Not What “Two Become One” Means

(While I like my sister’s husband, ever since they got together, it seems they’ve melded into one person. If I ask her to do something — shopping, the movies, pampering, etc — she either replies that her husband is unavailable or he just doesn’t want to do what I’ve suggested. I’ve even asked if she wants to have a GIRL’S DAY but I get the same answer. I’ve brought this to her attention several times but she brushes me off, saying I’m exaggerating. I’d be lying if I said it didn’t make me resent them a little bit.)

Husband: “[Sister] likes chicken parmesan, right?”

Me: “Yeah.”

Husband: “Are you gonna invite her over?”

Me: “I can try but if [Her Husband] isn’t free she’s just going to say no.”

Husband: “She can’t come over without him?”

Me: “Every time I ask her to do something, it has to be with him or not at all. I don’t know if that’s how she wants it or if he’s that controlling or what.”

Husband: “Oh.”

Me: “I’ll call her.”

(I call her on speaker.) 

Sister: “Hello?”

Me: “Hey, [Sister], what are you doing tonight?”

Sister: “Um, nothing as far as I know. [Her Husband] is in [Another City] for a few days.”

Husband: “Wanna come over for dinner? We’re making chicken parmesan!”

Sister: “Oh. Um. I don’t know.”

Me: “Come over; you won’t have to cook.”

Sister: “Well, [Her Husband] is supposed to call in a few hours and I should be home.”

Me: “You can’t take his call here or call him back later?”

Sister: “I just think it would be better if I’m home when he calls.”

Me: “Fine. I’ll talk to you later.”

Sister: “Are you mad?”

Me: “Forget it. Bye.” *hangs up*

Husband: *jokingly* “Maybe she just doesn’t want to hang out with you.”

Me: “Shut up. Maybe it’s you.”

Husband: *shrug*

(We went on with our evening. Like everyone else our age, we took pictures of our food and posted them on social media. A few friends liked it, a few commented. My sister commented, asking if we would pack up some leftovers and drop them off for her and her husband. No, there were no leftovers.)