My family pressured me to hide my genetic condition at my sister’s wedding – my mom wasn’t happy I stopped when it ended
A BROTHER of the bride has given his experience being pressured to hide a lifelong medical condition on the big day.
His family went for the push to hide the genetic ailment during his sister’s wedding.
Redditor Lucky_strike222 shared the ordeal in two posts on the social media platform.
The 21-year-old said his condition affects his eyes and has been an ongoing issue between him and his family.
“I live abroad so I don’t see my family often, but every time I visit I get urged to go out in public, at events, to see family — wearing contacts,” he said.
He expressed discomfort at the thought of wearing lenses, saying the condition doesn’t bother him at all.
WHAT IS HETEROCHROMIA?
The bride’s brother has heterochromia, a genetic condition which causes two different eye colors.
“My mom has always been image oriented,” he said.
“[She’s been] grooming my sister and I our whole lives and being hyper-critical about our looks.”
He said that this time would be no different, but really didn’t want to wear the lenses.
“So should I suck it up and wear the contacts for that day?” he asked.
“Maybe I’m picking the wrong time to retaliate. When is the right time?”
“Nope,” one Redditor replied.
“Your eyes are gorgeous. Wear them with pride. Or go malicious compliance and wear full black scleral contacts.”
THE WEDDING DAY
The brother of the bride detailed what he decided to do in a second post to Reddit.
“I had a long conversation with my sister,” he said. “We had to do it over FaceTime because I was still abroad but in a way it was better.
“She understands and was genuinely feeling bad about having to request this from me, but we both decided it’s not the time to defy the family.
“I put my personal frustration aside, and after making the first post I began to feel that I was being selfish.
“I think most people didn’t want me to make the decision I did. I’m sorry.”
He added that his sister supported his personal decision throughout the ordeal.
“My sister was prepared to let me participate in her wedding without any contacts,” he said.
“But I decided to wear them because it’s her wedding day.
He also added that things took a turn after the wedding, causing his mother some upset.
“After the wedding, I took the contacts out (mom wasn’t happy) and I haven’t been wearing them here during my visit,” he said.
“Weddings literally bring out the worst in everyone,” one Redditor commented on the situation.