Should I Celebrate My Birthday at a Restaurant My Sister Hates?

WIBTA if I choose a restaurant my sister dislikes for my birthday celebration, despite her preference for a different place?

Damjan

Published in Interesting
7 Nov 2025

Should I Celebrate My Birthday at a Restaurant My Sister Hates?

Turning 18 is a significant milestone, and for many, it marks the transition into adulthood filled with new responsibilities and exciting experiences. However, the question of how to celebrate this special occasion can pose unexpected challenges, especially when family dynamics are involved.

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In a recent Reddit thread, a 17-year-old girl finds herself at a crossroads as her birthday approaches, facing the dilemma of choosing a restaurant her sister dislikes. The local Hot Pot restaurant has been a cherished tradition for the past three years, but her sister’s aversion to the cuisine adds a layer of complexity to the celebration.

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While the birthday girl loves the place, her sister struggles with the menu, often leaving her unsatisfied and unhappy. The birthday girl had suggested an alternative ramen spot, but that idea was promptly rejected.

Instead, her sister proposed a restaurant located 40 minutes away, which may not be feasible or desirable for the birthday celebration. As the community weighs in, many are quick to advocate for the birthday girl’s right to choose, while also considering her sister’s feelings.

The discussion touches on the balance between personal preferences and family harmony, raising interesting questions about compromise and the spirit of celebration. What do you think?

Is it reasonable for the birthday girl to stick with her favorite restaurant, or should she take her sister’s feelings into account? Join the conversation and share your thoughts!

Original Post

I 17 (f) turn 18 on Tuesday, every year for my birthday for about 3yrs now we’ve gone to a local Hot Pot restaurant (like ramen). It’s pretty pricey but the amount of food is a lot, we only go once a year though because it is on the more expensive side.

I absolutely love it, but my sister on the other hand does not. She barely eats anything every time we go, and honestly I thought she was just not hungry or something, but she has now told me she really doesn’t like going there.

I suggested another ramen place near by and she said no to that as well. Her suggestion was a restaurant about 40 mins away, and while I like her suggestion (we’ve been there before) I really don’t want to go 40 mins for food /: I feel bad if we go to the restaurant especially with her because I do know she wont really eat it and that’s a waste of money.

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The restaurant does have a grill option as well but its extra per person (I wouldn’t use it since I don’t eat meat), so I feel like thats a bit ridiculous to add on. And there’s a “buffet” (literally just fries, chicken nuggets, and a dessert) Note: Its a set price per person, so there’s no way around her just not getting hot pot.

Also she literally likes ramen so idk why she hates the place SOOOO wibta?? edit: it would be my whole family, my sis, myself, mom, mom’s bf (maybe step sis??)