Would This Be Considered “Betraying the Family”?

Question by Cybele: Would this be considered “betraying the family”?
My sister, who is 20 and at university discusses our family’s financial problems and our mother’s drug addiction (to prescription tranquilizers) with her boyfriend. My mother considers this to be a “betrayal” and thinks that my sister should be only discussing “surface topics” with her boyfriend. The two of them have been together for 2 years and are planning to get married. He is a very nice boy. I tried to explain to my mother that discussing her family life helps her build intimacy and trust with her boyfriend. My mother is still furious. Is she right or am I?

Best answer:

Answer by Jason
I see no problem with this, but get your mum into rehab

Answer by colorstripes
I think you’re right. But your mothers feelings are understandable. She sees your issues as “family problems” and doesn’t want others to know about it. However, she needs to understand that your sister isn’t sharing this with just anybody, but someone she trusts and cares for and is building a relationship with. These issues affect your sister and she has a right to discuss it with whomever she pleases whether it be her best friend or boyfriend. Discussing it doesn’t change the situation and doesn’t make it worse, your sister is simply sharing her feelings on an issue with someone who will try to comfort her.