Northern_Coast

+1 for the „you don‘t have to do it“-camp.

In general, that is. Unfortunately for this particular weekend, you‘ve told your sister „If you absolutely can‘t find anyone else, I‘ll do it.“

I can tell you right now from my experience at work with swapping shifts: If you make that kind of statement, it‘ll be interpreted as „Yes, I‘ll do it.“ So take that as an advice for future conversations with your sister and also for your job at the hospital.

I think this time you should probably do it, because your sister really doesn’t seem to have another option right now.

Also, if there‘s an emergency, of course I think you should help.

Apart from that, though, I think your reasons for not wanting to do it are absolutely valid. I don‘t see it as you looking for „any excuse“ to get out of it, and I especially don‘t see it as a lack of empathy! Don‘t let some of these comments get to you. You have already helped with babysitting many times before, so it‘s not like you never do your sister a favour.

I completely understand working hard and looking forward to a weekend of camping, instead of quietly watching TV by yourself, hoping that the kid won‘t wake up.
Also, you having to give your dog for the night is kind of a big deal! It’s a hassle, and also it‘s YOUR dog who happens to live in your house, and it‘s stressful for the dog and annoying to you that you have to remove him/her.

In the future, it‘s probably best if you say right away, „no, sorry, I‘ve got other plans.“ Any attempt to justify or discuss it will make it easier for her to pressure you. I know, easier said than done – I‘m also still working on saying „no“.