Graduation day usually means celebration, pride, and family cheering in the stands. But for one of our readers, it turned into a moment of heartbreak. She shared with us how her parents’ choice that day made her feel like she would never come first.
I am so sorry that you had to experience so much hurt and pain from your adoptive parents that have no emotional maturity!! The best revenge is to live your best life and be happy without them!!! Wishing you your best life moving forward!!!
Hi Bright Side,
I honestly don’t even know why I’m writing this, maybe because I feel like I’m going crazy. I’m Callie, 22, and yeah... I’m adopted. My parents, Nora and James, always said they loved me, but Sienna, their biological daughter, has always been the princess. Everything is about her. Always.
I let it slide my whole life. I told myself it didn’t matter. But last month was my college graduation. First person in the family to graduate, I was so proud. I told them the time, the place, begged them not to be late. And guess what? They didn’t arrive on time.
They walked in after it was all over. I was outside already, holding my cap, trying not to cry, and when I saw them I snapped. I told them, “You think showing up late is okay? Don’t even bother coming.”
And they just stood there like nothing. Then they explained that Sienna wanted some stupid “rare” Labubu plush keychain, and they went across town to pick it up during my graduation.
A stuffed toy. Over me. Over one of the biggest moments of my life. I lost it. I went home, packed a bag, and left.
My mom cried and said I was overreacting. My dad said, “You know how sensitive Sienna is, we didn’t want to upset her.” What about me?
Now my friends say they’d cut contact forever. Some say I’ll regret it. I don’t know. I just feel empty and humiliated.
So tell me, am I being dramatic? Or is it okay to finally admit my family never really chose me, and maybe I shouldn’t choose them either?
— Callie
This is awful!!!!! I am so sorry you had to go through this. Adopted or not your family should have been there for you regardless. There's absolutely no excuse for missing out on a graduation because that's a major milestone within itself
We know it’s not easy to put something so painful into words, and we truly value your honesty. Here are some not-so-typical ideas that might help you move forward. Some are for protecting yourself, and others could open a door if you ever decide to repair things with your family.
Tell the story to someone your parents respect, maybe an aunt, grandparent, or close family friend. Not to gossip, but because parents sometimes only wake up when they realize how embarrassing their actions sound to others.
If they ruined the day, reclaim it. Put on your cap and gown again, ask a friend to take pictures, throw your own toast. Giving yourself the celebration they denied you is more powerful than waiting for them to make it up.
They regret it when they get old and can't take of themselves I'll bet a nickel to a doughnut that Sienna won't take care of them it's usually the one that they've neglected they come running back to and that'll be you.
You are right. When the parents get old Sienna is not going to be any help plus she’s too sensitive 🐂💩
Next time they say, “But Sienna was upset,” drop a line like, “Right, my college degree was no big deal.” A sarcastic sting often lands harder than another lecture.
Instead of repeating the same fight, try sending one blunt message: “Let me know if you ever want to meet the daughter who graduated.” It’s short, it’s cold, and it forces them to sit with it.
Use what happened as motivation to build your independence, financially and emotionally. Save up, move forward, show them you don’t need their approval to succeed. That alone can change the entire balance of power.
Callie’s story is heartbreaking and messy, and it leaves us wondering: how much favoritism can someone take before they finally walk away? Was she right to pack her bags after such a betrayal, or should she try to forgive her parents for choosing a toy over her once-in-a-lifetime achievement? What do you think, Bright Side readers?
If you want to read more shocking family stories, check out this article about a woman who faced heartbreaking problems with her stepmother.
Move on with your life. Find the people who make you happy. Cultivate your future family of friends and don't look back. The parents who adopted you got lost and you don't need to find them.
I agree with those saying no contact, except I always say to leave room for reconciliation. They may realize their error and make it right, or at least throw some money at it. Get whatever you can to make up for the anguish they've caused.
You don't need to go no contact, but definitely don't nake them a priority in your life. Why should you go out of your way to be there for people who have repeatedly proved they'll only show up when it's convenient? You don't need to ignore their calls, but you don't need to consider their feelings when making decisions either. They can learn about your achievements from Facebook like other casual aquaintances.
Sienna KNOWS she is the favorite! I bet she chose that moment to want her rare keychain! To see if her parents would choose her or you! I'm so sorry that happened Callie! As far as nc that's up to u but you were right to pack and leave!
The fact that you "let it slide" tells me you're already emotionally more mature than the people who raised you. You're not crazy and you know it. Trust your instinct, move forward. You don't have to go no contact right now, but I do suggest you put a big space in your life between you and them for a long time. You're going to grow more as a person without them. You can decide later if you want to go no contact completely. I'm really sorry this happened to you, it's really sad when the people who raise us are less mature than the people they raised.
