Real-Life. “My Sister Took Advantage of My Kindness, Then She Cheated on Me”: How to Forgive Something Like That

When she divorced her husband and had nowhere to go, I took her in.

I've always believed that family is something sacred. That if there's anyone I can count on in any situation, it's my sister, Marta.

We were inseparable. Since childhood, I helped her with everything – I gave her my toys, protected her from other kids, and later, when we were grown, I was the one who always came to her aid whenever she was in trouble.

And she had a lot of them.

When she got divorced from her husband and had nowhere to go, I took her in.

„It's just for a few months,– she said, packing her bags. “Until I get myself together.”

A year passed. Then another. Marta was in no hurry to move out. She didn’t chip in on the bills, didn’t help around the house, treated me like a free hotel.

But I told myself that she was my sister. That one day the tables would turn and I’d be the one needing her help.

And then the day came.

I got a letter from the bank. My loan – a loan I’d never taken out.

My heart started pounding. With each sentence I understood that someone had taken out a loan using my name. Forged signature.

I started calling, asking, explaining. And then I discovered the truth.

It was her. My sister.

When I rushed into the house, Marta was sitting on the couch as if nothing had happened.

„Marta, tell me it's not true,– I whispered, squeezing my shaking hands.

She didn't deny it. She didn't even see the point in lying.

„You have more than me– she threw out lightly, shrugging her shoulders. „You don't lack anything anyway, and I had no choice.”

She had no choice?

„Marta, you stole my money!– I screamed, feeling tears welling up in my eyes.

She shrugged. “Family should help each other.”

Family should help each other.

Is this what her gratitude for everything I did for her looked like?

That night I threw her out of my house. I didn't care where he went.

And today? Today I sit alone, looking at photos from my childhood, and I ask myself one question:

How do I forgive someone who took advantage of my kindness and then cheated on me?

I don't know the answer. I only know one thing – not every family deserves a second chance.