Am I being ungrateful?

[Anonymous]

So, in 2022, my dad and I planned that our big family vacation in 2024 would be to Canada. We would go skiing and stay in a snow lodge. However, he changed things last minute to a cruise, which really upset me. We went on a cruise last year, and I absolutely couldn't stand it. I'm on the spectrum and have issues with bipolar disorder. There were way too many people on that boat, it was extremely hot, and I had about three panic attacks. It was also boring, and I couldn't find anyone in my age group. I got overstimulated, and while the food was okay, overall, it was a terrible experience for me.

Now, my dad has booked another cruise, and I told him that I was overstimulated during the previous one, and we had already made plans for Canada. He responded by saying that he thought I wanted to go on another cruise. I explained to him that I wouldn't enjoy this one either. He argues that I'm older this time. However, I want to point out that when I went on the cruise last year, I was 19, and this year I'll only be 20, so there won't be a significant difference. Now my parents are calling me ungrateful, but I don't understand why, given that in 2022, he asked me what I wanted to do.

[Mr_twoface]

You are not being ungrateful. As a parent, I strongly believe doing things with your kids which are memorial for life. If they are strugling or having issues, support them and make everything in your power to cherish those moments.

So you mentioned, you went with your dad. Maybe the cruise is also for him to get away from a stressful life. Is your parents divorced? Maybe on the cruise he gets to flirt and recieve in return flirtatious vibes, maybe he gets to get lucky.

If not, I don't understand why he is keen despite your issues. Ask them to explain in that case. Maybe the cruise is cheaper than the Canada trip and it comes down to financial reasons. I think you should lay down to your parents, once again, your issues and be totally blunt and honest about your experience from the last cruise. If he/they still rub it off with you being older, then you need to make the decision whether or not to go at all.