So, I’m flying cross-country, about a five-hour haul, and I had to switch my flight a few days before. Not exactly last-minute, but late enough that my seat options were basically “middle” or “next to the bathroom that may or may not have been cleaned since the Reagan administration.” I lucked out and snagged an aisle seat, which I thought was a win… until I met my neighbors.

Enter Kris and Blake, a couple with a lap infant who I’m guessing was around a year old.

Now, the kid wasn’t screaming, which was a blessing, but she was basically a tiny, jet-powered octopus. Arms everywhere. Tapping my shoulder, poking my face, trying to grab my earbuds like they were the last snack on earth. Look, I get it—babies are basically intoxicated little humans with zero impulse control. But here’s the thing: the kid was in the middle seat, and Blake had the aisle. So why was I the one getting a free toddler massage?

After the twelfth tiny fist to the face, I’d had enough. I turned to Kris and said, “Hey, could you keep your kiddo from invading my personal space?

If that’s not working from the middle, maybe she could hang with Blake for a bit?” Apparently, this was the wrong thing to say. Kris shot me a look like I’d just kicked a puppy and immediately flagged down a flight attendant. The attendant, bless her soul, took one look at the situation and moved me to a different seat. Problem solved, right?

Nope. At baggage claim, Kris and Blake were glaring at me like I’d personally canceled their Netflix subscription. I still don’t get it—was I supposed to just sit there and let their kid treat me like a human jungle gym?

AITJ?

Another User Comments:

Dude, NTJ at all. Parents like this drive me up the wall. They chose to fly with a kid they knew would be a handful, then acted shocked when someone didn’t want to be used as a chew toy. Newsflash: having a baby doesn’t give you a free pass to inconvenience everyone around you. I swear, some parents act like the world should bend over backward for them just because they reproduced. And the audacity to get mad at you after the fact? Nah. You handled it way better than I would’ve. I’d have been way less polite after the third face tap.

Also, let’s talk about the flight attendant for a second.

MVP move right there. She saw the mess, made a call, and fixed it without drama. More people should be like her. But Kris and Blake? They need a reality check. Kids are tough, sure, but that doesn’t mean the rest of us signed up to be part of their parenting journey.

Another User Comments:

Okay, I’m gonna go with a soft “everyone kinda sucks here.” Look, I get why you were annoyed—no one likes being used as a human scratching post—but your wording might’ve been a tad aggressive. “Invading my personal space” sounds like you’re talking about a nosy coworker, not a baby.

A little sugar goes a long way. Something like, “She’s adorable, but do you mind keeping her from poking me? Thanks!” might’ve landed better.

That said, Kris and Blake’s reaction was way over the top. Calling the flight attendant? Glaring at you later? Come on. Traveling with kids is stressful, but that’s not an excuse to be jerks. Still, a little diplomacy on your end could’ve avoided the whole mess.

Another User Comments:

NTJ, but with a side of empathy. I’ve been the parent with the squirmy kid on a plane, and let me tell you, it’s rough.

You’re exhausted, the kid’s overstimulated, and you’re hyper-aware of every sigh or eye-roll from nearby passengers. That doesn’t excuse Kris and Blake’s behavior, but it might explain it. They were probably drowning in stress and took your (reasonable) request as an attack.

That said, they were way out of line to confront you later. The flight attendant handled it perfectly—no drama, just a solution. And yeah, they should’ve been mortified their kid was all over you. But cut them a little slack. Parenting is hard, and flying with a baby is like parenting on nightmare mode.

Another User Comments:

Y’all are wild for acting like OP is the problem here.

NTJ, full stop. If I’m paying hundreds of dollars for a flight, I shouldn’t have to play babysitter for a kid that’s not mine. Kris and Blake had options—they could’ve switched seats, distracted the kid, something. Instead, they let her bother you and then acted like you were the unreasonable one. Nah.

And to the people saying OP’s wording was too harsh? Please. If a grown adult was tapping your face, you’d be way less polite. Just because it’s a baby doesn’t mean you have to grin and bear it. Boundaries exist for a reason.

Another User Comments:

I’m torn here.

On one hand, OP wasn’t wrong to ask the parents to rein in their kid. On the other, flying with a baby is a special kind of heck, and sometimes you’re just in survival mode. Maybe Kris and Blake were at their wit’s end and snapped. Doesn’t make it okay, but it’s understandable.

That said, the real hero is the flight attendant. She didn’t take sides, just fixed the problem. More of that energy, please. As for OP? You’re not a jerk, but a little kindness goes a long way. Parenting is hard, and everyone’s just trying to get through the flight in one piece.

So, my family (I’m 19, btw) is super into education. Like, obsessively into it. Don’t get me wrong—I value it too, but they take it to another level.

I got accepted to two big-name schools, which was awesome, but I ended up turning them down to go to my state school instead. The workload’s lighter, I don’t have to move away, and honestly? I’ve been dealing with some health stuff, so staying close to home just makes more sense for me right now.

Yeah, I’m a little bummed about not going to one of those fancy schools, but I’m still doing the major I want, so it’s not all bad.

Cue my parents’ disappointment. Mom eventually came around, but Dad? Oh man. He straight-up thinks I’m throwing away some once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and that I’m just making excuses instead of “trying harder.” Cool, thanks, Dad.

Now, here’s where it gets messy. Over Christmas, the whole family got together, and of course, my cousin Jordan got into some elite university. Good for them! But suddenly, it’s all anyone can talk about.

After a while of everyone gushing over Jordan, my Aunt Melissa drops this gem: “Well, at least OP tried her best. It’s a shame, but I’m sure she’ll figure things out eventually.” Then Dad chimes in with, “She’ll have to make do with what she chose.” And my Uncle Kevin added some other nonsense I didn’t even bother remembering.

I lost it. I snapped at them to stop talking about me like I wasn’t even there and that I’m not some failure just because I picked a different path. Awkward silence. Like, crickets.

Eventually, everyone just pretended nothing happened and moved on.

Afterward, Dad pulled me aside and said I “created a scene” and embarrassed him in front of everyone. According to him, no one was being negative (lol sure), and I was just being selfish. Mom at least kinda gets it—she said she understands why I was upset but thinks I should’ve just let it go. They’ve texted me a few times since, but I haven’t replied. Still too mad.

Another User Comments:

Dude, you’re absolutely NTJ here. First off, getting into multiple schools is a huge accomplishment, and your parents should be proud of you, period.

Choosing where you go to college is your decision, not theirs. As long as the school is legit and has the program you want, that’s all that matters.

And congrats to your cousin, but that doesn’t mean they get to act like their path is somehow superior. For all anyone knows, they could drop out next year while you go on to crush grad school. Life’s unpredictable like that.

The real issue here is your family treating education like some kind of competition. News flash: it’s not. You’re not obligated to play their comparison games. Focus on being the best version of you, not some imaginary standard they’ve set up.

Also, standing up for yourself wasn’t wrong.

If they didn’t want to be called out, maybe they shouldn’t have been passive-aggressive in the first place.

Another User Comments:

NTJ at all. Honestly, people put way too much stock in “prestige” when it comes to colleges. Studies have shown that students who could have gone to top-tier schools but chose less competitive ones end up just as successful—sometimes even more so because they have better access to opportunities like research, internships, and professor attention.

Plus, state schools are usually way more affordable. Less debt = more freedom after graduation. If your parents are so hung up on the money aspect, maybe suggest they put the savings toward something actually useful, like helping you with summer internships or study abroad programs.

And let’s not ignore the health factor.

Taking care of yourself now means you’ll perform better in the long run. A lighter course load gives you room to breathe, join clubs, make friends—you know, live.

You didn’t “make a scene.” They did by talking down to you like you weren’t even in the room. Good on you for calling them out.

Another User Comments:

NTJ, but your family sure is. They’re acting like college is some kind of race where the only goal is to “win,” and that’s just… exhausting. Life isn’t a competition, and treating it like one is a surefire way to make everyone miserable.

What really gets me is how they’re framing you as the problem when they were the ones being condescending.

They’re mad because you didn’t just sit there and take it. If they didn’t want backlash, maybe they should’ve kept their unsolicited opinions to themselves.

Also, the whole “you let me down” thing from your dad? Manipulative as heck. You didn’t “let him down”—you made a choice that works for you, and he’s making it about himself.

Another User Comments:

Okay, hot take: ESH, but mostly your family.

Yeah, they were totally out of line with the backhanded comments, and you had every right to be upset. But yelling at them in the middle of Christmas probably wasn’t the most productive way to handle it.

That said, I get why you snapped.

Being talked about like you’re some pity case is infuriating. Maybe once things cool down, you can have a calm conversation with your parents about why their comments hurt and how you’d rather they respect your choices instead of comparing you to others.

But also? Don’t let their expectations dictate your self-worth. You’re doing what’s best for you, and that’s what matters.

Another User Comments:

Honestly? Your family sounds toxic as heck. They’re so wrapped up in their own insecurities that they’re projecting them onto you.

Turning down “prestigious” schools for valid reasons (health, comfort, financial sense) doesn’t make you a failure—it makes you smart.

You’re thinking long-term, while they’re stuck on some imaginary hierarchy of success.

And the fact that they’re more concerned about “appearances” than your well-being says a lot. You stood up for yourself, and that’s not something to apologize for. If they’re embarrassed, maybe they should take a hard look at why.

I’m Taylor, 23F, and my partner, Jordan, is 24M, and we’ve been together for two years. Things have been awesome—he’s super supportive, we get along great, and I genuinely love him. So when Christmas rolled around, I wanted to knock his socks off with the perfect gift.

For months, he had been griping about his laptop. Slow, glitchy, basically a glorified paperweight. He kept talking about upgrading, so I figured, hey, surprise him with a shiny new one. Genius, right?

Now, I’m not exactly a tech wizard.

RAM, SSD, whatever—those words mean nothing to me. But I’m not dumb, so I started subtly fishing for info. Every time he complained, I asked, “So, what specs would your dream laptop have?” He always said speed was his biggest issue. Cool. I assumed the latest MacBook Pro (same as his old one, just newer) would be a slam dunk. Dropped $1,300 on it without a second thought.

Christmas morning comes, he unwraps it, and at first, he’s thrilled. Then he checks the specs. The second he saw 8GB of RAM, his face fell. “I can’t even run my work programs on this,” he says.

Not just disappointed—irate.

Cue the argument. I’m hurt because, hello, I just blew a ton of cash on this thing, and he’s acting like I handed him a potato. He insists on returning it for one with better specs. I get it, but also… dude, at least pretend to be grateful?

Long story short, I gave the laptop to my sister, Alex, 19F, who’s in college and actually needs one. Yeah, maybe petty, but I wasn’t about to let it go to waste. Now my partner’s furious, saying I’m selfish for not just returning it.

I feel kinda bad, but also… a little appreciation would’ve been nice. AITJ?

Another User Comments:

Okay, look. I get where you’re coming from—gift-giving is emotional, and it sucks when your effort isn’t appreciated. But here’s the thing: a laptop isn’t just a sentimental gift. It’s a tool. If it doesn’t do the job, it’s useless, no matter how much you spent.

Your partner wasn’t ungrateful; he was practical. He needs certain specs for work. You admit you didn’t research, so this isn’t about him being picky—it’s about you assuming instead of confirming.

And regifting it to your sister? That’s just spiteful. The mature move would’ve been returning it and letting him put the money toward what he actually needs.

Also, once you give a gift, it’s not yours anymore. Taking it back and giving it to someone else is kinda messed up. Soft YTJ because your heart was in the right place, but your execution was way off.

Another User Comments:

Nah, NTJ. Your partner acted like a brat. Yeah, sure, the laptop wasn’t perfect, but he could’ve handled it way better. A simple “Thank you, this is so sweet, but I might need to exchange it for something with more RAM” would’ve solved everything.

Instead, he threw a fit.

And the people saying you should’ve just returned it? Please. You’re not his personal shopper. You put thought and money into it, and he couldn’t even fake gratitude for five seconds. Giving it to your sister was a power move, and I’m here for it.

Another User Comments:

YTJ, but not for the reason you think. The issue isn’t the gift—it’s the communication. You knew he was picky about tech, yet you didn’t involve him in the decision. A laptop isn’t like a sweater; if it doesn’t fit, it’s worthless.

Instead of making this about appreciation, maybe ask yourself why you didn’t just say, “Hey, let’s pick one out together?” That way, he gets what he needs, and you still get credit for the gesture.

Regifting it out of spite just escalated things. Next time, teamwork makes the dream work.

Another User Comments:

ESH. Your partner could’ve been kinder about it, but you also overreacted. A laptop is a big purchase, and if it doesn’t meet his needs, returning it is the logical choice. Instead, you let your pride take over and made it a whole thing.

And giving it to your sister? That’s not selfish, but it’s definitely petty. You both need to work on handling disappointment like adults.

Another User Comments:

Honestly? NAH. You tried to do something amazing, and it backfired. He wasn’t wrong for wanting a functional laptop, and you weren’t wrong for feeling hurt.

The real villain here is Apple for making 8GB RAM sound like a good idea in 2023.

Next time, maybe go for a gift card or a fun experience instead. Less stress, more joy.

So, I’ve wanted to be a mom since, like, forever. Seriously, I was that kid who named my dolls and daydreamed about future babies while other kids were still figuring out how to tie their shoes. There was this one name—let’s call it Celina—that I first heard in a movie when I was around six years old, and it instantly captured my imagination. Over the years, I cycled through other names (some cringey, some okay), but Celina was always the one that felt truly special to me.

I even spent hours researching its origins and meaning, creating a deep connection with it that only grew stronger with time.

Then my brother, let’s call him Liam, marries a woman named Chloe. Chloe is known for her tendency to transform even a minor disagreement into a dramatic three-act saga. One day, they were chatting about baby names and, to my shock, their top girl name turned out to be Celina. My heart sank—not because I believed I owned the name, but because I knew Chloe would lose it if I ever chose it for my own child. Determined to avoid a family feud that could easily escalate, I decided to hold my tongue, even though I had every opportunity to speak up about it.

In hindsight, that silence has only added layers to the situation that are now impossible to ignore.

Liam and Chloe welcomed a son into their family first. Meanwhile, I got married and later discovered I was expecting a girl about six months before Chloe’s next baby was due. When my daughter was born, I chose to name her Celina—a decision that immediately provoked an explosive reaction. Chloe called me at full volume, accusing me of stealing “her” name and insisting that she had even monogrammed blankets and onesies in preparation for her child (seriously, who does that before the baby is born?!). She demanded that I change my newborn’s name because she claimed she had the idea first.

Liam later texted me, explaining that Chloe was ranting nonstop and expecting him to fix the situation. The tension in our family gatherings has certainly reached a new level ever since.

I didn’t steal the name—I had loved it for decades—but I also didn’t mention my longstanding connection to it when I had the chance. In retrospect, I realize that early honesty might have prevented this whole ordeal, and I now feel even more conflicted about having remained silent for so long. This whole incident has left me questioning how important names can become and whether I should have handled the situation differently by being upfront from the start.

Another User Comments:

Okay, gonna go against the grain here and say soft YTJ.

Not for using the name—no one owns it—but for how the situation was handled. You had years to mention, “Hey, just so you know, Celina’s been my dream name since I was a kid.” Even if Chloe is difficult to deal with, that conversation is worth having well before babies are involved. Instead, you remained quiet, which made it look like you swooped in at the last minute. This delay in sharing your feelings only deepened the misunderstanding and added unnecessary stress to an already tense family dynamic. Sometimes, a little transparency earlier on can save everyone a lot of heartache later.

Another User Comments:

NTJ at all.

Names aren’t property, and you’ve cherished Celina for far longer than Chloe has even been a part of the picture. Also, seriously, who gets monogrammed baby gear before the child is even a reality? That level of entitlement is truly next-level. It is important to remember that many families share names without issue, and this situation is no different. If Chloe really adored the name so much, she could have just embraced it when the time came. Life is full of coincidences, and sometimes the universe decides to double up on what we love. It’s not the end of the world when two people feel a sincere connection with the same name.

Another User Comments:

ESH.

You for not speaking up sooner, Chloe for throwing a tantrum, and Liam for enabling her reaction. I understand why you chose to remain silent—after all, Chloe can be exhausting—but avoiding a difficult conversation ultimately led to bigger problems down the line. You could have simply said, “Just a heads-up, Celina’s been my top pick forever,” and let things unfold naturally. Instead, you allowed her to believe the name was exclusively hers, which made the eventual confrontation that much messier. It’s a classic case of miscommunication spiraling out of control, where everyone’s feelings ended up getting hurt. Sometimes, addressing issues head-on is the only way to prevent further drama.

Another User Comments:

NTJ, and honestly, Chloe needs to touch grass.

You didn’t steal anything—you simply used a name you’ve loved since childhood. If she’s so attached to Celina, she can certainly use it for her own child. The idea that you would rename your actual human child just because she was throwing a fit is laughable. You had your heart set on this name for years, and now you have a beautiful daughter carrying it forward. Stand your ground and don’t let anyone diminish the significance that the name holds for you. Family disagreements about names are never easy, but sometimes you have to let your choices speak for themselves.

Another User Comments:

YTJ, but not for the reason you might think.

You’re not at fault for using your cherished name, but you are responsible for how you handled the fallout. Instead of simply stating, “I’ve loved this name for 20 years,” you allowed Chloe to spin the situation into one of betrayal. Now the entire issue has grown into a major drama, and unfortunately, Liam finds himself caught in the middle of it all. A little upfront honesty could have saved everyone a lot of unnecessary headaches and heartache. That said, Chloe’s reaction is wildly over the top. Monogramming baby gear before the baby is even born and demanding a change in name is absurd. While she may have contributed significantly to the mess, you’re not completely blameless either. This episode serves as a reminder of how essential clear communication is, even when the conversations are difficult.

So, my partner Alex and I just moved into our first apartment together a few months ago. It’s been awesome—except for the part where we both work from home and keep stealing each other’s snacks. Anyway, we also adopted this ridiculously cute kitten named Simba. He’s a little ball of chaos—super affectionate, always purring, and has zero concept of personal space. Like, if you sit down, he will be in your lap in 2.5 seconds. He’s also super chatty and follows us around like a tiny, furry shadow.

Last weekend, Alex’s parents, Evelyn and Thomas, came over for dinner.

They knew we had a cat and didn’t seem to mind… until Simba did what Simba does best: tried to make friends. He rubbed against Evelyn’s legs, chirped at her, and just generally acted like the social butterfly he is. Well, Evelyn lost it. She shoved him away—not like a gentle nudge, but full-on pushed him—and then said, “I’m locking this thing in the bathroom so it learns its place.”

I was floored. First of all, what? Second of all, this is his apartment too. I told her she was being ridiculous and that if she couldn’t handle a friendly cat, she could leave.

She huffed out, Thomas followed, and now Alex’s mad at me for “overreacting.”

Look, I get that not everyone’s a cat person, but you don’t get to come into my home and demand I lock up my pet because you can’t handle a little affection. AITJ for standing my ground?

Another User Comments:

Honestly, ESH. Your MIL was way out of line with how she treated your cat—no question. Shoving an animal and threatening to lock it up is just cruel. But at the same time, you kinda set this whole thing up to fail. Not everyone loves pets the way pet owners do, and some people are straight-up uncomfortable around animals.

You could’ve given Simba his own space for the visit—like a bedroom with his toys and litter box—instead of letting him roam free when you knew your in-laws weren’t big on cats.

Also, separation anxiety sucks, but it’s something you have to work on. What if you need to travel or have guests who are allergic? You can’t just let the cat dictate every social interaction. A little compromise would’ve gone a long way here.

Another User Comments:

NTJ at all. Your house, your rules. If Evelyn doesn’t like cats, she could’ve just… idk, not come over?

Or at least asked politely if you could keep Simba in another room instead of acting like a toddler who didn’t get her way. The way she treated your cat was gross, and you were right to call her out.

Alex’s reaction is kinda worrying, though. Does he always side with his mom over you? Because that’s a red flag. You didn’t overreact—you stood up for your pet, and that’s what good pet owners do.

Another User Comments:

YTJ, but softly. Look, I adore cats. I have two of my own, and they’re my little gremlins.

But part of being a responsible pet owner is recognizing that not everyone wants your furball all over them. Some people have allergies, trauma, or just plain dislike animals. You should’ve been proactive and kept Simba occupied in another room before things escalated.

Evelyn was rude, no doubt, but your lack of action made it worse. A simple, “Hey, let me move him to the bedroom so he doesn’t bother you” would’ve solved this without drama.

Another User Comments:

NTJ, and I’m side-eyeing Alex hard right now. His mom shoved your cat and then threatened to lock him up, and he’s mad at you for defending Simba?

Nah. That’s not okay.

Pets are family. You don’t get to mistreat them just because you’re a guest. If Evelyn can’t handle being around a friendly kitten, she should’ve stayed home. You were right to stand your ground.

Another User Comments:

ESH. Evelyn was way too aggressive, but you also didn’t handle this well. Yeah, it’s Simba’s home too, but guests deserve basic comfort. A quick, “Let me put him in another room” would’ve been the mature move. Instead, you let it escalate into a fight.

Also, Alex needs to grow a spine.

His mom was out of line, and he should’ve backed you up instead of making you the bad guy. Everyone here needs to do better.

Last weekend, I (34M) hosted Christmas for my family. My wife and I have a 3-year-old son, and every year, the holidays rotate between my sister’s place, my parents’, and ours. One of us takes Thanksgiving, another does Christmas, and the last handles New Year’s. It’s been this way forever, and it usually works out fine.

My sister, Alexa, is super vocal about being child-free. She’s always been upfront about it, and I respect that. But things got a little weird after my kid was born.

She’s never outright mean to him, but she’ll say stuff like, “I tolerate him,” which… okay, cool, thanks? She’s never babysat, and I’ve never asked. But my son’s part of the family, so he’s at every gathering, and Alexa’s always visibly annoyed by it.

Here’s where it gets messy. Alexa recently adopted a dog, a hyper little terrier named Rocky. She’s gone full dog mom—Instagram posts, matching outfits, the whole deal. I don’t hate dogs, but I don’t want them in my house.

No judgment if you’re into that, but it’s just not my thing. So when Alexa asked if she could bring Rocky to Christmas, I said no. The dog’s well-trained, but still, I didn’t want it inside or even in the yard. She grumbled but left the pup at home.

Then, the day before New Year’s Eve, Alexa drops a bomb: “Kids aren’t welcome at my party.” I was confused and asked why. Her reasoning? “There’ll be booze, and it’s not a kid-friendly environment.” Okay, fair, but we were only planning to stay till 10 anyway because, you know, toddler.

Still, my wife and I talked it over and decided not to go at all. I texted Alexa 30 minutes before the party to let her know.

We had a chill night—put the kid to bed, watched a movie, and crashed by 11. I woke up to a bunch of missed calls and texts from Alexa, clearly inebriated, calling me a jerk, a dog hater, saying I was rude for bailing. She even brought up how she got my kid a Christmas present but I didn’t get Rocky anything. Like… what? I tried calling her back, but she sent a text saying, “Not answering, jerk.”

So, AITJ here?

Another User Comments:
Nah, you’re good.

Alexa’s being petty, and it sounds like she’s trying to “get even” for you not allowing her dog at Christmas. I’m child-free myself, and while I don’t go gaga over kids, I’d never pull this kind of stunt with my siblings. Kids are part of the family, whether you like ’em or not.

The whole dog vs. kid thing is weird, too. I get that people love their pets—I’ve got two cats I’d die for—but comparing a dog to a human child is just… no. Alexa’s acting like you personally insulted her by not treating Rocky like a nephew, and that’s not how this works.

Another User Comments:
NTJ, but I do think there’s some miscommunication on both sides.

Your son is family, and Alexa needs to accept that. “Tolerating” him isn’t enough—she doesn’t have to adore him, but she should at least be civil.

That said, I get why she’s upset about the dog thing. For a lot of people (myself included), pets are family. If someone told me I couldn’t bring my dog to a gathering, I’d be bummed too. But here’s the thing: it’s your house, your rules. She doesn’t get to demand you accommodate her pet if you’re not comfortable with it.

Where she crossed the line was the last-minute “no kids” rule.

That felt retaliatory. And her inebriated texts? Super immature. She could’ve just talked to you like an adult instead of throwing a tantrum.

Another User Comments:
NTJ. Dogs aren’t kids. Full stop.

I say this as someone who spoils my golden retriever rotten. I buy him fancy treats, take him everywhere, and call him my “fur baby.” But I’d never expect my family to treat him like a human child. Alexa’s taking this way too personally.

Also, the timing of her “no kids” rule was shady. Telling you the day before NYE? That’s basically an uninvitation, because who’s gonna find a sitter that last-minute?

She knew what she was doing.

Another User Comments:
Honestly? ESH.

You’re not wrong for not wanting a dog in your house, but you could’ve been more diplomatic about it. A simple, “Hey, I’m just not a dog person, but maybe we can do a park visit sometime?” might’ve softened the blow.

Alexa, though? She’s way worse. The “no kids” rule was clearly a power move, and her inebriated texts were ridiculous. She’s acting like a teenager instead of a grown woman.

Another User Comments:
NTJ, but this whole dynamic sounds exhausting.

Families should be about compromise, not scorekeeping.

Alexa’s holding grudges over a dog, and you’re stuck in the middle. Maybe it’s time for a calm, sober conversation about boundaries—without the passive-aggressive digs.

Also, side note: who expects a gift for their dog? That’s next-level entitlement.

My brother Dylan (37) has always been the golden child. My mom coddled him like he was made of glass, while my sisters and I got the short end of the stick. Even at my sister’s funeral (she was 17, Dylan was 15, and I was 12), he threw a screaming fit because Mom’s attention wasn’t solely on him.

My dad’s side of the family was always a mixed bag. He had two brothers and a sister. My uncle Ethan came out as gay when he was 23, and while my grandparents were surprised, they supported him.

Dad and Ethan were super close—they went on trips, shared hobbies, the whole deal. Aunt Fiona and another uncle, Trevor, were… less accepting. They never outright disowned Ethan, but they made snide comments about his “lifestyle” for years.

Then, in 2017, my grandparents passed away within six months of each other. That’s when Fiona and Trevor cut Ethan off completely. No explanation, just radio silence. Luckily, Dad and I stayed close with him. Fast forward to 2020, Ethan got diagnosed with lung cancer. He decided to rewrite his will and asked Dylan to be the executor because Dad was too emotional to handle it. Dylan jumped at the chance—not out of kindness, but because he assumed he’d get the lion’s share of the estate.

Ethan died in June 2021.

Dad, Ethan’s partner, and I were there when it happened. I called and texted Dylan over and over, but he couldn’t be bothered to show up. At the funeral, Dad was a wreck, but Dylan was practically bouncing off the walls. A few weeks later, Dylan started badgering Dad about the will. We finally checked Ethan’s safe, and the second Dad opened it, Dylan snatched the papers. Then he flipped out—knocked everything off Ethan’s desk, screamed, cursed, and stormed out.

Turns out, Ethan split his estate four ways: a quarter to Dylan, a quarter to me, a quarter to his partner, and a quarter to cancer research.

Dylan lost it. He contested the will, claiming he only agreed to be executor because Ethan “promised” him half. He wanted half for himself and the other half split three ways. The case went to court in November 2022. When the judge asked if Dylan deserved more because of “all the work” he did, I said no—Dad and I had handled most of Ethan’s affairs while Dylan ghosted us. Ethan knew what he was doing, and his wishes should be respected.

Dylan was furious. He still thought he’d win. He didn’t. By early December, the court ruled he got his quarter minus legal fees, and the rest of us kept ours.

Cue the meltdown.

Dylan demanded I “pay him back” for “stealing his money.” Mom blew up my phone, screeching about how I “betrayed her baby.” Relatives I haven’t heard from in years crawled out of the woodwork to call me selfish. Mom uninvited me from Christmas (they divorced when I was 15) and told everyone I refused to come because I was “ashamed of my actions.” Then, on New Year’s Eve, my SIL sent me a pic of my face taped to Dylan’s dartboard with a sign saying, “Aim here and text her why she’s the worst!” I only got two nasty messages, so I guess even his friends thought it was pathetic.

So… am I the jerk here?

Another User Comments:
NTJ.

Your brother is a textbook case of entitlement, and your mom enabled it every step of the way. The audacity to think he deserved more when he couldn’t even be bothered to visit your uncle on his deathbed is wild. And contesting the will? That’s next-level greed.

The fact that your mom is still babying him says everything. She’s mad because the real world doesn’t revolve around Dylan like she made it seem. And the dartboard thing? That’s not just immature—it’s borderline unhinged. Keep screenshots of all that nonsense in case he escalates.

Honestly, going low or no contact sounds like the move here.

You don’t need that toxicity in your life. Spend your inheritance on something that makes you happy, and let Dylan stew in his own bitterness.

Another User Comments:
Yikes. NTJ, but your brother and mom sure are. Dylan didn’t lift a finger to help your uncle, but he expected a payday? And your mom backing him up after all this is just… wow.

The dartboard photo is honestly hilarious in a sad way. Like, who does that? A grown man throwing a tantrum because he didn’t get his way. Pathetic.

Stand your ground. The court already sided with you because you were in the right.

If your family wants to die on this hill, let them. You’re better off without people who think money matters more than basic decency.

Another User Comments:
NTJ. Your uncle’s will was clear, and Dylan’s tantrum doesn’t change that. The fact that he thought he could strong-arm his way into more money is laughable.

Your mom’s behavior is just as bad. She’s so deep in denial she could qualify as an archaeologist. Banning you from Christmas? Good riddance. Spend the day with people who actually care about you.

Also, document EVERYTHING. The texts, the dartboard pic, all of it.

If Dylan or his flying monkeys keep harassing you, you might have grounds for a restraining order. Don’t let them bully you into giving up what’s rightfully yours.

Another User Comments:
Honestly? ESH. Yeah, Dylan’s acting like a brat, but airing all this drama online feels petty. You already won in court—why keep dragging it out?

And the dartboard thing is childish, but posting about it just fuels the fire. At some point, you gotta ask yourself if engaging with this nonsense is worth it. Block them, move on, and enjoy your life without the drama.

Another User Comments:
NTJ, but barely.

Look, your brother’s behavior is awful, but you’re not exactly taking the high road by dwelling on it. The best revenge is living well.

That said, your mom is the real villain here. She created this monster by spoiling Dylan rotten, and now she’s shocked he turned into an entitled jerk? Surprise, surprise.

Take your quarter, donate some to cancer research in your uncle’s name if you want, and let Dylan scream into the void. He’s not worth your energy.