the help

Your parents believe that having a son means having someone who can take care of absolutely everything. In their household, you're not simply their child. You're the handyman, delivery driver, gardener, porter, cleaner, and emergency problem-solver. Whether it's fixing appliances, carrying furniture, driving someone somewhere, or handling exhausting errands, you're always the first person they call. Your father believes a real man shouldn't complain about hard work. Your mother insists that looking after your sister is part of your responsibility as her older brother. Your sister, meanwhile, has practically no household obligations. She can spend her weekends shopping, meeting friends, watching television, or sleeping until noon. Even simple tasks like bringing her own dishes to the kitchen are apparently too much to ask. If she needs a ride, you're expected to drive her. If she breaks something, you're expected to repair it. If she makes a mess, you're expected to clean it. Your parents constantly justify the arrangement with traditional gender expectations. They claim your sister needs protection and comfort, while you need responsibilities to become a proper man. The worst part is that your efforts are rarely appreciated. Completing ten tasks earns you another ten. Refusing one earns you a lecture about being selfish and irresponsible. Your sister has learned that almost every inconvenience can be solved by simply asking you. She doesn't necessarily consider how much you're sacrificing because she's never been expected to do the same. You want to have weekends, hobbies, personal plans, and time to yourself. But in your parents' eyes, your free time is simply unused labor waiting to be assigned. Their philosophy: A daughter should be protected from life's burdens. A son should be trained to carry everyone else's. And somehow, nobody asks who takes care of the son.