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You’ll relate to this man’s story if you’ve ever been confused after offering to help a family member. A man tried to help his sister-law with a free trip, only to backfire. The worst part is her kids are now at risk of loosing out on an unforgettable adventure.
Planning a Trip to Disney World
The original poster (OP), who we’ll refer to as David, tried to help his sister-in-law by offering her a free trip.
David travels frequently for his job and, because of this, has accumulated a lot of hotel and airline points.
Redeeming His Points
These are points he can redeem for free or highly discounted hotel stays and air travel. After all his hard work, David decided to plan a getaway to Disney World with his family during the summer.
Helping Sister-in-Law with a Complimentary Trip
During the pandemic, many families struggled financially due to layoffs. Elena, David’s sister-in-law, had a “hard time” during this period.
David decided he would help Elena by inviting her and her family to Disney World along with his family.
All Expenses Paid
“I would pay for their flights, hotel, and park tickets.”
David planned on paying for all travel expenses for Elena and her family. At this point, everything looked good for both groups.
Disney Unites Two Families
Everyone was excited, including Elena and her family.
One day, David’s wife and Elena began talking about their upcoming trip. During their conversation, Elena found out her family would be staying at Disney Springs and not one of the resorts.
The High Cost of Discontent
Elena was upset and believed David was being “cheap.”
Instead of paying for her and her family to stay at one of the resorts, David was using his points.
“Apparently I’m being cheap by using points for their hotel instead of just paying for them to stay at the same resort as us.”
Brother-in-Law Confronts the Consequences
Here’s where the fighting begins.
David’s wife told Elena to “accept the gift,” but Elena refused. Elena believed David “was making their kids jealous by not letting them enjoy the same stuff.”
Unexpected Tensions
Although it was true David was using his points to avoid paying out-of-pocket, he believed the hotel Elena and her family would be staying in was still “nice.”
Eventually, David gave Elena an ultimatum to either accept the gift or not come at all.
Unveiling the Struggles Faced by a Free Trip
The argument only grew. At this point, Elena started yelling in front of her kids that David was “taking something away from their children.”
Elena’s kids overheard the argument and were upset after discovering their trip to Disney World might be canceled.
Dealing with Sister-in-Law’s Unhappiness
David and his wife were left feeling bitter. Despite trying to do something nice for Elena and her family, it resulted in an argument.
What People Really Think About Giving Free Gifts
“You’re gifting them airline tickets, park tickets AND a nice hotel and they demand more? Cancel their tickets. Immediately. For their benefit too so they drop this entitled idiocy forever. So the kids learn you get NOTHING if you’re being an ***. So they don’t try to walk all over you in the future.”
A Closer Look at Entitlement
“…Only the most entitled complain about a FREE TO THEM vacation!!! Disney is insanely expensive. It was an incredibly generous offer on your part. If they weren’t thankful for it, that is 100 percent on them. The parents ruined it for their kids.”
More Truth About Being Generous
“…you’re doing a very very generous and kind thing for them and they’re being entitled and ungrateful because their FREE vacation isn’t fancy enough.”
Finding Harmony in the Magic
When Elena found out she wouldn’t be staying at a luxurious resort with David’s family, things backfired. Now Elena’s kids may have lost the opportunity to visit Disney World.
Was David wrong for trying to help Elena?
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