Should I Meal Prep for My Cousin Amanda After Years of Mockery?
Struggling cook faces dilemma when perfectionist cousin asks for meal prep help after years of mocking - AITA for refusing?
In a recent Reddit post, a 30-year-old woman shared her dilemma about her cousin, Amanda, asking for meal prep help after years of mockery. Amanda, who used to make fun of the OP's cooking attempts, now finds herself too busy to cook due to her demanding job and organized lifestyle.
Despite the OP's efforts to improve her cooking skills, Amanda's past hurtful comments linger, making it hard for her to agree to help with meal prep. The OP's refusal to assist Amanda sparked a debate among Reddit users.
Some empathized with her, highlighting the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing emotional well-being. Others suggested that helping Amanda could be a chance to mend their relationship and move past the hurtful comments.
Questions about communication, growth, and self-care arose in the comments, showcasing the complexities of family dynamics and past grievances. The thread delves into the nuances of forgiveness, healing, and navigating relationships tainted by past hurt.
Original Post
So I'm (30F) and I've always struggled with cooking. My cousin Amanda (F39) used to mock me relentlessly whenever I tried to cook anything.
She'd make fun of burnt dishes or failed recipes, and she even refused to eat anything I made. Fast forward to now, Amanda has moved into her own apartment and suddenly she's too busy to cook, so she's been asking me to meal prep for her.
For background, Amanda has always been a perfectionist, and her apartment is meticulously organized. She works a demanding job and often prioritizes her career over everything else.
On the other hand, I've been working on improving my cooking skills, but it's still a sensitive topic for me due to Amanda's past comments. Recently, Amanda asked me to help her meal prep since she's too busy to cook healthy meals for herself.
I felt conflicted - on one hand, I want to support her, but on the other hand, her past behavior still stings. I politely declined, explaining that I have my own schedule and commitments to juggle.
However, Amanda didn't take my refusal well. She argued that since I enjoy cooking now, helping her should be a no-brainer.
She even brought up how she's always been there for me in the past. This made me feel guilty, but I couldn't shake off the years of hurtful remarks.
So, am I the a*****e for not wanting to meal prep for Amanda despite her changing circumstances and our history of mockery?
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What would you do in this situation? Share your opinion in the comments.
Expert Opinion
This situation illustrates how past negative experiences can impact present decisions. The OP's hesitation likely stems from a sense of self-protection against further mockery. On the other hand, Amanda's request could be seen as an opportunity for the OP to assert her growth and newfound confidence in cooking. It's a complex dynamic, reflecting human tendencies to hold onto past hurts and the struggle between self-care and mending relationships.
