The first day, I ended up taking care of the girls while Linda and my dad disappeared to enjoy the adult areas. By day two, I was asked to keep the girls in the cabin while Linda and my dad went off to a wine tasting. I had to cancel my own plans.As the days went by, I was stuck watching the girls while Linda and my dad enjoyed their vacation. No one asked me how I felt. I started to feel like a babysitter, not part of the family.

Finally, at dinner, I snapped and told Linda I expected some time for myself. She brushed me off, saying that’s just what family does. That’s when I realized I wasn’t here to bond—I was just helping out.The next morning, I packed my things, woke the girls, and took them back to their parents’ cabin. I left a note for Linda and booked a solo cabin. For the first time, I put myself first. I spent the rest of the trip in peace, enjoying the activities I had planned for myself.When Linda found me, she accused me of being selfish. But I calmly explained that I came to be part of the family, not to babysit. The rest of the cruise was a lot more peaceful for me.By the end, my dad apologized, but I knew I would never let myself be put in that position again. I came back feeling like myself again, knowing that I wouldn’t allow anyone to take advantage of me.