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Family dynamics can be complicated in the best of times, and when we’re talking about blended families, things can be downright awkward and unbearable when growing pains – and opposite personalities – rear their heads.
These stepsisters don’t usually get along, but when OP found out that her stepsister was bullying a girl in their grade, Mia, she felt as if she had to do something.
She says she never thought her stepsister was a bully but she had the proof in her hands.
The situation at hand: My stepsister (17f) has been bullying this girl in our grade, Mia. Mia is a very shy person. We were never friends but were friendly until the bullying started and then Mia withdrew from everyone. I found out about the bullying over a month ago.
People described it as “not real bullying” but my stepsister has called her names and told her she doesn’t deserve friends. I found a note telling Mia this. I was pissed. My stepsister and I never had a good relationship (always fighting) but I never figured she was an actual bully, just someone who got on my freaking nerves.
OP went to Mia’s parents with the proof and the accusations, and they went to the school demanding serious consequences for her stepsister.
Her father is angry with her and believe the entire incident was motivated by her dislike for her stepsister (or maybe acting out against his remarriage, etc).
I ended up going to Mia’s parents with what I knew and the evidence of the bullying and now it has been brought up with the school and Mia’s parents want my stepsister expelled. My dad is pissed. He said it was so unbelievably petty and mean spirited to go to the girls parents over “sibling issues”. I told my dad nothing between us would ever be sibling issues, because we’re not siblings and my siblings (younger brother and sister) would never do that to another person.
My stepsister has been suspended right now but it looks like she’ll be expelled Thursday when the big meeting happens. My dad’s wife is freaking out and so are my stepbrothers.
It’s not only her siblings and parents who think she was wrong not to talk to her family or her stepsister directly first, leaving OP to wonder whether or not she really did the right thing.
With the exception of my siblings everyone seems to think I’m wrong for doing what I did, for not at least talking to my stepsister first. I feel like going to Mia’s parents was the right call because of how serious bullying can be for the person being bullied and even calling someone names can cut a person really deep.
But I never expected this kind of reaction. Life at home is very awkward right now.
AITA?
Bullying is bad, but it can be tough to know what is right when family is involved.
What does Reddit think? Keep reading!
This person makes a good point, that if the school believes it’s serious enough to expel the stepsister perhaps her parents should be more focused on their daughter’s actions than the reason for the consequences.
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There is a general sense that OP had a lot of courage, and no one is really telling her that.
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At least the internet people are here to give her a virtual pat on the back.
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People who have been there can vouch for the fact that any kind of bullying can have serious consequences.
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It’s very often a big deal to the person on the receiving end, after all.
Image Credit: Reddit
I have to say, I agree with OP taking decisive action, though if she had a better relationship with her stepsister, chances are she would have at least given her a head’s up first.
Either way, this Mia is lucky to have a good friend.
What are your thoughts? Do you think she was just trying to get back at her family?
Sound off in the comments!
