Sometimes we face tough decisions where we have to balance our emotions with practical thinking. Tracy, a young woman, had to decide whether to pay for her youngest sister’s medical treatment, as her mother asked. Tracy refused because she wants to save money for her future. But her mom’s response deeply upset her, leading Tracy to seek advice online.

Tracy’s letter explains her situation: “My mom raised me and my four younger siblings by herself after having me at 16. I moved out at 18 and worked hard to get a good-paying job. Now, at 27, my 12-year-old sister is very sick with an autoimmune disease, and my mom wants me to cover her expensive treatments. I declined because I need to save for my future, but my mom said she’s ashamed of me. She believes that as the oldest child, I have a responsibility to support my siblings, just as she supported me.

The words my mom said really hurt, but I can’t sacrifice my own future just to rescue my family. I have to prioritize taking care of myself first.

Does this make sense, or am I being too self-centered?