AITA for keeping a distance from my sister because of a potentially stupid and petty reason (kinda long read)

Asshole

I (19F) recently decided to switch majors from art to accounting. It wasn’t an easy decision, as I had to consider financial stability, mental health, and many other factors. Although art means a lot to me, I feel the job market in my country values a good portfolio more than a degree for graphic design or illustration, so I decided to pursue a degree that may be more “cherished” so I won’t burden my family too much.

Since my sister (18F) is only a year younger than me, we’re both starting (restarting, in my case) college this year. Unlike me, she never had a solid plan for what major to pursue. Whenever my parents asked, she would avoid answering, and even her friends didn’t seem to know.

As my country’s nationwide university entrance exam approached, she became interested in food technology. My parents immediately shut it down, saying she’d be stuck doing quality control work in factories for the rest of her life.

My mother kept insisting she should study business, economics, or law because many relatives work in those fields. Eventually, my sister applied for a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

I wasn’t happy when I heard about it. It felt like everything I’d done by switching majors for a more stable career was pointless. I can’t deny I feel angry at my sister because it seems she couldn’t stand up to our parents and pursue what she actually wanted.
It’s worse because she studied STEM in high school. Before this, she’d even said she didn’t like math or economics, which makes me wonder why she’d choose accounting.

Ever since she was accepted into a top university, I can’t bring myself to interact with her. It doesn’t help that I proofread her motivation letter and helped her prepare for the interview because my parents asked me to. It feels like everything was handed to her while I had to work for it. Lately, we only interact when it’s necessary.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy for her as her sister. But I’m also disappointed. I know my parents played a role in this, yet most of my anger is directed at her.

Is it justified to feel this way? Am I a terrible person? I’ve been avoiding her for more than three weeks now.

Posted Jul 11, 2026, 8:49 PM UTC

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