So I (19F) have a cousin, “Jenna” (31F), who has three little kids — 7M, 5F, and 3F. I’ve always helped her out with babysitting since I adore the kids and I’m usually free on weekends. I’ve never asked for money, even though it’s become kind of expected at this point.

Anyway, a few nights ago we had a family get-together at my grandparents’ house. Everything was good until someone brought up how I’ve been spending a lot of time preparing for nursing school. Jenna decided that was her cue to start making jokes at my expense.

She said stuff like, “Well yeah, it’s not like she has a social life,” and, “Good thing she babysits so much — gives her something to talk about.” Everyone laughed, and she just kept going. At one point she even said I was basically “her built-in au pair.” I felt so small. My uncle told her to cool it, but she just smiled and said she was “just teasing.”

I was really hurt, so I decided I’m done doing favors for someone who doesn’t respect me. The next time she texted asking if I could watch the kids this weekend, I just replied, “Nope, I’ve got plans.” When she asked what, I told her, “Working on having the life you say I don’t have.”

Now she’s saying I’m being dramatic and “taking it out on the kids.” My aunt even told me I should “let it go” because it wasn’t that serious. But honestly, I don’t think it’s okay to be mocked in front of everyone like that and then just pretend nothing happened.

AITA?