Grieving Daughter Who Refuses To Share Her Late Mother's Artwork With Her Half-Sister Asks If She's An A**hole

"Grief does terrible things to people."

Stephanie

• Published in Interesting
• November 27, 2023

Blended families are more common than not these days, and it's admirable to see people getting along and making their family dynamics work. But disagreements are bound to arise from time to time, whether your family is blended or not.

Reddit user u/CulturalAfternoon313 recently shared a story in the r/AITA (Am I The A**hole?) subreddit about an issue she's having with her half-sister. The OP explained that her parents got married very young, and they split up when she was three.

They stayed close friends though, and when the OP's father remarried, they all got along very well. The OP's mother even formed a close bond with her ex-husband's younger children, and would often babysit for them.

The OP's mom was a talented artist, and she passed on her passion for art to the OP and her half-sister Eve. When the OP's mother passed away suddenly, she was understandably devastated by the loss.

After a few months had passed, the Redditor finally began organizing some of her mother's things. When it came to her artwork, Eve approached the OP and asked if she could take a look at some of her mom's paintings and choose a few to have as keepsakes.

But the OP says she didn't want to, so she refused. She said she would be willing to share some of her mom's jewelry, clothes, or furniture, but not her paintings as they are just too personal and special.

Of course, Eve was upset that the OP wouldn't share even a single painting with her and she complained to her mother about it. It started an argument with the whole family, and the OP's dad told her she should be willing to share one or two paintings with Eve.

Eve and her mom keep pushing the OP, but she's still overcome with grief and says she needs time. She says she might be comfortable with the idea once some time has passed, but not right now.

The OP believes she has more of a right to the paintings than Eve does, but now she's wondering if she's the a**hole here. Keep scrolling to see how people reacted.

The Redditor asked if she's an a**hole for not wanting to share her mother's artwork.

She explained that her parents separated when she was three, and her dad remarried when she was seven.

The OP's mom became close with the younger kids and enjoyed spending time with them.

She had a special bond with Eve because of their shared love of painting.

The OP was devastated when her mother passed away suddenly.

Eve asked the OP if she could choose a couple of her mom's paintings to have as keepsakes.

But the OP refused to part with any of the paintings.

Eve was very upset and said she believes the OP's mother would have left her some of the paintings if she had the choice.

Eve complained to her mom about it, and now the whole family are arguing.

The OP's dad says she might have a change of heart when the pain isn't so fresh.

The Redditor says it was insensitive for Eve to ask for such a personal thing so soon after her mom's death.

Now the OP is wondering if she is the a**hole here.

Here's how people reacted.

NAH.

"This isn't even a relative."

"Eve still has her mother."

Sounds like something an a**hole would do.

That's not cool.

She should have just taken no for an answer.

"Eve is clearly TA."

"You owe no response to anyone on this."

What are your thoughts on this situation? Do you think the OP should give in and share some of the paintings with Eve, or should she stand her ground and keep the artwork for herself?

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

Stephanie