Real-life. “I Helped My Sister Buy an Apartment”: Now She Says It's All Her Credit

A year ago, Asia came to me asking for help.

I'm sitting on the couch in my small rented apartment, looking at the photo of my sister that I'm holding in my hands. It's from the time when we were inseparable. Back then, I still believed that family was something that never failed. But now, after what happened, I'm not so sure.

A year ago, Asia came to me asking for help. She had always been ambitious, but her financial situation didn't allow her to pursue her dreams. Her corporate job barely covered her living expenses, and she could only dream of having her own apartment.

– „Krzysiek, only you can help me. You know me, I always try, but you know how it is. If you help me, I'll be eternally grateful– she said, looking at me with those pleading eyes that always worked.

I was fairly stable financially back then, although I didn't have my own apartment yet. I took a chance – I took out the savings I had been saving for my future and agreed to guarantee her loan. I knew it was a huge risk, but she was my sister. Family.

– „Remember, Asia, it's a big responsibility. I'm helping you, but you have to be sure you can pay it back.”

– „Of course, Krzysiek. I'll always be grateful to you. I would never have made it without you.”

For the first few months, Asia seemed really grateful. She moved into a new apartment, invited me over for dinner, we even symbolically drank champagne together, celebrating her new beginning. I felt proud that I could help her.

But over time, something began to change. Our conversations became less frequent, and her tone – colder. When I dropped by to visit her, I noticed that she avoided the topic of the apartment.

A few weeks ago, we met for a family dinner. Everyone was talking about her new place. Aunts, uncles – everyone congratulated Asia on her achievement.

– „No, Asia, you're really resourceful. So young and already have your own apartment– said Aunt Maryla.

Asia smiled, as if she had really achieved it all on her own.

– „Thank you, Auntie. You know, I've always worked hard and believed that I'd succeed.”

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I looked at her, waiting for at least one word about my help. But nothing. She sat there, accepting the praise as if the entire apartment was her doing. After dinner, when we were alone, I decided to talk to her.

– „Asia, why didn't you say anything about my help? This apartment wouldn't exist without me.”

Her reaction was like a punch.

– „Krzysiek, you helped, that's true, but I'm the one who works, I'm paying off the loan. This is my apartment. I won't tell everyone who helped me, because that's my business.”

– „Your business? Asia, I gave you all my savings, I took the risk of guaranteeing the loan. And now you're saying that it's all your doing?”

– „Krzysiek, don't be so dramatic. You helped, but that doesn't mean you have the right to brag about it.”

Since then, our relationship has cooled. Asia acts as if nothing happened, as if my help was something obvious and unworthy of mention. And I feel like I've lost not only my savings, but also trust in someone who was closest to me.

Today I sit here, staring at her photo, and wonder where I went wrong. Was I too naive? Should I set some conditions? Or maybe love for family can sometimes blind us, allowing us to believe that sacrifice will always be appreciated?
I don't know if I'll ever forgive Asia. But I do know one thing – I will never give so much to anyone again without expecting anything in return. Because there is nothing more painful than knowing that your help has been forgotten.

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