People Share Their Most Shocking Family Secrets
It’s no secret that everyone has one or two skeletons in their closets. Keeping secrets is just part of human nature. Sometimes families take that idea and run with it to shocking and eye-opening extremes. Whether it’s common drama, or something darker, every family has a secret or two that they don’t want everyone knowing about. That doesn’t mean the news is kept inside forever. We’ve collected some of the most shocking, strange, bizarre, and interesting family secrets that people thought needed to be aired out!
You never really know what’s going on behind closed doors. Now multiply that by a few generations and you’re close to how intense some of these confessions are!
What Does The Family Tree Look Like?
They say blood is thicker than water. However, what happens when the family tree is a bit withered or tangled? There’s always been a running “joke” about people being related to family members in unexpected ways. Sometimes it’s due to who ends up shacking up with who. Other times super distant cousins meet up and decide that they’d like to raise a family.
While those are more common than other occurrences, sometimes there are more unique situations that appear. For instance finding out your uncle is actually your brother! While it doesn’t really change things genetically, it can still shock people who have no idea what title a family member is actually supposed to have.
Does That Constitute As Kidnapping?
It’s always a terribly hard decision to leave a child behind. Unfortunately, it happens quite often around the world. No matter the reason, there must be some sort of trauma on the parent to give up their baby. Thankfully, there are also loving families out there willing and looking for kiddos to bring into their lives! What do they do when the biological parent comes back and wants their kid?
Well, you could tell the truth and let them know what you did (since you did raise a baby). That, or, do what these people did and just lie. First, please, don’t do this. That doesn’t sound like it helps much. Especially if the kiddo grows up and is never told!
The Movies Got Something Right?
Has anyone seen those western films where a poker game turns into a shootout in the saloon? Those over-the-top Hollywood showdowns are kind of based on truth. There actually was a poker game that turned south real quickly when someone’s grandfather lost a hefty pot. Instead of accepting the loss, the future grandpa shot the guy and took his money back.
How’d he get away with it? He just told the cops he was being robbed. The other guy couldn’t say his side of the story. This is what people were able to get away with before supermarket cameras. Plus, it was the 30s, it was a much weirder time.
The Quietest House In The World
Have you ever given someone the silent treatment? How long did it last? We bet it wasn’t anywhere near as long as this pair of grandparents. Petty family feuds can snowball into something much bigger and faster than people can realize. Could you imagine Grandma and Grandpa not speaking for a full week? What about twenty whole years?!
While this sounds pretty intense, it’s also kind of admirable in a twisted sort of way. They obviously had some bad beef. Something about it must have tasted or smelled right because the beef wasn’t enough to keep them from moving away. It was just a really quiet couple of decades at the dinner table.
The Most Crowded Christmas Ever
Families come in all shapes and sizes. While we can’t choose who our biological parents are, it’s at least nice to know WHO they are. We understand that may be tricky sometimes. However, shouldn’t parents be a bit more upfront with how their kiddos are all related? Just because a relationship didn’t work after a baby entered the picture doesn’t mean it should be kept from the kid.
Imagine not knowing your dad, and now imagine your siblings not knowing any of theirs either. Nobody deserves to be judged for their choices (though they should be honest to the ones affected). Family reunions after the fact might be a tad awkward. At least the holiday card gets a few more people featured in the photo once everything’s sorted out!
They’re A Multi-Continental Family
War is a terrible, scary, and completely avoidable thing. We’re not here to discuss that. That’s just a fact we’ve had to live with since the beginning of time. When powerful people don’t see eye to eye then big things can happen. Whenever some sort of altercation changes how people connect and where they can go, some weird things can happen. During World War II a lot of soldiers ended up staying overseas longer than normal.
Naturally, this resulted in a few lost loves and broken relationships. Those relationships don’t just vanish once the fighting ends! Their effects can be felt for generations. Imagine having an entirely different family somewhere that doesn’t know about their connection to another group of people!
The Recipe Is Finger Licking Good!
Have you ever noticed how closely guarded certain family recipes and traditions are? Do you have any you refuse to reveal to anyone? If so, maybe you learned that skill from your grandparents. They’re the ultimate gatekeepers of tasty family confections! Naturally, some grandparents will pass their knowledge down to preserve a family dish for future generations.
Other times they pass away and take their somewhat stolen idea (and pre-made dishes) with them to the next plane of existence. Regardless, at least this family didn’t lose something super precious to them. Whenever they’re missing grandma they can go down to the local chicken place and order a bucket with extra gravy!
Those Are Wildly Different Things
When we’re little it makes sense to not really understand what the grownups do with their time. It’s like they live in a completely different world than we do. Then we turn eighteen and get thrown into adulthood. That’s when the family secrets begin to spill out like a broken dam. Some of them aren’t interesting. Others are so surprising and upsetting that the younger family members weren’t aware of what was going on.
Finding out your uncles raise puppies is one thing. Finding out that maybe that was a cover because they’re in jail for murder? That’s not nearly as fun. It makes sense why a kiddo wouldn’t know this about someone they grew up with. However, how do you process it once you’re old enough to know they’re behind bars?
Where Do They Draw The Line?
What line do you draw when your babysitter or nanny starts acting more like a parent? While non-biological family members can be just as important as those you’re related to, some people come into our lives and then move on. That’s part of the job. Not everyone feels the same way. Sometimes, certain family members may think everyone wants the same way of life that they want.
This is why communication is super important. That and getting all the requirements for a caregiver job in writing so you’re not surprised later (like by a surprise marriage proposal or arrangement). Not only will things be more clear, but there will be a lot less heartbreak when people decide to part ways or move on to different, less committed, professions.
They’re Not Supposed To Be Hobbies
Raising a family is an extremely difficult thing to do. Whether it’s a single parent, a couple, or people choosing to raise each other, there’s a lot of work and time that goes into bringing up the next generation. With all that time already spent, who has a spare moment to add another one on the side? You’d be surprised how common it is. This is both heartbreaking and impressive.
For one thing, how could someone do this to a child (and the rest of a family)? For another, how in the world did they not collapse from exhaustion just from keeping this up for a decade? It’s okay to be in disbelief and disappointed in someone at the exact same time.
Do They All Go To The Same Farm?
It’s not easy raising a pet. When we’re little we’re basically convinced they’ll be with us forever. Of course, this can also be our first introduction to how life and death work. Not every kid can handle that. Instead, parents (with the best of intentions) will try to protect young ones by making sure their furry friend stays with them for as long as possible.
Sometimes they even exceed most people’s expectations and live double their projected lifespan! Sure, their personalities may be a tad different, but aesthetics-wise? They never change. Right? Not so much. Even when feelings are trying to be spared, hearing your favorite fur-ever friend was actually two different animals can shake someone up.
At Least She Was Responsible About Driving
Parents are untouchable, grandparents are golden, and our siblings are always going to pick on us. That’s the way the world works when we’re younger. As it turns out, people aren’t one-dimensional at all. Everyone has their own demons they’re battling and that doesn’t always make sense to people who can’t see those battles taking place in front of them.
Finding out things about our grandparents’ past is on par with seeing a teacher we know outside of class. We know it happens, but it’s still kind of unbelievable. Even if their secret is from the past, maybe give them some grace and understand that everyone is on their own journey.
Nobody Should Have To Go Through That
Sometimes we don’t realize why our parents make the rules they do. The world of adults is super complicated and half the time the things they say make no sense, right? Okay, sure, but not this time. Unfortunately, even if we aren’t traumatized, trauma experienced by our parents can affect an entire family. The Jonestown massacre is a pretty dark spot for human history. While the effects are widely known, how many people know what happened after everyone drank the Kool-Aid?
Obviously, people had to come in and give everyone a proper burial (and just clean stuff up). That doesn’t make it something that feels routine for anyone involved. If anyone was part of that group then we understand why powdered drink mixes weren’t allowed in their houses after that.
That’s A Pretty Unique Career
People have a deep fascination with the world of organized crime. The archaic family-style crime rings have some twisted nostalgia for fans of films like The Godfather and Goodfellas. What people forget is that they’re based on some really scary things. There’s nothing more menacing than the mafia, right? That’s only because you haven’t heard about the Camorra.
They’re kind of like Italy’s version of the mafia juiced up to a ridiculous scary and high-stakes extreme. You do NOT want to tangle with them. This isn’t like a Netflix show. They’re real and delve into some dicey things. Imagine your loving parent turned out to be one of them.
It’s Not Like A Gap Commercial
Exploring your sexuality as an adult in a safe and healthy way is great. As long as nobody’s getting hurt and everyone consents to everything, why not have some fun? That also doesn’t have to change once you have a family. Or does it? We guess that depends on how your kids feel about it once they find out mommy and daddy swung with the best of them.
They may have been much more social than you and your siblings thought. While it’s not that shocking, especially in this day and age, it’s still pretty surprising. What kind of conversation did that family have once everything was laid out? Do they even listen to swing music in the house anymore?
They Play Great Music There
Whatever job you want to pursue, you go for it! Take pride in your work, do your best, and work in a place that makes you happy. It doesn’t matter what you do. Maybe you want to exercise all day, dance to music, and collect tips from people. Sometimes those people tip more than a few bucks. One of them may even propose!
Once you get married that doesn’t mean you should stop doing what you love. Just be prepared to tell your kids where mom and dad met. That’s always a fun story and a great icebreaker! Plus, that just shows that whoever was on the pole is both an athlete and a savvy business person!
A Different Kind Of Pain
Going to the dentist is never fun. Aside from that guy from Little Shop of Horrors, it’s never an enjoyable time in that chair. Even though it’s not personal, the pain sure is. That’s bound to drive some people a bit to the edge. However, that’s never an excuse to hurt your dental doctor. You should also never straight up kill them.
Combining fear of an affair with a possible disdain for the dentist caused a grandfather to go past the point of no return. Somehow, he got away with it until he confessed to everything on his deathbed. We’re not exactly sure how he managed that, but that’s pretty terrifying. What other skeletons did grandpa have in his closet (or elsewhere)?
The Oldest Story In The Book
What is it with the grandparents and homicide? It’s not very comforting to know so many families have at least one grandparent that somehow evaded being arrested for murder. Each time it appears, the stories seem to get darker. While sometimes it’s an accident (very rarely), taking a life is a serious thing. Taking a family member’s is even worse.
Throw in the fact that it was to get an inheritance and you have a Michael Douglas movie or something. Losing a great uncle to something as petty as an inheritance is pretty devastating. There’s no amount of money big enough to justify that. However, there must have been a lot of if he was able to get away with it.
What Really Happened At The Window?
Sometimes the scariest stories don’t involve anything from a different plane of existence. Some of the best-known horror stories are about the reality of how unsafe we really are. Even among families, there are a few serious incidents from time to time. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean the aggressor is always caught. It sounds pretty terrifying to be in your house at one moment and wake up later to be told you fell from a window.
In the sequel of the movie version, would the person taking care of them turn out to be the perpetrator? Was it actually the aunt’s choice? All the unanswered questions kind of add a layer or two of fear on top, even just for those reading about it.
Winning Is The New Losing
The ridiculous dream of winning some obscene lottery is a pretty common goal for millions. The quickest way out of a lot of people’s problems could be a multi-million dollar payout. In fact, that’s not a bad life’s work if you do it correctly. What more and more people are learning is that winning the lottery totally sucks.
Winners turn into recluses or spiral out of control. It’s probably just easier to do what this savvy family is doing. Keep the cash growing somewhere and keep a modest lifestyle. Hopefully one day they’ll be able to enjoy their cash in peace (or at least move so far away that the money zombies can’t reach them).
Was Everyone Really Happy To Get Married?
The fight for equality sometimes feels like a never-ending struggle that’s moving forward but not nearly fast enough. However, compared to the 60s, things may seem a lot more open and free for many people. Unfortunately, it wasn’t uncommon back then for people to marry just to fit in. Maybe they did love their spouse, but not in the way they needed or even wanted.
That’s heartbreaking for everyone involved to some extent. However, sometimes love has a way of keeping families together in unique ways. It still may be a bit bittersweet to wonder what could have been if things had been more accepting a couple of generations ago.
Are We Suddenly Back On Wisteria Lane?
The Welcome Wagon used to be a neighborhood tradition where a couple of families got together to welcome newcomers to the neighborhood. While it seems quaint and pleasant, sometimes it turns into a more passionate type of meeting. While families in a community may grow closer through the years, a multi-decade affair seems like it’s on a completely different level.
What makes it so interesting isn’t just how long it’s been going on. The other huge question is who else knows about the affair? Is it one of those neighborhood secrets? Does everyone know but nobody talks about it? That feels like the plot to something.
It Takes A Bit Of Time
Pregnancy is a confusing and wondrous thing. The fact that a brand new human can be created inside of a body is just mind-blowing. Sometimes there’s even more than one new person being born. Sometimes there’s eight. What we’re saying is that no matter how much we learn, we’re always discovering new things. This person might have felt similar when they learned an interesting new fact.
They found out that they were supposed to have a sibling! While their other future brother or sis didn’t make it, it seems the parents were still happy and thankful for their one kiddo. When it was time to tell them, things may have just been a little more nonchalant than they expected it to be.
They Were Telling The Truth
Have you ever decided to be mean to a sibling by telling them they were adopted? Someone always gets upset. Then they run to their parents and are reassured that they’re not. Here’s the dealio: there’s nothing wrong with being adopted. Maybe your sibling just didn’t like the idea because they didn’t understand what it meant. Also, what happens if they actually were adopted?
What then, mister smartypants? That’s probably not a conversation your parents wanted to have until everyone was ready. At least that means the family will continue to grow? Somehow, you’ve got to find a silver lining. Just remember: where you come from doesn’t define where you’re headed.
Science Can Help Make Babies, Too
There’s more than one way to make an omelet. Common phrase. There’s also a follow-up that goes: and more than one way to have a family. Thanks to the miraculous wonders of science, humans have been able to find ways to have children without ever having to meet. Invitro fertilization along with other methods have helped millions of people start families on their own terms.
While the story normally ends there, what about the kids? How do they react when they find out that’s how they were conceived? It may not be a big deal. It also may be something that shatters their world (especially when they find out there might be some siblings, too).
Please Define Chaos Magic For Us
No matter their direction or drive, people will always look for some sort of common ground and safe place where they feel free to express their beliefs. There are also some who decide that worshipping unique things in a slightly dangerous cult is the right path for them. It’s easy to get swept up in that sort of thing, especially if you’re looking for a purpose in life.
Imagine if you found out your mom and dad used to be part of something that had the possibility of turning into the next Jonestown. The news may be upsetting. It could even be worse if it turns out one of your parents, or both, were heads of it.
Not Exactly An Honest Shopping Spree
Do you ever donate to those community buckets around town? Whether it’s clothing in the big bin or a buck or two in the little red one, it’s not hard to find a way to give back or help out a local cause. While that’s all well and good, there is one big problem with these things: they’re never really guarded well.
You’d think something that’s supposed to help those in need would have a bit of security to prevent thefts! Even the charity buckets at bars aren’t locked down. This aunt in particular came to that realization and decided to try her luck. With some fast hands and quick legs, she ended up pulling a reverse Robin Hood.
How Many Mistakes Do People Get To Make?
Relationships take work, time, and commitment. When both (or multiple) people are involved they can really get places. When that trust ends up being broken though what do you do? Forgive and forget? Push through it and commit to doing better? Those aren’t the only two options. You could also stay together through sheer stubbornness.
It’s not always worth it to throw that all away for the experiences. Sometimes, people just stick it out to the end. Why? Because the investment was too much to just let everyone go their separate ways. That might not be the path for everyone, but it happened to work out for this couple somehow.
Anyone Can Be A Scammer
What goes on in a small town stays in a small town. Usually, that’s the truth. But when the secret is that one of your neighbors laundered millions of dollars? That kind of thing gets out. The larger the pyramid or ponzi scheme, the harder the person at the top falls (if they don’t get away with it). Imagine the neighborhood investment banker loses a bunch of people’s money.
Imagine it happens to everyone in your neighborhood. What kind of GoFundMe do you start to get all that money back? He may have even stolen from his own family. That alone makes things even weirder. How’d they get caught? They decided to go jewelry shopping.
Our Bank Accounts Totally Get It
Being told you have to work a major holiday is always a drag. You were looking forward to having some time off! Maybe there was a huge family gathering that everyone was looking forward to. Well, everyone but you. Oh, now you want to work on holidays? We kind of get it. Usually you get some extra money and a bit of peace and quiet. For some people that’s completely worth it.
Sure, we all love our families. However, that doesn’t mean we went to spend every waking minute with them. If we can’t have a vacation together maybe it’s worth it to work through the day. Plus, you can wear your headphones and jam out to some great playlists while you work.