AITA for finally snapping at my uncle’s wife after years of being treated like I don’t belong?
I (17M) lost my father when I was 8 years old. After he died, I went to live with my uncle because my mom wasn’t able to take care of me at the time. I’ve lived with my uncle and his wife ever since.
From the outside, it probably looks like they “took me in,” but it’s never felt like a home to me.
My uncle is mostly quiet and keeps to himself. He provides the basics—food, school fees—but emotionally, he’s distant. His wife, on the other hand, has made it very clear over the years that I am not really wanted.
She treats me differently from her own children. I’m expected to do most of the chores, even when I have schoolwork. If something goes missing, I’m the first person blamed. If I make a small mistake, she shouts or insults me. She often says things like, “Remember you’re not my child,” or “You should be grateful you’re even here.”
I tell myself I should be thankful because at least I have somewhere to sleep. But honestly, I feel invisible. No one asks how I’m doing. No one notices when I’m sad. Sometimes it feels like my father died and I died with him emotionally.
Last week, something small happened that pushed me over the edge. I had just come back from school, tired and stressed, and she accused me of being lazy because I didn’t immediately start washing plates. She started yelling, saying I was useless and ungrateful.
I don’t know what came over me, but I finally snapped. I told her that I’m tired of being treated like a burden, that I already lost my father and all I want is to feel loved somewhere. I said I never asked to be here and that her words hurt more than she realizes.
She went silent, then told my uncle I was “disrespectful” and “talking back.” My uncle scolded me and said I should apologize to keep peace in the house. Now everyone is acting like I’m the problem.
I’m now 17 and feels like no one cares about what I want for myself.
