megsgma - I often regret being an only child, as I had always wanted siblings. My husband has one sister, who is seven years younger than he is, and therefore they're not very close.
But there's still "issues" within the family, even a small family like that. I have withdrawn myself from it all and leave my husband to have his own relationship with his own family.
But when I read stories like yours, I am never more grateful for having a small family and not having all these shenanigans going on.
The thing that struck me most from the opening post is this line "What did she mean by that? I was truly offended". This read to me as though you were looking for something to be offended by, and decided that was going to be it. You didn't even know what she meant by it, yet you are truly offended by it.
I understand there is a huge history within the family dynamics, and I suspect that you have taken a passing comment as a slight towards you when it may not have been intended that way. Of course, it's easy to say just let it go, or don't be so sensitive, but in the moment, it's not logic that rules the head, is it?
I'd say give yourself a bit of a break from the family, enjoy your holiday (and how lovely of your friend to take you away at her expense) and take some time to reflect.
One thing I would agree with though is that you shouldn't let yourself get caught up in indignation about what happened before you were part of the family. That's for your husband to deal with, not you.
I wish you well. You've taken a bit of a beating on the thread, but rest assured, it's not often like this on Gransnet, and for the most part, the support and advice is phenomenal, whether it's for serious issues, or more niggley lighthearted stuff.
