She said “Why should I? It’s not my car.”
That was the moment I snapped. I told her she was being selfish and ungrateful. I reminded her that I was doing her a massive favor by letting her use my car and that the least she could do was respect it. If she couldn’t manage that then she couldn’t borrow it anymore.
She got defensive and called me petty. She accused me of being selfish and said “Family is supposed to help each other out. I don’t ask for much and this is how you treat me?” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I’m literally letting her use my car for free and she can’t even put a few dollars of gas in it?
Now she’s furious and hasn’t spoken to me since. My mom thinks I should’ve let it go because “Emma’s struggling right now” but my dad sided with me saying I was right to put my foot down when she acted entitled and disrespectful.
I feel bad that she’s upset but I can’t shake the feeling that I didn’t do anything wrong. I’d never treat someone’s car this way if they were helping me. Lending her my car was meant to be a kind gesture not an excuse for her to take advantage of me.