Am I the jerk for refusing to share my location with my family anymore?
I 26F live alone about an hour away from my parents and siblings. A few years ago we all started sharing our live locations mostly for safety. At first it felt fine, like if someone got stranded or didnt answer texts. No big deal.
Over time it started feeling less safe and more like surveillance. My mom would text asking why i was at the grocery store so late. My sister would joke about how often i go to the same coffee place. My dad once asked why i drove to a different neighborhood than usual after work. None of it was angry, just constant little comments that made me feel watched.
I tried hinting that it made me uncomfortable. They all brushed it off saying its normal and they arent checking that often. Last month i took a spontaneous day off work and went to a nearby town to just walk around and clear my head. My mom called asking why i wasnt at work and if something was wrong. That kinda snapped something in me.
I turned off location sharing without announcing it. Within hours i got messages asking if my phone was broken. I said no and explained i dont want my movements tracked anymore, i am fine and will still text if im traveling or need help. My family reacted badly. They said i am being dramatic, secretive, and that this is how families stay connected now.
My sister said if something happens to me it will be my fault. My mom cried and said it feels like i am pushing everyone away. I honestly just want some privacy and to feel like an adult. I still call them, visit, and check in. I just dont want a map of my life open 24 7.
Am i the jerk for turning it off even though it clearly upsets them?
Posted Jan 11, 2026, 8:01 PM UTC