Throughout My Entire Childhood, My Brother Treated Me Like a Servant, and the Things My Mum and Granny Said Still Haunt Me Today

You know, growing up, my younger brother was always the apple of my mum and grans eye. They absolutely doted on him, giving him all the attention while I just sort of faded into the background. He always got the best of everythingtop-notch toys, the nicest sweets, delicious pies, berries, you name it. Meanwhile, I was more or less forgotten, made to tidy up after him, fix his bed, and prepare his breakfast every morning. Honestly, I was pretty upset, feeling like I was just his personal maid, always rushing around to meet his every demand.

It bothered me deeply, especially knowing what my mum had been through before. Her previous marriage was a messher husband treated her awfully, and they eventually divorced. And yet, here she was, raising my brother to be just as pampered and entitled. Whenever I tried to stand up for myself, Id get shut down straight away. Nothing ever changed, and I just stayed in my place.

I clearly remember how tough things got during my last year at secondary school, especially when I was studying for my GCSEs. Id be revising, but every five minutes, mum and gran would be calling me to drop everything and go feed my brother. “Your brother is the most important thing,” theyd say, always putting him first. I managed to pass my exams because I was determined to work hard, but honestly, it was exhausting juggling everything.

When it came time to prepare for uni entrance exams, gran actually told me to rethink whether girls even needed an education. She thought I should focus on marriage, having children, and running a household. But I stuck it out and eventually graduated from university. By that time, I just couldnt take it anymoreI decided to move out. I was tired of constantly being responsible for my brother. Mum and gran were furious, especially since gran had to quit her job to look after him.

Moving out was hard, but it was something I needed to do for myself. I knew I deserved so much more than just being someones servant and wanted a life where Id be truly seen and valued.