A Blunt Dive Into The Worst "Am I The Jerk?" Stories

Last night I (34F) took my 9-year-old daughter, Zara, to a huge family New Year’s Eve party at my cousin’s place. It was fun—good food, loud music, the whole deal. We took a bunch of group photos, which was cool, but I made it clear to everyone that if they posted any of them online, Zara and I needed to be cropped out or left out entirely.

I’ve been online since the dial-up days, and let’s just say… it wasn’t great for me.

Cyberbullying, weirdos in my DMs, the whole nine yards. I don’t want Zara dealing with that mess. I used to post pics of her all the time when she was a baby, but I stopped a few years ago after realizing how sketchy the internet can be.

Cut to this morning: I’m scrolling through my feed, and bam—there’s a pic from last night, posted by my brother-in-law, Trevor. Not only are Zara and I clearly in the shot (zero cropping), but he even captioned it with, “Celebrating NYE with the fam! Shoutout to my niece Zara, our little January baby, who got her gift early!”

I lost it.

I called him immediately and told him to take it down and repost it without us or any mention of Zara. He blew up at me, saying I was being controlling, unreasonable, and “acting like a dictator.” He claims he didn’t hear me say anything about cropping us out last night and thought it was fine. But come on—he knows I don’t want Zara online. My own mom barely gets away with posting about her, so why would he?

Now the family’s split. Trevor’s side is calling me paranoid, and my side is backing me up. I don’t want Zara to grow up estranged from her uncle, but I also don’t want her childhood plastered all over the internet.

Am I overreacting?

Another User Comments:

“Look, I get where you’re coming from—I really do. The internet’s a wild place, and protecting your kid is priority number one. But here’s the thing: you can’t control what other people post. You can ask, you can plead, but at the end of the day, if someone takes a photo on their phone, it’s theirs to do what they want with. That’s just reality.

That said, Trevor’s reaction was way over the top. Calling you names? Not cool. But starting the conversation with demands probably put him on the defensive right away.

Maybe try a calmer approach next time—explain your concerns without going straight to ‘take it down or else.’

And honestly? If you’re this strict about no photos, you might wanna just avoid group pics altogether. It sucks, but it’s the only way to guarantee you and Zara stay off social media. Otherwise, you’re relying on other people’s goodwill, and… well, people aren’t always reliable.”

Another User Comments:

“YTJ, and I’ll tell you why. You posed for the picture. You knew multiple people were snapping shots. If you were that dead-set on not being online, you should’ve stepped out of the frame.

It’s not fair to expect everyone else to cater to your rules when you didn’t enforce them yourself.

Also, let’s be real—Zara’s gonna want social media eventually. All her friends will be on it, and she’ll resent you if you’re too strict. I’m not saying throw her to the wolves, but teaching her how to navigate the internet safely is way better than pretending it doesn’t exist.

Trevor messed up by not listening, but you set yourself up for this. Next time, skip the group photos or take your own private ones.

Problem solved.”

Another User Comments:

“NTJ at all. Your kid, your rules. Trevor had no right to post that photo, especially after you’d made your boundaries clear. And adding personal details about Zara? That’s just irresponsible.

I’d give him one last chance to take it down voluntarily. If he refuses, report it to the platform. Most sites have policies against posting pics of minors without parental consent. And if he cuts ties over this, that’s on him—not you. Protecting your daughter is more important than keeping the peace with someone who doesn’t respect your wishes.”

Another User Comments:

“ESH.

You for expecting everyone to remember your no-posting rule in the middle of a chaotic party, and Trevor for his over-the-top reaction. Could he have been more understanding? Absolutely. But you also could’ve been clearer upfront instead of assuming he’d magically know what you wanted.

Next time, send a group text before the event: ‘Hey, just a reminder—no pics of me or Zara online, please!’ That way, there’s no confusion. And if someone still posts? Politely ask them to remove it instead of going nuclear right away.”

Another User Comments:

“I’m torn on this one. On one hand, I respect your stance on privacy—kids shouldn’t be broadcasted without consent.

On the other hand, family events are about shared memories, and photos are part of that. Maybe there’s a middle ground?

Instead of banning all pics, could you compromise? Like, no close-ups of Zara, no personal details, and no tagging. That way, she’s not completely erased from family moments, but her privacy is still protected.

Trevor was definitely out of line with his reaction, but this might be a good chance to have a bigger conversation with your family about boundaries—without ultimatums.”

I live in an apartment complex with assigned parking spots. You get a sticker with your spot number (I’m #42), and that’s where you park. Easy, right? Unless there’s construction or some nonsense, I always have a guaranteed spot.

A few weeks back, the city decided to repave the roads nearby, which meant all the street parking vanished overnight. Total nightmare for anyone without a permit, but hey, not my problem—or so I thought.

I got home around 2 AM after crashing at my buddy Evan’s place, and boom, some random car is chilling in my spot.

The lot has a massive sign warning that unauthorized cars will be towed, so I was ready to call it in until I saw a note taped to the windshield: “PLEASE DON’T TOW! CALL 555-1234!!”

I called, and ten minutes later, this guy named Derrick comes out. Turns out he’s my neighbor, also has an assigned spot, but decided to let his partner take mine because “there was nowhere else to park.” So, to recap: he parked in his spot, then generously gave away mine like it was community property.

I told him, yeah, no, that’s my spot. He tried the whole “it’s so late, she’ll never find parking” routine, but I wasn’t buying it.

Not my fault they didn’t plan ahead. After some back-and-forth, he finally moved the car.

Fast-forward to last Tuesday. I’m heading to the mailroom, and Derrick glares at me before snapping, “Real nice, man. Hope you’re proud of yourself.” So, yeah, we’re definitely not splitting a pizza anytime soon.

Am I the jerk for not letting them squat in my spot at 2 AM just because street parking was a mess?

Another User Comments:

NTJ. Derrick knew exactly what he was doing—he saw the signs, he knew the rules, and he still thought he could just take your spot because it was convenient for him.

The audacity to leave a note like “don’t tow” instead of, I don’t know, not parking there is wild. And then to act like you’re the problem when he’s the one who messed up? Classic entitlement.

If I were you, I’d report him to the building management. Dude’s clearly got a grudge now, and who knows if he’ll escalate. Plus, if he’s done this before, they might already have a file on him. Don’t feel bad for standing your ground—people like this rely on others being too polite to call them out.

Another User Comments:

Y’all are ruthless.

Yeah, Derrick was wrong, but it was 2 AM and parking was a disaster. Couldn’t you have just let it slide one time? Now you’ve got a neighbor who hates you, and for what? A parking spot you weren’t even using at that moment?

I get that rules are rules, but sometimes being a little flexible makes life easier for everyone. Derrick shouldn’t have yelled at you later, but you could’ve avoided the whole mess by just saying, “Hey, move it by morning.” Instead, you both turned it into a whole thing.

Another User Comments:

NTJ, but barely. Look, Derrick was out of line, no question.

But the way you handled it was kinda cold. Dude was probably stressed trying to find parking for his partner late at night, and instead of working out a compromise (like asking for $20 or something), you went straight to “get out now.”

That said, his reaction days later was immature. If he’s still salty, that’s on him. But next time, maybe consider whether digging your heels in is worth the drama.

Another User Comments:

Absolutely NTJ. Derrick didn’t “offer” your spot—he stole it. And the note proves he knew it was wrong. If parking was that bad, he could’ve dropped his partner off and circled the block until he found something.

Instead, he decided your property was his to loan out.

The fact that he’s still mad just shows he thinks he’s entitled to other people’s stuff. I’d keep an eye out—if his car shows up in your spot again, tow it immediately. No warning.

Another User Comments:

ESH. Derrick was wrong to take your spot, but you could’ve been less rigid about it. Yeah, it’s yours, but was it really worth the confrontation? Sometimes it’s better to be kind than right.

That said, his “screw you” attitude later was uncalled for. You both acted like petty rivals in a bad sitcom.

Next time, maybe just leave a note of your own: “Park here again, and it’s getting towed. No calls.” Clear, firm, no drama.

So, I’m an 18-year-old girl, and my sister, Elise (she’s 38), just dropped some news on us. Elise’s a stay-at-home mom with four kids (3M, 8F, 2F, 11F), and her husband, Mark, works in HVAC. They came over on his day off to make a big announcement—turns out they’re expecting kid number five.

My mom was thrilled, like full-on happy tears and hugs. Me? I was kinda zoning out, half-watching some random show on TV. Elise goes, “So, what do you think?” and I just said, “Cool, awesome.”

She immediately got this look on her face and said, “Just ‘cool’?

You don’t seem excited for me.” I shrugged and replied, “I mean, what do you want me to do? Throw a parade? It’s your fifth kid. If this was your first, sure, I’d be hyped, but at this point, it’s kinda routine, right? Unless this one was, like, a miracle baby or something?”

Elise frowned and said, “No, it just happened. Took a test last week.” So I said, “Okay, then. After a while, people aren’t gonna react like it’s some huge shock. You’ve done this four times already.”

She got all upset and said, “I thought you’d be happy for me,” and I told her I was, just not in a jumping-up-and-down way.

Next thing I know, she’s gathering the kids, Mark’s giving me this disappointed dad stare, and they all leave without staying for dinner.

Now my mom’s saying I should apologize for not being “excited enough.” But like… come on. Fifth kid. Am I really the jerk here?

Another User Comments:
Honestly, NTJ. Elise’s acting like she just discovered fire or something. Five kids on a single HVAC salary? That’s… a choice. I get that some people love big families, but at a certain point, it’s not some groundbreaking news—it’s just another Tuesday.

And let’s be real, the older kids probably end up babysitting the younger ones more than they should.

It’s not fair to them, and it’s definitely not fair to expect everyone else to act like it’s the Second Coming every time she gets pregnant. You acknowledged it, you weren’t rude, you just didn’t throw confetti. That’s reasonable.

Plus, the world’s kinda on fire right now. More kids means more resources stretched thin, more chaos in the house, and honestly, less attention for each kid. Elise’s allowed to be happy, but she shouldn’t expect everyone else to match her energy when this is her fifth rodeo.

Another User Comments:
Y’know, soft YTJ, but not for the reason you think.

It’s not about the pregnancy—it’s about the TV thing. If your family’s making an announcement, the polite thing is to at least pretend to care for two seconds. Even if it’s your sister’s 50th kid, glancing away mid-convo is kinda dismissive.

That said, Elise’s reaction was over the top. You don’t owe her a standing ovation, and her storming out was dramatic. But a little eye contact and a “Congrats, that’s wild” would’ve gone a long way.

Also, side note: five kids in this economy? Bold move. Hope Mark’s getting a raise.

Another User Comments:
NTJ, and I’ll die on this hill.

Elise’s fishing for validation, and when she didn’t get the reaction she wanted, she threw a fit. Newsflash: nobody cares about your fifth pregnancy as much as you do.

And let’s talk about the financial side. HVAC isn’t exactly CEO money, and five kids means college funds are a pipe dream unless they’re banking on scholarships. Plus, the older kids are absolutely getting parentified. Guarantee that 11-year-old is changing diapers more than she’s doing homework.

You weren’t mean, you were honest. Elise needs to grow up and realize the world doesn’t revolve around her uterus.

Another User Comments:
Eh, ESH.

You could’ve at least tried to sound interested, even if you weren’t. “Cool, awesome” while staring at the TV is low-effort, even for a fifth kid. But Elise’s also being extra—demanding excitement like it’s her first is unrealistic.

That said, pregnancy hormones are a thing, and maybe she’s feeling insecure. A simple “Sorry if I seemed blah, I am happy for you” might smooth things over without you having to fake some big reaction.

But also… five kids? In this housing market? Godspeed to them.

Another User Comments:
NTJ, and I’m side-eyeing anyone saying otherwise.

Elise’s 38 with four kids—she’s not some young mom announcing her first. At this point, it’s like telling people you’re getting another microwave. Nice, but not exactly life-changing.

And the fact that she left over this? That’s manipulative. She wanted a performance, not a genuine reaction. You didn’t insult her, you just didn’t give her the theatrics she craved.

Also, five kids with one income? That’s not a family, that’s a daycare. Someone check on that 8-year-old—I bet she’s the unofficial third parent.

My friend, Alex, and their partner, Jordan, both in their 30s, hit me up asking if they could crash at my place. I’ve got a decent-sized 3-bed, 2-bath house all to myself, which I own.

These two have been living rent-free in Jordan’s mom’s second house for the past three years. Not a single penny toward utilities, maintenance, nada. The place was even fully furnished when they moved in. Recently, Jordan’s mom dropped the bomb that they gotta go—apparently, she wants the house back.

Alex and Jordan are upset because the place will just sit empty, and they’re convinced it’s just because her mom has it out for Alex.

Here’s the kicker: Alex just got laid off, and Jordan only makes around $40k a year. They’ve got zero savings. Rent in our area starts at $1,800+ for a one-bedroom, so they’re panicking. I asked what they’ve been doing with all that no-bill money for three whole years. Turns out? Partying, traveling, and just generally living it up. Even now, while Alex’s unemployed, she’s dropping cash on fancy NYE dresses, eating out constantly, and hitting up thrift stores like it’s a hobby.

I said no to them moving in.

Hard pass. Reasons? (1) I’ve never had roommates and love my solitude. (2) I’ve only known Alex a few months. (3) Their current place is a disaster—packed with junk, borderline hoarder vibes. (4) Their money habits are… yikes. Meanwhile, I’m a clean freak and a minimalist. The thought of all their clutter invading my space makes me wanna hyperventilate.

Our mutual friend, Morgan (the one who introduced us), is mad at me for not “being sympathetic.” Funny thing is, Morgan has a spare room and the same messy habits as Alex and Jordan. If she’s so pressed, she can take them in.

But nope, apparently I’m the jerk here for not signing up to be their next free Airbnb.

So, AITJ?

Another User Comments

Honestly, NTJ. These people are professional leeches. Three years of no rent, no bills, and they couldn’t even save up for a rainy day? That’s not bad luck—that’s willful irresponsibility. And now they’re trying to guilt you into bailing them out? Nah.

If you let them move in, you’ll never get rid of them. They’ll treat your place like their personal crash pad, and good luck evicting them when they inevitably overstay their welcome.

Tenant laws are no joke, and they’ll milk that for all it’s worth.

Your mutual friend Morgan can kick rocks too. If she’s so concerned, she can open her doors. You’re not a charity, and you don’t owe them squat. Stick to your guns—your peace of mind is worth way more than their convenience.

Another User Comments

NTJ, but Alex and Jordan sure are. The audacity to cry “unfair” when they’ve had a free ride for years is wild. And the fact that they’re still spending like they’ve got money trees in the backyard?

That tells you everything you need to know.

You barely know these people, and what you do know isn’t great. They’re messy, financially reckless, and entitled. Letting them move in would be a disaster waiting to happen. They’d trash your place, eat your food, and probably start drama when you eventually ask them to contribute.

Morgan’s opinion doesn’t matter here. She’s not the one who’d have to live with them. If she wants to enable their mooching, that’s her problem. You’re smart for saying no—don’t let anyone make you feel bad about it.

Another User Comments

Y’all are being too nice.

These two are grifters. They’ve been scamming free housing for years, and now they’re trying to work their way into your place. The fact that they’re still blowing money on stupid crap while begging for help? That’s disrespectful.

Do not let them in. Not even for a night. Once they’re in, they’ll dig their claws in deep. And Morgan? She’s not a real friend if she’s guilt-tripping you over this. Real friends don’t pressure you into setting yourself on fire to keep others warm.

Stand your ground. They made their bed—now they can lie in it.

Another User Comments

Okay, unpopular opinion but… soft ESH.

Yeah, Alex and Jordan are irresponsible, but you could’ve at least considered helping short-term. Maybe set strict rules and a hard move-out date.

That said, I get why you said no. Their track record is awful, and your home is your sanctuary. But the way you framed it makes it sound like you’re judging them more than you’re actually worried about compatibility.

Still, Morgan’s out of line for being mad. If she cares so much, she can deal with them.

Another User Comments

NTJ, and anyone saying otherwise is delusional. These two had three years of no expenses. Three years! And they didn’t save a dime?

That’s not just irresponsible—it’s embarrassing.

You’re not their parent, their landlord, or their safety net. They’re grown adults who chose to blow every penny instead of preparing for the future. Now they’re facing the consequences, and they’re mad you won’t rescue them. Tough luck.

And Morgan? She can take a long walk off a short pier. You dodged a bullet—don’t second-guess yourself.

Back when I was 8, my family moved into this quiet neighborhood that had an HOA at the time. By 2012, almost everyone got sick of it—turns out 95% of the owners hated the rules and the fees, especially since the HOA barely did anything. The so-called “community center” was just a rusty old picnic pavilion that collapsed after years of neglect. I don’t know all the legal details, but the HOA got dissolved, and a few volunteers took over maintaining the common areas.

Cut to 2019.

I moved back to help my dad after his surgery and found a killer deal on a house in the same neighborhood. Not a single word about HOA rules or covenants came up during the sale. Sweet. Now, I’m a car guy—I restore vintage rides and tinker with imports. The house had a massive garage (fits 5 cars!) and a huge driveway, which was perfect. Then my Uncle Bryce passed, and suddenly I’m storing a ton of family stuff in half the garage. Long story short, I ended up with 8 vehicles in the driveway.

The driveway’s legit huge—fits 4 cars wide and about 10 deep, mostly between the house and the detached garage.

Everything’s registered, running, and in decent shape. But within weeks, the county started hitting me up over “complaints.” The inspector straight-up told me it’s the old HOA crowd whining about a dead rule—apparently, the old covenant said only one car could be parked outside. Now I’ve got this guy coming by every few weeks to check for… who knows what. AITJ for threatening harassment claims against these people?

Another User Comments:

Dude, NTJ at all. Former HOA members are the worst—they’re like ghosts haunting a house they got kicked out of. They can’t stand that their petty control is gone, so they’re weaponizing the county instead.

Honestly, your setup sounds awesome. Eight cars? That’s goals.

That said, maybe take a hard look at the garage situation. If you’re storing heirlooms, could some of it be donated or passed to other family? Not because you have to, but because it might shut these busybodies up. But if you love your collection, screw ‘em. Just document every interaction with the inspector in case this escalates.

Also, check your local ordinances. Some places have vague “nuisance” laws that HOAs mistreatment, but if your cars are road-legal, they’ve got no leg to stand on. Keep us updated—I’m invested now.

Another User Comments:

NTJ, but let’s be real: you’re kinda flexing on the whole neighborhood.

Eight cars is a lot, even if they’re all legal. Most folks see that and assume “junkyard,” not “enthusiast.”

The ex-HOA crowd is absolutely out of line, though. If the rules died with the HOA, they need to move on. But since they’re not, you might wanna kill ‘em with kindness first. Host a block party, show off your coolest ride, and kill the “eyesore” narrative. If they still complain after that, they’re just miserable people who miss their tiny power trips.

Another User Comments:

YTJ but only slightly. Hear me out—I get why you’re mad, but you’re also ignoring how this looks to neighbors.

Even without an HOA, having eight cars in the driveway is gonna ruffle feathers. It’s not about legality; it’s about not being that neighbor.

That said, the ex-HOA folks are absolutely harassing you, and that’s not okay. Instead of going nuclear, maybe talk to the county about filing a counter-complaint for frivolous reports. If the inspector’s cool, they might start ignoring these clowns.

Another User Comments:

NTJ, and anyone saying otherwise is probably an HOA apologist. You’re not breaking laws, and the HOA is gone. These people need to cope.

That inspector’s visits are a waste of taxpayer money.

I’d start asking for a record of every complaint and who filed it. If they’re abusing the system, that’s a legit harassment case. Also, park the flashiest car right where they can see it. Petty? Maybe. Satisfying? Absolutely.

Another User Comments:

ESH. The ex-HOA folks are bitter and need to let go, but you’re not exactly helping your case. Eight cars is excessive, and even if it’s legal, it’s gonna annoy people.

Instead of escalating, try compromising. Clear out some garage space or build a carport to tidy things up. You’re not obligated to, but it might stop the drama.

If they keep complaining after that, then go full scorched-earth. Pick your battles, man.

My uncle, Dorian, died in a workplace accident 25 years ago. He was only 32. The family business was never the same after that. We don’t talk about him much, but there’s always this weird emptiness, like someone’s missing from every gathering. And honestly? He is missing.

I was six when it happened. Dorian was the fun uncle—always cracking jokes, sneaking me candy when my parents weren’t looking. In a lot of ways, he felt like a second dad. I don’t have many memories of him, but the ones I do have?

They’re golden. And yeah, even after all this time, it still hurts. Holidays, his birthday… those days suck.

A few years back, my uncle Seth got intoxicated at a family BBQ and broke down. He admitted he was the one who sent Dorian to do the job that got him killed. Nobody blamed him—it was an accident, plain and simple. But Seth’s carried that guilt like a backpack full of bricks.

Fast forward to last week. After years of fertility struggles, multiple miscarriages, and a ton of heartbreak, Seth’s wife, Jenna, finally had a healthy baby boy. It’s a freaking miracle, and we’re all over the moon for them.

But then… they named him Dorian.

I hated it.

Like, full-on visceral reaction. That’s my uncle’s name. This baby isn’t Dorian. He’s his own little person, and now every time I hear his name, all I can think about is the uncle who should be here but isn’t. I cried for hours after I found out.

Then my mom called. Turns out, the whole family’s torn up about it. Grandpa’s shut down completely. My dad’s devastated. My other uncle, Eli, is upset. The only one who’s happy is Grandma—because Seth asked her if it was okay, and of course she said yes.

She’d never say no to him. But he didn’t ask Grandpa. He didn’t ask my dad or Eli. And I know Grandpa would’ve said no.

I’m terrified Grandma’s gonna realize later what this really means—that every time she hears the baby’s name, she’ll be reminded of her dead son. And what about the kid? Is he gonna grow up feeling like he’s living in a ghost’s shadow? Like we’re all looking at him and seeing someone else?

So… would we be total jerks if we asked Seth to reconsider the name?

Maybe make Dorian the middle name instead?

Another User Comments:

Honestly? YTJ, but gently. Naming a kid after a lost loved one is super common, and for a lot of people, it’s a way to keep their memory alive. You’re projecting a lot onto this baby, and that’s not fair to him. He’s not a replacement—he’s his own person.

I get why this is painful for your family. Grief doesn’t have an expiration date. But you’re all acting like Seth did this to hurt you, and that’s not the case. He’s honoring his brother in the way that feels right to him.

The real issue here isn’t the name—it’s that your family never properly processed Dorian’s death.

You were six. The fact that this still affects you so deeply says more about the environment you grew up in than the name itself.

Meet the baby. Hold him. Let yourself see him as him, not as a reminder of what you lost. And maybe—just maybe—consider therapy. This level of unresolved grief isn’t healthy.

Another User Comments:

Nah, man, I’m with you. Naming the kid Dorian is weird. Not because honoring the dead is bad, but because it feels like Seth’s trying to fix his guilt by slapping his brother’s name on a kid. That’s not fair to the baby.

Your family’s reaction says it all.

If everyone is upset except Grandma (who’s probably just happy to have a grandkid), then there’s a problem. Seth should’ve talked to the whole family before making this decision.

That said… you can’t force him to change it. What you can do is make sure the kid doesn’t grow up feeling like a stand-in. Call him by a nickname if that helps. But don’t take your anger out on him. He didn’t ask for this.

Another User Comments:

Y’all need therapy. Seriously.

I lost my dad when I was a kid, and yeah, it wrecked me.

But if my sibling named their kid after him, I wouldn’t lose my mind over it. Grief is messy, but this? This is next-level unhealthy.

The baby’s name isn’t the issue. The issue is that your family’s been stuck in this cycle of grief for decades. You’re all feeding off each other’s pain instead of healing.

Seth’s allowed to name his kid whatever he wants. You’re allowed to feel weird about it. But demanding he change it? That’s crossing a line.

Another User Comments:

Soft YTJ.

Look, I get it. My cousin named her daughter after our aunt who died young, and at first, it felt wrong.

But over time, the name stopped being just my aunt’s name—it became hers.

Your family’s pain is valid, but you’re putting way too much weight on a name. The baby isn’t a ghost. He’s a fresh start. Let him be that.

Another User Comments:

NTJ.

This isn’t about the name—it’s about Seth’s lack of consideration. He knew this would reopen old wounds, and he did it anyway. That’s selfish.

Honoring the dead is one thing. Ignoring the living’s feelings is another. He should’ve talked to the family first.

But now that it’s done, you’ve gotta find a way to move forward.

For the baby’s sake.

So last night, I had a little get-together at my place. Not a full-blown party, just a few friends, some snacks, a couple pizzas, and the star of the show—jelly meatballs simmering in the crockpot.

My friend Emily had mentioned earlier that she couldn’t stay long because she and her partner, Jordan, had other plans. But she said they’d swing by real quick to say hi.

Now, Jordan’s an interesting guy. Sometimes he’s chill, other times he acts like a human garbage disposal with zero self-awareness.

They showed up, and Emily immediately asked, “What smells amazing?” I told her it was probably the wings or the meatballs.

Jordan’s eyes lit up. “Oh man, I love jelly meatballs.”

I said, “Help yourself if you want some!” Emily declined since they were supposedly eating later, but Jordan was like, “Yeah, I’ll grab a few.”

Cool, no problem. I had everything set up—paper plates, plastic forks, the works—so I figured he could handle it. Emily and I hung out in the living room, catching up. After a while, I realized Jordan had been MIA for like 10 minutes. Maybe he didn’t want to eat in front of us? Emily went to check on him.

When they came back, Jordan’s bowl looked like he was prepping for the apocalypse.

I’d expected him to take, like, three meatballs. This dude had piled on at least 20. I was annoyed but whatever, not worth making a scene.

After they left, I checked the crockpot. Half the meatballs were gone. This guy had clearly been camped out in the kitchen, shoveling them in like it was his last meal. I’d bought a 60-count bag because I had seven people coming, plus other food. Emily and Jordan were just supposed to be a quick stop-by, so I didn’t factor them into the count, but I didn’t think a couple meatballs would hurt.

Today, Emily texts me: “Had fun last night!

Wish we could’ve stayed longer.”

I was still salty because this isn’t the first time Jordan’s pulled this kind of thing. So I replied, “Yeah, good seeing you. Maybe let Jordan know what ‘a few’ means next time.”

She asked what I meant, and I told her I didn’t expect him to demolish half the food. She fired back, “You offered! If you didn’t want him to eat, you shouldn’t have said anything. He was hungry.”

I said, “Most people don’t inhale 20 meatballs in one go.”

Her response?

“They’re his favorite. If you’re gonna be weird about sharing, don’t host. You’re making a big deal over nothing. Happy New Year.”

Look, I get that I offered. But who does that? Am I wrong for calling him out?

Another User Comments:
Honestly, ESH. Jordan was absolutely greedy, no question. Eating a third of the meatballs when he wasn’t even staying for the party is next-level gluttony. But you also messed up by passive-aggressively texting Emily instead of just laughing it off or setting boundaries in the moment. If you’re hosting, you gotta roll with the punches or be upfront about limits.

Next time, either make extra or don’t invite Jordan if you know he’s gonna Hoover your food. Also, Emily’s response was defensive—she knows Jordan’s a lot, but she’s not gonna admit it.

Another User Comments:
Nah, you’re NTJ. Jordan’s behavior was ridiculous. Who hears “have a few” and interprets that as “clean out half the crockpot”? That’s not normal guest behavior, especially when they’re just stopping by. And Emily’s excuse of “he was hungry” is weak—if he was that hungry, they should’ve gone to their dinner plans instead of pillaging your snacks.

You had every right to say something, and her reaction proves she knows Jordan was out of line but doesn’t want to admit it.

Another User Comments:
ESH, but mostly you. Yeah, Jordan was a pig, but you’re the one who offered the food without specifying limits. If you didn’t want people eating a lot, you could’ve said, “Grab a small plate!” or portioned it out yourself. Also, did you actually run out of food, or were you just mad Jordan ate more than you expected? If it’s the latter, this feels like you using the meatballs as an excuse to vent about Jordan in general.

Either way, the texting afterward was petty.

Another User Comments:
Y’all are wild for defending Jordan. NTJ. This wasn’t a buffet at Golden Corral—it was a small gathering. Eating 20 meatballs is insane, and Emily’s gaslighting you by acting like you’re the unreasonable one. If Jordan’s that incapable of self-control, he should’ve stayed home. And the “happy new year” at the end? Peak passive-aggression. You’re not wrong for calling out bad manners.

Another User Comments:
I’m torn. Jordan was definitely rude, but you escalated it unnecessarily. If this is a pattern, address it directly with him instead of sniping at Emily.

Also, “stopping by” guests often eat—that’s just how socializing works. Maybe next time, keep the meatballs in the kitchen and serve them yourself so you can control portions. Either way, this whole thing could’ve been avoided with clearer communication.

Our son, Liam, and his partner, Sophia (both 26), have been together for about two years and share an apartment. We’ve always liked Sophia—she’s sweet, seems to make Liam happy, and we’ve never had issues with her.

Liam’s got his own law firm that’s still in its early stages, and we’re super proud of him. We were in a position to help him out with a loan to get things rolling, which he’s been working hard to pay back.

Sophia works retail and loves her job, which is cool—no judgment here.

A few months back, my husband, Derek, and I were hanging out at their place and decided to order takeout. We offered to pay, and since Sophia was handling the order on her phone, we handed her our card to cover the meal. Seemed straightforward, right? Just a one-time thing.

Well, turns out Sophia had other plans. She went ahead and added our card to her Apple Pay without saying a word. We didn’t even notice until recently, when we spotted some weird withdrawals on our account. Our accountant dug into it and—yep—Sophia had been quietly spending our money for months.

Total? Around $17K.

We were floored. We called her up, asked what the heck was going on, and she got super defensive. First, she tried to deny it, then she flipped to saying she deserved the money and that we shouldn’t care since we hadn’t noticed. Excuse me? We told her she needed to pay us back ASAP or we’d have to report it as theft.

Here’s the kicker: She doesn’t have the money. Liam stepped in and offered to cover it, even though he’s barely keeping his firm afloat. For us, it’s not even about the cash—it’s the principle.

She stole a huge amount, showed zero remorse, and now Liam’s brushing it off like it’s no big deal, blaming “stress.”

We’re seriously considering filing a police report. Not to be petty, but because actions should have consequences. Would we be out of line here?

Another User Comments:
“NTJ (Not the Jerks). Let’s be real—this isn’t just about the money. It’s about the absolute audacity of Sophia to think she could help herself to your funds without asking, then double down when caught. The fact that she tried to gaslight you by saying you ‘hadn’t noticed’ is next-level entitlement.

Your son’s reaction is just as concerning.

If he’s willing to excuse theft now, what’s next? This sets a dangerous precedent. If you let this slide, Sophia will keep pushing boundaries because she knows there are no consequences.

Filing a report might strain your relationship with Liam short-term, but long-term? You’re doing him a favor. He’s clearly not seeing the red flags here, and someone needs to shake him awake.

Also, $17K isn’t ‘oops, I forgot to Venmo you back’ money. That’s felony territory. If she’s comfortable stealing from family, imagine what she’d do to strangers—or even Liam down the line.

Don’t enable this behavior. Report it.”

Another User Comments:
“Okay, hold up. Before everyone jumps on the ‘call the cops’ train, let’s talk about the Apple Pay thing. If she added your card to her wallet, didn’t your bank require authorization? Most banks send a verification code or require you to confirm via app. If you approved that step, even unintentionally, this could get messy legally.

Not saying what she did was okay—it’s absolutely not. But if you technically authorized the card on her device, a verbal agreement for one-time use might not hold up in court.

You might end up spending more on legal fees than you’d recover.

That said, I’d still confront her and Liam hard about this. Maybe set up a payment plan or something. But if you go the legal route, just be prepared for the possibility that it might not go your way.”

Another User Comments:
“Y’all are missing the bigger issue here: Liam’s total lack of a spine. His partner STOLE from his parents, and he’s out here making excuses? That’s wild.

If my partner did that, I’d be livid—not just at them, but at myself for not noticing.

The fact that he’s cool with it tells me he’s either blindly in love or financially entangled in a way he doesn’t want to admit.

OP, you’re not wrong for wanting to report her, but you might want to dig deeper into why your son’s reacting this way. Is she controlling? Is he in debt? There’s more to this story, and until you get to the bottom of it, this cycle will keep happening.”

Another User Comments:
“Honestly, ESH (Everyone’s the Jerk here). Yeah, Sophia’s behavior is inexcusable, but why did it take you months to notice $17K missing?

That’s not just ‘we’re comfortable’ money—that’s ‘you need to check your statements more often’ money.

Also, jumping straight to a police report feels extreme without at least trying mediation first. Have you sat down with both of them and laid out how violated you feel? Maybe she’ll wake up when faced with the real impact of her actions.

That said, if she still refuses to take responsibility, then yeah, legal action might be the only way to get through to her. But give them one last chance to make it right.”

Another User Comments:
“File the report.

Full stop.

This isn’t a ‘misunderstanding’—it’s theft. The fact that she’s family doesn’t give her a free pass. If anything, it makes it worse because she betrayed your trust.

And Liam? He needs a reality check. If he’s willing to overlook this, what else is he ignoring? This isn’t just about the money; it’s about setting boundaries and holding people accountable.

Don’t let guilt or fear of drama stop you. If you don’t act now, this will happen again, and next time, it could be even worse.”

This past Christmas, I (F45) decided to add my adoptive son, Noah (M23), to my phone plan to help him out. He’d just moved in with us a few weeks before the holidays after things got really rough with his bio family. Kid showed up with barely anything to his name, and my heart just broke for him. Meanwhile, my two bio sons, Logan (18) and Aiden (23), have always had it pretty good, so I wanted Noah to feel just as welcome and cared for.

Since I’ve been with my wireless carrier forever, they hooked me up with a sweet deal—cheap line for Noah and a free Samsung watch to go with his new phone.

I even got him a custom stocking with his name stitched on it, just like the ones my other kids have. Small stuff, but I hoped it’d make him feel like part of the family. Money’s tight, but my husband, Robert (M50), and I agreed this was worth it.

Anyway, when we were at the store, Robert jokingly whined about not getting a watch too. We’re always messing around like that—fake pouting, silly voices, the whole bit. It’s just how we are. The watch barely cost me anything, but seeing Noah’s face when he opened it? Priceless. Dude actually teared up, which made me tear up.

Then comes the weird part.

Robert goes back to work the next day and tells his coworker, Sophia (F25), that he’s “sooo bummed” he didn’t get a watch. According to him, she just bolted out of the office and came back 15 minutes later with a brand-new Samsung watch for him. A $500 gift. Just like that.

Robert comes home all hyped, gushing about how awesome Sophia is, and I’m just sitting there like… seriously? First of all, this isn’t the first time she’s given him extravagant stuff. Second, how does he not see how inappropriate this is? He thinks I’m overreacting, but I’m side-eyeing the whole situation.

AITJ?

Another User Comments:

NTJ. Okay, let’s break this down. A coworker—who’s significantly younger, by the way—drops five hundred bucks on a watch for your husband immediately after he mentions wanting one? That’s not just friendly, that’s suspicious. Like, does she carry spare smartwatches in her car? Who does that?

And yeah, it totally undermines the gesture you made for Noah. The whole point was that it was something special for him, to make him feel included. Now it’s like, “Oh, cool, I guess everyone gets one.” Not to mention, your husband’s reaction is… weird.

He’s excited about this? Not even a little uncomfortable? If the roles were reversed, you know people would be calling it out as inappropriate.

Also, side note: HR would have a field day with this. A 25-year-old buying expensive gifts for a 50-year-old married coworker? Even if his intentions are pure, hers might not be. Or worse, what if she spins it later like he pressured her? This whole thing is a mess.

Another User Comments:

YTJ, but gently. Look, I get why you’re upset, but you’re focusing on the wrong thing. Your husband didn’t ask for the watch—he made a joke, and Sophia took it way too far.

That’s on her, not him. If he’s always been a social, friendly guy, it tracks that he’d be flattered rather than weirded out.

The real issue here isn’t the gift itself—it’s your insecurity about their relationship. Instead of fixating on the watch, ask yourself: Why does this bother you so much? Is it just this one incident, or has Sophia been crossing lines before? If it’s the latter, that’s the conversation you need to have with Robert. But if it’s just this? Let it go. Trust your husband until he gives you a real reason not to.

Another User Comments:

NTJ.

The age gap alone is raising my eyebrows. A 25-year-old buying a lavish gift for a 50-year-old married man? Nah. That’s not normal coworker behavior. At best, it’s wildly unprofessional. At worst, it’s a major red flag for an emotional (or physical) affair.

And your husband’s reaction is not helping. If my spouse came home thrilled about a gift like that from a younger coworker, I’d be livid. It’s not about jealousy—it’s about respect. Accepting that gift sends a message, whether he realizes it or not. He should’ve shut it down immediately.

Another User Comments:

YTJ, but only because you’re making this about the watch when it’s really about trust.

If you don’t trust Robert, that’s a bigger issue. If you do trust him, then why does it matter if Sophia has a weird crush or whatever? He’s not responsible for her actions.

That said, he could have been more sensitive. Raving about the gift in front of you was tone-deaf, especially after you went out of your way to make Noah feel special. Maybe have a calm talk about how it made you feel instead of jumping to “this is inappropriate.”

Another User Comments:

NTJ. The fact that Sophia rushed out to buy it is the sketchiest part. That’s not a casual “Oh, here’s a little something.” That’s calculated.

And your husband’s refusal to see why this is weird? Big yikes.

Also, let’s not ignore the power dynamic here. He’s older, more established, and (I’m assuming) in a higher position at work. If he had given her a $500 gift, people would be screaming “harassment.” Double standards, much?

You’re not wrong for feeling off about this. At the very least, he should’ve declined the gift. At worst, he’s enjoying the attention a little too much. Either way, you’ve got every right to be upset.

My fiancé, Calvin (30), has a service dog named Lola (7, golden retriever) for his epilepsy. His seizures are mostly under control thanks to meds, but stress can still trigger them, so Lola’s a non-negotiable part of our lives. She’s been with him for six years, and we take her everywhere.

Calvin’s family never took him to a theme park growing up because of his condition, so I thought, hey, let’s fix that. But obviously, Lola comes with us—no way we’re leaving her behind.

Problem is, you can’t exactly take a dog on roller coasters. Enter Calvin’s nephew, Noah (20), who’s had a rough year. As a late Christmas gift, we invited him along with two conditions:
1. I’d cover tickets, hotel, gas—the whole trip—but he needed his own spending money for food and souvenirs.
2. We’d take turns staying with Lola so she was never alone.

Noah agreed, no problem. Or so we thought.

Fast forward to three hours into the park. Calvin and I wanted to ride something, so we handed Lola off to Noah. When we got back? Strangers were holding her leash, asking what to do with this “poor abandoned dog.”

Turns out, Noah had tied Lola to a fence near the ride and just… left.

No warning, no heads-up. We searched for him for half an hour while Calvin started showing early seizure signs from the stress. Finally, I left him and Lola with a park employee and went hunting for Noah myself. Found him coming off a ride, and when he saw me, he bolted.

When I caught up, he hit me with the waterworks. “I’m just a kid! I never got to do stuff like this! My dad bailed before I was born, my mom’s useless, I deserve to have fun!” And yeah, his life hasn’t been easy, but come on. He’s 20, not 12.

I reminded him I was the one who gave him this chance, not Calvin, and that he’d put Lola—and Calvin—at risk.

He kept crying, saying it wasn’t his fault, so I told him if he couldn’t stick to the plan, I’d drive him home. Cue more theatrics before he ran off again.

I didn’t chase him. Went back to Calvin and found out from staff he’d had a full seizure in a back area. He was worried sick about Noah, but honestly? I’m done.

Am I wrong for not just letting him “be a kid”? He’s had a hard life, but this was reckless.

Another User Comments:

Dude, no. Noah’s 20. TWENTY. That’s not a kid, that’s a grown adult who made a choice to abandon a living, breathing medical device—because that’s what Lola is.

She’s not a pet; she’s there to keep Calvin safe. And because Noah couldn’t be bothered to stick to a simple agreement, Calvin had a seizure in public. That’s not just irresponsible, it’s dangerous.

The whole “I’m just a kid” act? Please. He’s manipulating you. He knew exactly what he was doing, and when he got caught, he turned on the tears because it’s worked for him before. You gave him a free trip, extra chances to ride while you covered his turns with Lola, and he still screwed you over.

Don’t fall for the guilt trip.

He doesn’t get a pass for a bad childhood when his actions could’ve gotten Lola stolen or Calvin hurt.

Another User Comments:

Okay, gonna play devil’s advocate here because I think there’s more going on. Yeah, Noah messed up big time, and he’s absolutely in the wrong. But trauma does weird things to people. If he’s never had structure or responsibility, he might genuinely not know how to handle it. That doesn’t excuse what he did, but it explains why he reacted like a kid—because emotionally, he might still be one.

That said, you’re not his therapist.

You set clear rules, and he broke them. Driving him home was the right call. But if you want to salvage this relationship, maybe sit him down later and explain why this was such a big deal. Not in a yelling way, just… “This is what could’ve happened, and this is why we can’t trust you right now.”

Another User Comments:

Nah, Noah’s a selfish brat. I don’t care how hard his life’s been—plenty of people grow up with crap parents and don’t abandon service dogs. He agreed to the terms, then ditched Lola the second it inconvenienced him.

And the running away? Classic avoidance. He didn’t want to face consequences, so he turned on the waterworks and bolted.

The fact that Calvin had a seizure because of this makes it even worse. If Noah actually sees Calvin as a father figure, how could he do something that directly hurt him? Actions speak louder than words, and his actions scream “I don’t care.”

Another User Comments:

I feel like people are skipping over the fact that Noah ran away when you called him out. That’s not just immaturity—that’s a major red flag. It shows he knew he messed up but didn’t want to own it.

And the guilt-tripping? Manipulative as heck.

You’re not wrong for holding him accountable. If anything, you’d be wrong if you didn’t. Letting this slide would just teach him that tears get him out of trouble.

Another User Comments:

Honestly? ESH. Noah obviously sucks for ditching Lola, but you kinda set this up to fail. A theme park’s a high-stimulation environment, and expecting a 20-year-old with zero experience handling a service dog to suddenly be responsible for one? That’s asking for trouble.

Should he have followed the rules? Absolutely. But this was his first time at a park, and you handed him a huge responsibility while he’s probably overwhelmed.

Maybe next time, start smaller—like a movie or something where the stakes aren’t as high.

So, me and my partner, Jay, just made it official last Friday. We’ve been vibing for a while, and I was stoked to finally tell our friends at this huge New Year’s Eve party. Everyone was hyped for us—except for our friend, Riley (she’s 26).

Riley spent the whole night acting like I’d personally offended her. She was all over Jay, laughing way too loud at his jokes, finding excuses to touch his arm, and straight-up ignoring me. A few friends pulled me aside like, “Uh, what’s up with Riley?

Did you guys fight?” I had no clue until she cornered me later and asked to talk alone.

Turns out, Riley had a crush on Jay six years ago. I kinda remember her mentioning it back then, but she cycles through crushes like it’s a hobby—she’s liked every guy in our friend group at some point. She swears she’s over him now and is upset I didn’t “consult” her before going out with Jay. She actually said I should “reconsider” the relationship because I “backstabbed” her and broke her trust.

I was floored.

I told her no way was I dumping Jay over some ancient crush. Then she hit me with, “Don’t you even feel bad for me? He never liked me back, and you got him even though I met him first.”

I straight-up told her no, I didn’t feel sorry for her. If she never shot her shot, that’s on her. She stormed off, and now I’m wondering if I was too harsh. AITJ?

Another User Comments:

NTJ. Riley is acting like she has some kind of dibs system on men, which is wild. Crushes from six years ago don’t come with lifetime veto power over who gets to date someone.

She’s just bitter because you’re happy and she’s stuck in this weird cycle of unrequited crushes. A tiny bit of sympathy for her general loneliness? Sure. But her expecting you to break up with Jay as some kind of apology? Absolutely unhinged. She needs to move on and maybe focus on why she’s still hung up on stuff from half a decade ago.

Another User Comments:

Okay, slight ESH but mostly Riley. Yeah, you could’ve been gentler, but her demand was ridiculous. Crushes don’t come with expiration dates, but they do come with reality checks—if she never made a move, that’s not your problem.

That said, if you wanna salvage the friendship, maybe say something like, “Hey, I didn’t mean to dismiss your feelings, but I’m not gonna apologize for seeing someone you liked years ago.” But honestly? If she’s this possessive over past crushes, she might not be a great friend long-term.

Another User Comments:

YTJ. Not for going out with Jay, obviously, but for how you handled it. Riley’s being irrational, but she’s clearly hurting. Instead of “that’s life, sucks to suck,” you could’ve said, “I get that it stings, but it’s been years, and I’m not ending things over this.” Still firm, but less dismissive.

That said, her asking you to break up with him is bonkers, so she’s the bigger jerk here.

Another User Comments:

NTJ. Riley’s acting like she’s in a rom-com where ex-crushes have legal rights. Spoiler: they don’t. If she’s still hung up on a guy from six years ago, that’s a her problem. And the audacity to say you “backstabbed” her? Please. She didn’t even date him. You’re fine, OP. Maybe distance yourself from her—this kind of drama isn’t worth it.

My sister, Ava (21F), has been going out with this guy, Ethan, for about 10 months now. Normally, I’d be happy for her, but the way he just pops over unannounced is driving me (23F), our little sister, Mia (17F), and our dad up the wall. We’re not used to having outsiders in our space, and Ethan isn’t exactly a stranger, but we barely know him beyond “hey, how’s it going?”

The biggest issue? Mia and Ava share a room, and Mia’s been pulling double shifts at Applebee’s since summer started.

Girl comes home exhausted at midnight just to find Ava and Ethan sprawled on the bed watching Netflix. Like, cool, but Mia just wants to crash without tiptoeing around some dude she didn’t even know was gonna be there.

Then there’s Dad. He’s chill about rent—basically just asks us to cover groceries—so he feels like the least Ava could do is give a heads-up when Ethan is coming over. Plus, yeah, he’s got that whole “overprotective dad” thing going on, which… fair.

Last night, I finally laid it all out for Ava. I told her how Mia and Dad were feeling, and she immediately got defensive.

She straight-up asked Dad if it was true, and when he said yeah, she started crying and said she just wouldn’t invite Ethan over anymore. Now Dad’s mad at me for “starting drama,” but honestly? Good. I’m sick of hearing Mia and Dad whisper-complain about it while Ava’s totally clueless.

And here’s the kicker—Ava’s talked about marrying this guy. If we can’t even sort out something this basic, how’s that gonna work? So, AITJ?

Another User Comments:

Honestly, NTJ. You did everyone a favor by speaking up. It’s not like you’re banning Ethan from the house—you’re just asking for basic courtesy. ... Click here to continue reading