Redditor's Sister Believes Roses and Blue Trucks Are Cursed After Their Parents' Divorce

Some families treat divorce like a chapter that ended, but not everyone gets the same ending. In this Reddit story, the OP’s sister Jan is still convinced their childhood is “proof” of a curse, and it’s not subtle.

The parents separated over 20 years ago, and the timeline Jan clings to goes way back. When the OP was six and Jan was nine, their dad gave their mom a dozen roses, a sweet-looking apology that was really tied to an affair. Ever since, Jan believes roses are cursed, and she’s expanded the list to include blue trucks, certain foods, and anything else she thinks could “trigger” bad luck.

Then the OP accidentally brings roses into the middle of a mom’s birthday brunch, and the whole thing turns into a fight fast.

The OP asked if she's an a**hole for telling her sister their family isn't cursed.

Reddit/ExtraThrowRA

The OP explained that their parents have been divorced for more than 20 years.

Reddit/ExtraThrowRA

When the OP was six and Jan was nine, their dad gave their mom a dozen roses. While the gesture was nice, the reason behind it was not; he was trying to apologize for an affair.

Reddit/ExtraThrowRA

The effects of family trauma can resonate deeply within individuals, often manifesting in irrational beliefs and behaviors.

The emotional fallout from divorce can be particularly intense for children caught in the middle. In the case of Reddit user u/ExtraThrowRA, her sister "Jan" is grappling with an unusual belief that roses and blue trucks are cursed, a notion that stems from the turmoil following their parents' separation. This belief may be more than mere superstition; it could be an instinctive response to the chaos and instability that a divorce introduces into a child's life. For many children, such beliefs can serve as a coping mechanism, offering a semblance of control in an environment that feels unpredictable and overwhelming. Jan's fixation on these symbols underscores how deeply intertwined emotions and experiences can be, revealing the profound impact their parents' divorce has had on her psychological landscape.

Jan still believes that roses are cursed, but so are blue trucks, certain types of food, and several other things that she expects everyone to remember.

Reddit/ExtraThrowRA

One weekend, while they were having a family brunch for their mom's birthday, the OP inadvertently bought her mom a flower arrangement that included roses.

Reddit/ExtraThrowRA

The OP snapped and told Jan that their parents got divorced because their dad was a cheater, not because of some flowers.

Reddit/ExtraThrowRA

The history of that affair apology is still sitting in the background, while Jan treats roses like they’re carrying the same disaster energy from when she was nine.

The story shared by Reddit user u/ExtraThrowRA highlights the lasting impact of familial turmoil, particularly through the lens of her sister Jan's belief that roses and blue trucks are cursed. This belief likely stems from the chaotic family dynamics following their parents' divorce. Such irrational associations often emerge when individuals attempt to find meaning in the emotional chaos surrounding them. Engaging in therapeutic exploration of these beliefs could be beneficial for Jan, allowing her to confront and reframe these harmful thoughts. By addressing her feelings in a supportive environment, she can begin to heal and develop healthier coping mechanisms, ultimately breaking free from the hold these objects have on her psyche.

The concept of magical thinking, often observed in children, refers to the belief that one's thoughts or actions can directly influence outcomes. A study in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology highlights how children may resort to magical thinking to cope with the emotional distress of divorce. This can involve attributing positive or negative events to specific actions or objects, such as the roses and blue trucks mentioned.

Now the OP is wondering if she really is the a**hole here. Keep scrolling to see how people reacted.

Reddit/ExtraThrowRA

Here's how people reacted.

Reddit/thewalkindude

Jan definitely needs therapy!

Reddit/Reasonable-Rich6650

During their mom’s birthday brunch, the OP shows up with a flower arrangement that includes roses, and Jan immediately clocks it as a “curse” moment.

It also echoes the OP who refused to split inheritance equally with an estranged sister after years of family drama.

In this case, encouraging the sister to seek therapy could provide her with a supportive space to unpack her feelings and beliefs, paving the way for better emotional health.

For families navigating the aftermath of divorce, open communication is crucial.

"Your sister needs help."

Reddit/hannahkelli

"Good lord!"

Reddit/Status_Flux

"She needs help."

Reddit/R4eth

The OP snaps and tells Jan the divorce happened because their dad cheated, not because of flowers, and that’s when the family logic collapses.

Additionally, seeking professional support can be beneficial. Therapy can provide children with a space to explore their feelings and develop coping strategies.

Ultimately, addressing the emotional impact of divorce requires a multifaceted approach that includes communication, support, and professional guidance.

"Your sister might need to be evaluated for mental health issues."

Reddit/genus-corvidae

NTA.

Reddit/applejax1012

She is "harboring a lot of trauma."

Reddit/The__Riker__Maneuver

"She does need some serious therapy."

Reddit/Poopersnart

"The entire world doesn't revolve around her."

Reddit/Factionsareverybad

"Your sister needs mystical intervention."

Reddit/X-Couch-Potato

Perhaps she has OCD?

Reddit/Ordinary_Bid_7053

"That sh*t's exhausting!"

Reddit/Short-Guitar-5085

After the OP’s outburst, the real question becomes whether Jan’s “blue trucks and roses” rule is something she’ll drop, or something everyone else has to keep obeying.

What are your thoughts on this situation? Do you think the OP should have been more understanding of her sister's feelings, or was Jan being unreasonable in carrying on the way she did?

We would love to hear your opinions on this. You can share your thoughts with us in the comment section.

The story shared by the Redditor highlights the profound and sometimes unexpected impact divorce can have on children.

The story shared by the Redditor highlights the deep-seated impact of family trauma, particularly in the wake of a divorce. Jan’s belief that roses and blue trucks are cursed serves as a poignant example of how children can internalize events in ways that shape their perceptions of the world around them. This narrative underscores the importance of acknowledging these irrational beliefs and the emotional turmoil they stem from. By fostering an environment where open discussions about such experiences can occur, families may find a pathway to healing, helping individuals like Jan navigate their feelings and ultimately reshape their understanding of love and stability.

By the time the roses hit the table, the birthday turned into a verdict on who gets to explain the past.

Roses and blue trucks sound cursed, but see what happened when a sister’s drama tore families apart, after the OP tried to confront her constant draining.