My Sister-in-Law’s Controversial Side Hustle Make our Family Embraced

It was a typical summer day. My wife and I received an invitation from my brother and sister-in-law for their son’s third birthday party. As expected, we brought along some gifts for the little one. We included a few hand-me-down items that our own son had outgrown. Our family has always been close. We often pass down things to each other. We know that they will be put to good use. But little did I know, my sister-in-law had a different plan for these gifts.

During the party, we were all gathered around the table. My sister-in-law proudly announced that she had started a “side hustle”. She was selling off the baby items they no longer needed. My jaw dropped as I realized that these were the same gifts we had given them in the past. I couldn’t believe it. I looked at my wife. She was equally shocked. Then I turned to my sister-in-law and said, “That’s a pretty crappy thing to do.” My sister-in-law seemed taken aback by my comment. She tried to defend herself by saying that they had received so many hand-me-downs from their siblings. They couldn’t keep track of them all. But that was not the point.

These were gifts that we had willingly given to them, expecting them to use and gain from. Not to be sold off for a few extra bucks. I couldn’t hold back my disappointment and frustration. I asked her if she had sold any of the items we had given them. Her response was a nonchalant “That was it.” I was done. I told her that if I had known she would do this, I would have given them away. Someone else who would appreciate them would have received the gifts.

I would have donated them to a local non-profit that helps young mothers in need. My sister-in-law got defensive. She started making excuses about how hard things were for them financially. Both of them had stable jobs and college degrees. I felt like she was taking advantage of others. She was selling off these gifts that were meant to be a kind gesture. Things got heated. My brother stepped in. He told me to mind my own business. He added that they didn’t need our gifts if we were going to judge them. But it wasn’t about the gifts anymore. It was about the principle of the matter.

I couldn’t help but feel disappointed in my sister-in-law and the choices she was making. As we left the party, my wife and I couldn’t stop talking about it. We both agreed that we wouldn’t be giving them any more gifts in the future. We would suggest the same to our other siblings. It was a sad realization. I couldn’t help but feel that my sister-in-law’s “side hustle” had changed her. She seemed like a bit of an asshole in my eyes. But in the end, it was their choice and their conscience to deal with.