09/02/2025
My dad just retired after 42 years at the same company. To celebrate, he organized a big family trip to Hawaii — his treat. There were six of us flying from different parts of the country, but I was traveling with my younger brother, Jake.
Now, quick background: I'm the oldest, 31. Jake's the youngest at 27. And for as long as I can remember, everything in our house has revolved around him like he's the sun and we're all just planets spinning in his orbit.
"Be nice to your brother, Amelia." That was Mom's favorite phrase when we were kids.
"Let him have the bigger piece of cake." That was Dad's go-to when we fought over anything.
"He's the baby of the family." That was everyone's excuse for everything Jake did wrong.
Well, guess what? Jake stopped being a baby about 25 years ago. But somehow, no one else got that memo.
When he got his first job, it was a celebration dinner.
When I got promoted to senior manager last year, Mom said, "That's nice, honey," and immediately asked Jake about his dating life.
When Jake bought his first car, Dad helped with the down payment. When I bought mine, I got a lecture about being financially responsible.
Moving to now, we were all standing at the gate together when a flight attendant walked up and quietly said to me:
"Ma'am, we had a first-class passenger cancel last minute. You have the highest status on this flight — would you like the upgrade?"
I blinked. "Absolutely, yes."
But before I could grab my bag, my mom's voice cut in:
"Wait, WHAT? You're taking that seat?"
Jake, arms folded, smirking: "Wow. Classy."
My sister: "Shouldn't that go to Jake? He's younger. He needs more space."
Me: "Sorry? I was offered the seat. It's based on my airline status. I earned it."
Jake, with a dramatic sigh: "You always make everything about you."
Mom: "Sweetheart, why don't you do the right thing and give it to your brother?"
At that point, I turned to Jake.
Me: "Would you have given it to me if they offered it to you?"
Jake, snorts: "Of course not. Why would I?"
(Like I was insane for asking.)
Then I turned to Mom.
Me: "What about you? If you were offered the seat, would you give it to me?"
Mom, flatly: "No. I'd give it to Jake. He's the youngest. He needs comfort."
Me: "But I'm younger than you. Shouldn't you give it to me by that logic?"
Mom, shrugs: "That's different."
Exactly. It was always Jake. I turned to them all and spoke up. ⬇️