A 18-year-old sibling finds herself in a dilemma when her 21-year-old sister, with whom she had a complex relationship since the sister's coming out as a lesbian five years ago, now struggles with her own sexuality. The original poster (OP) initially faced rejection and lack of support from her sister when she came out herself. Their relationship has deteriorated over the years, with the sister being unsupportive during the OP's mental health struggles as well. Now, as the sister confides in her about her confusion over her sexuality, the OP offers help but refuses to provide emotional support due to their past history.

Navigating Sibling Dynamics in the Face of Sexual Identity

Coming Out and Initial Rejection

Five years ago, when the OP came out as a lesbian at the age of 13 to her older sister, she had always looked up to her sister and wanted her approval. However, her sister always looked down on her and nothing she did seemed good enough. This initial rejection marked the beginning of a strained relationship that has slowly deteriorated through the years. The sister grew further apart while the OP still tried to hold onto their connection.

Mental Health Struggles and Lack of Support

The sister was not supportive when the OP faced mental health struggles. She never offered any help and even called the OP crazy when things got bad. Instead of apologizing, she doubled down and insisted that she did nothing wrong. This lack of support added to the existing rift between the sisters.

Helping with Sexual Identity but Setting Boundaries

Recently, the sister confided in the OP that she had never felt real romantic or sexual attraction and didn't know what was wrong. The OP suggested that she could be aroace based on her own experience. After some research, the sister agreed and tried to have a conversation about it. But due to their past history, the OP set a hard and seemingly harsh boundary. When the sister started to get emotional and vent, the OP cut her off and made it clear that she was willing to help with figuring out her sexuality but not provide emotional support.The OP explained that their relationship has been distant for the past 3 years and she doesn't feel it's her responsibility to be the support system. She has her own life with friends and is only willing to offer limited help. Her lack of involvement is not to hurt her sister but to protect herself. They are fine with a somewhat distant relationship as it is the most civil they can be.Most Reddit users rallied behind the OP, with one user asking if her decision was tit for tat or if she genuinely didn't like her sister enough to support her. The OP clarified that it was more about the lack of a close relationship rather than a lack of support based on past events.