I'm 22F and for the last year or so, I’ve been making a modest but steady income through content creation. I do freelance social media work and run a few small TikTok accounts where I post reviews, aesthetic videos, etc.

It’s not glamorous or viral, just consistent side income from affiliate links, brand UGC, and some freelance editing gigs. I still have a part-time job to stay stable, but for the first time in my life, I’m not living paycheck to paycheck.

My cousin (28F) recently found out I was making money online through a mutual friend.

We used to be close growing up but haven’t talked much the past few years. Suddenly, she started messaging me asking how much I make, what apps I use, and saying things like, “Girl, I need to get on that influencer life,” and “Must be nice to get paid to be on your phone.”

At first I tried to be helpful, sent her a few resources, told her how I got started, etc. But then she asked if I could “help her out” with money because she’s behind on rent. I said I was sorry but couldn’t. She pressed again, saying, “It’s not like you’d even notice $200 with all the side income you’ve got.” That rubbed me the wrong way.

I told her that just because my income isn’t traditional doesn’t mean it’s easy or stable.

I have bills, student loans, and I’ve worked hard to build this up from scratch. She said I was “selfish” and that I “forgot where I came from.” Now she’s venting to other relatives, and I’m getting comments like, “You should help her if you can,” and “She’s family.”

But I don’t think I owe anyone money just because they know I make some online. It’s not like I’m rich or smth...