So I'll try and keep this short, dh is in media. He's currently running a funding campaign to try and get a project finished (not unusual in his line of interest). His dad popped over and we had a chat, and the subject of it came up. He hasn't contributed, and it hasn't gone unnoticed by my dh. His whole life he's been made to feel second best to his half sisters, which even in his mid 30s still upsets him. Dfil explained he hasn't yet contributed because he had to pay out for a weekend away for dh sisters 21st birthday. Now while I completely understand a 21st birthday is important, dh will see it as yet another reminder he's second best, particularly as for his 21st he could barely arrange a meal with his dad and family, let alone an all expenses paid weekend away (as far as I'm aware not much has changed in their financial status since then). He's never expected a huge amount, just some acknowledgment of the hard work he's putting in would suffice as, before he met me, no one really supported his dream.
If dh brings it up again (as it does genuinely upset him) should I tell him the reason why his dad hasn't contributed and risk upsetting him or keep quiet?
I know it all sounds petty but there's obviously a lot more to the story, 30+ years worth of being made to feel inadequate takes its toll.