Am I Wrong for Putting Myself First and Refusing to Dog-Sit Every Weekend for My Brothers Golden Retriever?

Are you the jerk for not wanting to dog-sit every weekend for your older brother's golden retriever while juggling college, exams, and a part-time job? Picture this: You've been selflessly looking after Larry's furry friend for years, but now, as you navigate the demanding world of higher education and work, the weight of this responsibility is starting to crush you.

The recent discussion with your brother has left you questioning whether prioritizing your mental well-being and obligations over dog-sitting makes you selfish. The Reddit community has spoken, and the consensus is clear - you are not the jerk.

Your studies and job should take precedence, and it's perfectly reasonable to set boundaries, even with family. Many Redditors empathize with your struggle and stress the importance of prioritizing your own growth and responsibilities.

It's not selfish to prioritize your well-being over constant dog-sitting, especially when you're already juggling a full plate of academic and work commitments. Your brother needs to find a more sustainable solution that doesn't overwhelm you, respecting your boundaries and understanding the importance of your own life.

Balancing college, exams, and work is tough enough - adding constant dog-sitting to the mix shouldn't be a burden you have to bear.

Original Post

So I'm (20F) and I've been dog-sitting my older brother Larry's golden retriever every weekend since high school. It's always been for free, and I've enjoyed it until now.

However, I'm currently in college, dealing with exams, and working a part-time job. It's become extremely overwhelming.

I recently told my brother that I can't keep doing it every weekend, and he called me selfish. For background, Larry's work schedule is hectic, and he relies on me heavily to care for his dog while he's away.

It's a big responsibility that's now conflicting with my own priorities and mental well-being. Quick context, I barely have time to study, work, and have a semblance of a social life with this added commitment.

Larry's response caught me off guard and made me question if I'm being selfish for prioritizing my own obligations over his dog. I love the dog, but it's just becoming too much for me to handle.

So AITA?

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How would you handle this situation? Let us know in the comments.

Expert Opinion

It's completely understandable that the person feels overwhelmed juggling college, work, and dog-sitting. This situation highlights an important psychological principle: the need for setting boundaries to protect one's mental health.

When responsibilities start to infringe on personal priorities, it’s not selfish to step back; it’s a necessary act of self-care, which ultimately allows for healthier relationships and better performance in other areas of life.