AIBU for feeling resentful towards my brother about his easy life?

[MartinsSquirrel]

I have a 35 year old brother who recently moved back to the UK after living in California for 13 years, he recently told me that he's just retired which completely shocked me. I knew him and his wife made great money while they were in the states (they paid for me and my parents to visit a few times) but I had no clue just how wealthy he is. He told me him and his wife have over £5m in investments and just live on that now! They have no children and no plans for any so their days basically just consist of gaming and watching Netflix and playing with their dog, that's in contrast to me who has 3 children and can barely pay the bills! I love my brother and he's never been anything but lovely to me and my parents but I just can't help feeling resentful about his incredibly easy life AIBU

He sounds lovely and very generous. You are envious and human, totally normal but to resent him will sour your relationship and that would be a shame. It was your choice yo have three kids and deal with the expense and everything else that cones with three kids. You could have stopped at one op or not had any at all and then you would have been able to afford luxuries. It was your choice op, you made different choices. I'd be proud of him if I were you.

Those commenting that Netflix and gaming is so dull, what a waste! The point is they can choose what they do each and every day. Not beholden to a boss, not having to spend 7+ hours working. Stress free!

Really? What a strange comment. There are plenty of things worse than choosing to retire early with plenty of money to do what you like.

Oh for goodness sake it was a tongue in cheek comment. Why does everyone take everything so seriously!

It’s totally human to feel the grass is greener sometimes but you’re so lucky you have a lovely, kind, generous sibling - I wish I did!!

As for folks saying they’d rather have their kids than op’s brother’s “empty” childless life - yeah okay then 😉because when you have kids all of your days are so wonderful and purposeful, and you feel so emotionally fulfilled ?? You wanna tell to all the posters that come on here saying they feel depressed from the mindless drudgery of child raising 😂

Sounds like he's someone to be proud of? Can't you reframe this in your mind? "I have an awesome brother, who is really successful, has a great relationship with a woman I like, has done well in his career and is also generous, kind and fun to be around." Better a brother / uncle like this than a crook or a bastard surely?!

If we draw a venn diagram of "people who think they only watch Netflix and are gaming" and "people who type 'Done' to win a holiday at Centre Parcs from
random Facebook posts" I think we are heading for a perfect circle aren't we ?

'Tongue in cheek' or simply jealous?

This thread is Mumsnet at its finest.

It's that old saying... Comparison is the theif of joy?

He's made particular choices which have netted him loads of dosh.

You've made choices which mean you jave 3 kids?

I.really couldn't cope with retirement at 35 watching Netflix and gaming.... Dull as anything!

I would be very happy for him and pleased he’s not having the financial hardship you have.

Of course YABU. They will have worked really hard for this “incredibly easy life” , taken some massive risks, had a little bit of luck too and made some sensible financial choices. By your own admission, they are generous and kind people. What’s to resent???

You can really tell who is bitter and resentful about their lives when you read threads like this

Just being nosey, what is Reno's?

im not convinced that he does anything but serve his own interests. I’m willing to say I’ve done a lot more for the community then he ever has. Also, love the way that people are criticising me for making assumptions and then do the same to me. Anyway, I’m sure you are all best mates with him and he has sorted all the worlds problems out. My opinion is as valid as yours. Guess what, there is more to life then making money and contributing very little for the rest of your lives. I guess my values are just very different.

Don’t people who have kids do so to serve their own interests?

At the end of the day how he chooses to live his life is none of your business.

We're supposed to do stuff for the community??

Only if you don't have children 😉