People Are Picking Fights Over These Viral 'Am I The Jerk?' Stories

So, my partner Alex and I recently moved across the country. I did most of the driving because Alex can drive, but highways freak them out, and long trips just aren’t their thing. Because of that, we decided it’d be easier if I drove my car solo while Alex flew to our new place. The catch? I had to leave my vintage Mustang—yeah, the one I’d spent years restoring—at my friend Cameron’s place. The plan was simple: once we were settled, I’d fly back, grab my car, and take a leisurely road trip down Route 66.

Just me, the open road, and a bunch of weird roadside attractions I’d always wanted to check out.

Of course, life had other plans. A day into my trip, Alex calls me in a panic. Their doctor had just diagnosed an ectopic pregnancy, and they needed to handle it ASAP. Alex was alone in a new city, scared out of their mind, and begging me to come home immediately. They even suggested I ditch my car at the nearest airport and just fly back.

Now, I’ll be honest—I asked Alex if me being there would actually help. They admitted the procedure was straightforward, no hospital stay, and they’d be fine on their own.

So, I said, “Okay, I’ll be there soon,” and kept driving. I called Alex almost every night, checked in, made sure they were alright. But I also didn’t rush. I stopped at the Cadillac Ranch, took a detour to see the Grand Canyon, and yeah, maybe stretched the trip to about three weeks.

When I finally got home, Alex was frosty. Like, colder than a polar bear’s toenails. I get it—they went through something scary alone. But they said it was fine! And let’s be real, if Alex had just been cool with driving their own car in the first place, none of this would’ve happened.

So, AITJ?

Another User Comments:

Dude, seriously? You’re asking if you’re the jerk here? Let me break it down for you. Your partner had a medical emergency. Not a stubbed toe, not a bad day at work—a legit, life-threatening situation. And instead of dropping everything to be there, you treated it like a minor inconvenience. “Oh, they said it was fine, so I took my sweet time sightseeing.”

Newsflash: when someone you love is scared and alone, “fine” doesn’t mean “go enjoy your vacation.” It means “I’m trying not to freak out, but I need you.” You had options.

You could’ve parked the car at an airport and flown back. You could’ve driven straight through instead of making pit stops. But no, you prioritized your dream road trip over your partner’s well-being.

And the audacity to blame Alex for not wanting to drive? That’s some next-level deflection. This isn’t about the car. It’s about you choosing yourself when Alex needed you most. YTJ, no question.

Another User Comments:

Okay, I’m gonna play devil’s advocate here because I think some of these comments are missing nuance. Yeah, Alex was in a tough spot, but they did say the procedure wasn’t a big deal.

If they’d said, “I’m terrified, please come home,” that’s one thing. But they didn’t. They gave you the green light to keep going.

That said—three weeks? Really? You couldn’t cut the trip short by, like, a lot? I get wanting to enjoy the drive, but there’s a middle ground between “abandon the car” and “take a month-long detour.” You could’ve skipped a few stops, gotten home in a week, and planned another trip later.

Alex’s not wrong for being upset, but I don’t think you’re some monster.

Just kinda clueless. Next time, read between the lines. If your partner’s dealing with something heavy, “fine” doesn’t always mean fine.

Another User Comments:

Nah, man, you’re absolutely the jerk here. Let’s not sugarcoat it. An ectopic pregnancy isn’t just some routine thing—it’s dangerous. Alex could’ve died. And instead of rushing home, you’re out here taking selfies at roadside diners?

You keep saying, “They said it was okay,” but come on. You know that’s not the point. When someone you love is hurting, you show up.

Period. You don’t negotiate terms or look for loopholes. The fact that you’re even trying to justify this tells me you’re missing the bigger picture.

And blaming Alex for not driving? Weak. You’re deflecting because you know you messed up. YTJ, big time.

Another User Comments:

I’m torn on this one. On one hand, Alex did say they’d be okay. Communication goes both ways—if they needed you, they should’ve been clearer. But on the other hand, love isn’t about technicalities. It’s about being there when it matters.

You could’ve handled this better.

Maybe not ditching the car, but at least speeding up the trip. Three weeks is excessive. And yeah, the car blame thing is a bad look. Take some responsibility.

Another User Comments:

YTJ, and here’s why: you made this about you. Your dream road trip, your car, your timeline. Meanwhile, Alex was dealing with something traumatic—alone. It doesn’t matter if the procedure was “simple.” It was scary, and they needed support.

You had so many ways to handle this better. Park the car, fly back, then finish the trip later. Drive straight through. Something other than what you did. But you chose the selfish route.

And now you’re surprised Alex’s upset? Come on.

I’m 28F, and my friend Jenna (also 28) and I have been tight since high school. My partner, Ben, and I have been together for about a year. Ben’s job involves a ton of travel, and a lot of these trips include networking events, dinners, and nights out with his colleagues and clients. I tag along pretty often, and when we’re home, he still does the same kind of socializing here.

Ever since Jenna found out about these trips, she’s been relentless about wanting to come along.

And look, I love her, but I don’t think it’s a good idea for a few reasons.

First, the crowd Ben runs with is… a lot. They’re the kind of people who work insane hours and then go even harder when they party. A lot of the women in these circles are super confident, flirty, and totally own the room—which is awesome, and I’ve made some great friends among them. But Jenna? She’s more reserved, and that’s fine, but it’s just not the same vibe.

Second, Jenna gets really insecure in male-dominated spaces.

If we’re out and a guy talks to me more than her, she’ll shut down for the rest of the night. Normally, I don’t mind handling her moods when it’s just us, but on a multi-day trip? I don’t have the energy to babysit her emotions while also trying to make sure I’m not embarrassing Ben in front of his contacts.

At first, I tried to let her down gently—stuff like, “Eh, it’s mostly just industry talk, you’d be bored,” or “These guys are kind of intense.” But she kept pushing, so I started dodging with vague answers like, “I’ll see,” or “Not sure when the next one is.” Then she saw my other friend, Riley (not a mutual friend, but Jenna follows her on Instagram), post about a trip she came on with me.

Cue the drama.

Jenna started telling our mutual friends I was being a “bad friend” and “secretive.” Then, at lunch last week, she tried to make plans for a weekend I was already booked for, and when I said I’d be away, she snapped, “Oh, another one of your exclusive trips you won’t invite me on?”

I was tired, maybe a little wine-loosened, and I just said, “Jenna, be real. Do you actually think you’d have fun around those women and the guys who chase them? Or would you just get jealous and sulky and make it awkward for everyone?”

She told me to screw off and left.

Honestly?

Felt amazing to finally say it. But now our friends are split—some think I was too harsh, others think I should’ve just kept dodging. So, AITJ?

Another User Comments:

“Okay, let’s break this down. Jenna sounds exhausting. If she can’t handle being in a room where she’s not the center of attention, that’s a her problem, not a you problem. And the fact that she’s badmouthing you to mutual friends instead of, I don’t know, working on her own insecurities, says a lot.

You’re not obligated to bring her along just because she’s your friend.

These trips are tied to your partner’s job, and yeah, you should be mindful of how you present yourself around his colleagues. Bringing someone who’s going to pout all night because a guy didn’t buy her a drink? Not a good look.

Also, the way she’s acting like she’s entitled to these invites is wild. Friends don’t guilt-trip friends into including them in every single aspect of their lives. You weren’t harsh—you were honest. And if she can’t handle honesty, that’s on her.”

Another User Comments:

“I get why you feel guilty, but honestly?

Jenna backed you into a corner. You tried the nice approach, and she bulldozed right over it. Then she went full Mean Girls by dragging your name through the mud with your friends. That’s not friendship—that’s manipulation.

And let’s talk about the real issue here: why is she so desperate to be on these trips? Is it FOMO? Is she hoping to meet some rich guy? Because if it was just about spending time with you, she wouldn’t be throwing a tantrum over not being invited to work events.

You’re not a jerk for setting boundaries. If anything, you’ve outgrown this friendship.

Sometimes people from your past don’t fit into your present, and that’s okay.”

Another User Comments:

“Y’all are being way too hard on Jenna. Yeah, she’s insecure, but that doesn’t make her a villain. OP, you could’ve handled this better. Instead of dropping the truth bomb at lunch, you should’ve had a real conversation with her before it got to this point.

That said, Jenna’s reaction wasn’t great either. Storming out and trash-talking you isn’t cool. But I think this is salvageable if you both sit down and talk it out.

Maybe she doesn’t realize how her behavior comes across. Or maybe she’s feeling left behind and lashed out. Either way, communication is key.”

Another User Comments:

“Nah, OP, you’re fine. Jenna’s the one who made it weird by insisting on invites to what are essentially business functions. If my friend’s partner was a doctor, I wouldn’t demand to shadow them at the hospital. Same energy.

And the whole ‘secretive’ accusation? That’s just her trying to guilt you. You’re allowed to have parts of your life that don’t involve her.

The fact that she can’t respect that tells me this friendship has run its course.”

Another User Comments:

“I’m torn. On one hand, I get why you snapped—Jenna was being pushy. On the other, your delivery was pretty brutal. There’s a difference between honesty and cruelty, and I think you edged into the latter.

That said, her reaction (and the smear campaign) was way over the top. If she’s this sensitive, maybe it’s better for both of you to take a step back. Friendships shouldn’t feel like emotional labor 24/7.”

So, I’m a 34-year-old guy who flew a few states over to visit my mom for her birthday. I usually see her like twice, maybe three times a year if I’m lucky. This time, I rented a car and drove down after work on Thursday, rolled up to her place Friday morning. Had my return flight booked for Monday at 2 PM.

My wife, Mia, didn’t come with me for a couple reasons. First, she’s in grad school and had a brutal round of exams coming up—she needed the weekend to cram.

Second, we’d just adopted this hyperactive golden retriever puppy, Cooper, about three weeks ago, and neither of us wanted to dump him in a kennel so soon.

Saturday night, Mia and I had a long phone call before bed. She sounded wrecked—between Cooper chewing everything and her stressing over exams, she was barely keeping it together. I told her, “Man, I wish I could just come home early and help out.” She agreed it’d take some pressure off.

So Sunday morning, I changed my flight from Monday afternoon to an 8 AM one. I told my mom, and she just kinda… shrugged.

No big reaction. Later that day, two of her friends, Elena and Tessa, came over for wine. I hung out with them for a bit, making small talk.

Around 5, I dipped out to call Mia and see how she was holding up. We talked for about half an hour, and afterward, I went back to join my mom and her friends.

The second I walked in, Elena looked at me and said, “You didn’t actually move your flight up, did you?”

I told her I was just checking in at home. Then she hit me with: “Seriously, where’s your spine? Your wife got you on some kind of leash?

You’re running home like some whipped little boy.”

I glanced at my mom, expecting her to say something, but she just sat there, sipping her wine. I tried explaining that Mia was drowning in stress, but Elena kept going. Finally, my mom half-heartedly went, “Okay, stop, you’re gonna scare him off.” Real helpful. I just walked out and took a long walk to cool down.

When I got back, my mom apologized for Elena being “mean.” I accepted it, and we dropped it. Next morning, she drove me to the airport and said, “Tell Mia thanks for loaning you out.”

Now I’m wondering if changing my flight hurt her feelings, and she just vented to her friends instead of me.

I barely see her, so maybe I’m the jerk for cutting the trip short. AITJ?

Another User Comments:

“YTJ, but softly. Look, your wife comes first, always. But this wasn’t an emergency—it was stress. And yeah, stress sucks, but she’s an adult. She could’ve handled six more hours without you. You planned this trip to see your mom, who you barely get time with, and then you dipped early because your wife couldn’t juggle a puppy and studying? Come on.

Your mom’s friend was way out of line, no question. But your mom’s reaction tells me you hurt her.

She didn’t lash out, but that ‘thanks for loaning you out’ comment? That’s some quiet resentment right there. You made her feel like an afterthought.

Also, Cooper’s a dog, not a newborn. If Mia can’t manage a puppy for a weekend, how’s she gonna handle actual life crises? She needs to build some resilience, and you enabling her isn’t helping.”

Another User Comments:

“NTJ at all. Elena’s comments were disgusting. Since when is being a supportive partner a bad thing? And your mom just sat there letting her trash-talk you? Nope.

The ‘loan’ comment was passive-aggressive nonsense.

You’re not a library book. You’re a person who made a choice to help your struggling wife. That’s called being a decent human.

Yeah, you see your mom rarely, but you still made the effort to visit. Some people don’t even do that. And cutting the trip by six hours isn’t some huge betrayal. Your mom should’ve communicated if she was upset instead of letting her friends gang up on you.”

Another User Comments:

“ESH. Elena’s a nightmare, your mom should’ve shut her down, and Mia needs to figure out how to adult.

But you’re not blameless either.

Six hours. That’s all you moved your flight. What’s that gonna fix? One extra walk for Cooper? A quick hug for Mia? Meanwhile, your mom loses out on lunch and quality time with you.

If Mia’s that fragile, she needs coping strategies, not a rescue mission. And you need to set boundaries. ‘Sorry babe, I’ll be home Monday’ should’ve been enough.”

Another User Comments:

“Hard NTJ. The way Elena spoke to you was vile. Toxic masculinity at its finest—like caring about your wife’s stress makes you weak?

Gross.

Your mom’s apology was weak too. ‘Thanks for loaning you out’? That’s some possessive, manipulative crap. You’re not her emotional support animal.

You did the right thing. Partners help each other. Mia was struggling, and you stepped up. That’s what good people do. Your mom’s feelings aren’t more important than your wife’s mental health.”

Another User Comments:

“YTJ, but mostly to yourself. Dude, you bent over backward to ‘fix’ a non-emergency, and your mom’s friends roasted you for it while she watched.

Mia’s stress is valid, but she’s not helpless.

Cooper’s a puppy, not a tornado. And your mom? She let her friends disrespect you, then dropped a guilt trip on your way out.

You need to grow a backbone—not for Elena’s sake, but for your own. Set boundaries. ‘No, I’m not cutting my trip short.’ ‘No, you don’t get to talk to me like that.’ Otherwise, you’ll keep getting walked over by everyone.”

So I’m a 34-year-old mom, and my 7-year-old son’s name is Emmett. No deep family meaning behind it—I just loved how it sounded when I was picking names while pregnant. Lately, though, people have started calling him “E,” and I hate it. I always correct them when I can. For what it’s worth, I’ve asked Emmett how he feels, and he just shrugs and says it doesn’t bother him.

At his last soccer game, the coach kept yelling, “Go, E!” even after I’d politely said, “It’s Emmett.” Later, I vented to my husband, Brian, about it, and he just laughed and said I was making a big deal out of nothing.

I told him it’s frustrating that people ignore what I’m asking, and he rolled his eyes and said, “You can’t control what everyone calls him forever.”

I snapped back that it’d be nice if he had my back on this, and he gave me that are-you-serious look. I doubled down and said I wasn’t dropping it, and if he’d help me correct people, maybe it’d actually stick. Brian called me dramatic and said I was fighting a losing battle. We ended up dropping it before it turned into a full-blown argument, but I’m still annoyed.

Some of my friends think I’m being unreasonable, while others say Brian should at least pretend to care since it matters to me.

I get that it seems trivial, but that’s kind of why it stings—if it’s such a small thing, why can’t he just humor me? AITJ for wanting people to call my son by his full name?

Another User Comments:

Look, I get where you’re coming from—you picked the name Emmett because you loved it, and now it feels like people are just chopping it up without a second thought. But here’s the thing: nicknames happen. Always have, always will. “E” isn’t even that weird—it’s just a natural shorthand.

If Emmett himself doesn’t care, why are you making this your hill to die on?

Your husband’s right about one thing: you can’t control what people call him. And honestly, trying to police it is just gonna make you the “overbearing mom” in everyone’s eyes. Imagine being Emmett and having your mom constantly interrupt conversations to go, “Actually, it’s Emmett.” Kids notice that stuff, and it’s awkward as heck.

Save your energy for the fights that actually matter. This isn’t one of them. YTJ, but gently—because I think you’re coming from a place of love, just misdirected.

Another User Comments:

Nah, you’re not the jerk here.

If you introduced your kid as Emmett and someone decides to call him “E,” it’s basic respect to call people what they want to be called. Yeah, nicknames are common, but that doesn’t mean you have to just roll over and accept it if it bugs you.

Your husband’s reaction is what gets me, though. Even if he thinks it’s silly, it costs him nothing to say, “Hey, we prefer Emmett,” and move on. The fact that he’s dismissing something that clearly matters to you is the bigger issue. Partners should have each other’s backs on the small stuff, even if they don’t get it.

That said, if Emmett ever decides he likes “E,” you gotta let it go.

But until then, NTJ for sticking to your guns.

Another User Comments:

YTJ, but not for the reason you think. You’re not wrong for wanting people to use his full name—you’re wrong for making this a thing when your son doesn’t even care. Kids pick up on tension, and if you’re out here getting visibly annoyed every time someone says “E,” guess what? Emmett’s gonna notice. And he’s gonna feel weird about it.

My mom was like this with my brother’s name. She hated when people called him “Sam” instead of “Samuel,” even though he didn’t give a crap.

Know what happened? He started introducing himself as Sam just to avoid the awkwardness when she’d correct people.

If you keep this up, you might end up pushing Emmett toward the nickname because of your reaction. Is that what you want?

Another User Comments:

I’m torn on this one. On one hand, yeah, it’s your kid, and if you want people to use his full name, that’s your call. On the other hand… it’s his name, not yours. If he’s fine with “E,” why are you fighting this so hard?

The real issue here is that you’re taking this personally.

You’re interpreting people using a nickname as them ignoring your wishes, when in reality, most folks aren’t even thinking about it. They’re just trying to be friendly or casual.

Your husband could be more supportive, sure, but he’s not wrong—this is a losing battle. Kids grow up, and they get to decide what they’re called. Save the corrections for when it actually matters (like if someone’s calling him something he dislikes).

Another User Comments:

Soft YTJ. I get it—names are emotional. You picked Emmett with love, and it feels like people are disrespecting that by shortening it.

But here’s the thing: language evolves, and so do names. My name’s Gabriel, and I’ve been “Gabe” since I was five. My mom hated it at first, but she got over it because I liked it.

Your son might not care now, but what if he starts preferring “E” later? Are you gonna keep fighting everyone in his life over it? That’s how you end up with a kid who resents you for something as small as a nickname.

So, I’m Avery (24F), and my fiancé, Jordan (24M), are tying the knot this summer. We’re keeping it small—just close friends and family—because honestly, who wants to drop a fortune on one day and spend months stressed over napkin colors? But man, the guest list drama has spiraled way beyond what we expected. Apparently, we’re “ruining a family occasion” because we’re the oldest grandkids on both sides, and everyone’s acting like we’re personally snubbing them by not inviting the entire extended clan.

Here’s the messy backstory: When I was 14, my dad had a years-long affair with Taylor, a married woman from their church.

My mom divorced him, and I was so disgusted I cut contact and stayed with my mom. It was brutal. Taylor’s son, Jordan, was in my grade, and we ended up bonding over the chaos—imagine being trauma buddies because your parents decided to blow up both families. We even sent a joint “hard pass” RSVP to their wedding when they finally left their spouses for each other.

Fast forward to college—Jordan and I ended up at the same school, and three years ago, we realized we had feelings. Yeah, awkward, right? My mom struggled at first because Taylor had been vicious during the divorce, but Jordan won her over.

His dad was always decent, and over time, everyone kinda healed. The one thing Jordan and I agree on? My dad and Taylor don’t get to come to the wedding. We’re low-contact with them, but they’ve been pushing boundaries hard, especially since we got engaged. Taylor keeps trying to hijack wedding planning, and my dad’s sulking because my brother, Sam, is walking me down the aisle instead of him.

We offered to have breakfast with them the morning of the wedding and dinner before our honeymoon, but nope—they want the whole show. Cue the family meltdown: relatives picking sides, guilt trips, and even some nasty comments about us being “practically siblings” (gross).

Jordan finally snapped and cut Taylor off entirely, and now my dad’s playing the heartbroken card. I’m second-guessing myself because the drama’s exhausting, but all I want is a chill wedding and a peaceful life with my husband.

Another User Comments:

“Okay, first off, NTJ. At all. You and Jordan are the only ones who get to decide who’s at your wedding, full stop. My dad and Taylor made their beds years ago, and now they’re mad they have to lie in them. The audacity of them acting like victims after what they pulled is wild. And the family members guilt-tripping you?

They can kick rocks. Unless they’re footing the bill, they don’t get a say.

Also, the ‘siblings’ comments are just gross and inaccurate. You and Jordan bonded over shared trauma—that doesn’t make you related. People love to stir the pot for drama. Stick to your guns. If you cave now, they’ll keep trampling your boundaries forever. And honestly? The breakfast/dinner compromise was more than they deserved. If they can’t appreciate that, they don’t deserve anything.”

Another User Comments:

“I get where you’re coming from, but I’m side-eyeing the breakfast/dinner thing.

If you’re not comfortable having them at the wedding, why bother with those awkward meals? Wedding mornings are chaotic, and you’ll be stressed enough without managing my dad’s feelings. And dinner right before the honeymoon? That’s prime ‘let’s just get out of here’ time.

It feels like you’re trying to soften the blow, but you’re just prolonging the drama. Either go full no-contact or let them come—this middle ground seems like it’s making everyone miserable, including you. Boundaries only work if they’re clear, and right now, you’re sending mixed signals.”

Another User Comments:

“My dad and Taylor are grown adults facing the consequences of their actions.

Boo hoo. They don’t get to rewrite history just because they’re ‘hurt’ now. The fact that Jordan cut Taylor off entirely tells me she was probably the bigger instigator in all this, and my dad’s just riding the pity train.

Honestly? Cancel the breakfast and dinner. Tell the flying monkeys to mind their business, and enjoy your wedding without the guilt. You’ve already been kinder than they deserve by offering any compromise. If they truly cared, they’d respect your decision instead of making it about them.”

Another User Comments:

“I’m gonna go against the grain here—soft YTJ.

Hear me out. You’re not wrong for setting boundaries, but excluding both parents entirely feels extreme. Yeah, they messed up, but people grow and change. Could you maybe have a separate, small ceremony moment with them? Like, a private vow exchange or something?

I get not wanting drama, but weddings are one of those rare times where families come together. If you shut them out completely, you might regret it later. Just something to think about.”

Another User Comments:

“Nope, nope, nope. You’re 100% justified. My dad and Taylor didn’t care about family when they had their affair, so why should you care about their feelings now?

The ‘but we’re family’ card only works when you act like family, and they failed spectacularly at that.

Jordan cutting off Taylor was the right move. She sounds toxic, and my dad’s just salty because he’s finally realizing actions have consequences. Stick to your plan, ignore the noise, and have the wedding YOU want. Anyone who doesn’t like it can stay home.”

So, I work in this field that’s basically law-adjacent. My degree’s a double whammy—law and business—and I’m constantly rubbing elbows with actual lawyers, dealing with legal stuff day in, day out. Between my uni classes and the crowd I hung with, I’ve got connections all over the legal world: prosecutors, divorce attorneys, corporate bigwigs (the ones I work with directly), you name it.

Fast-forward to a recent family dinner. My niece, Bella, was buzzing about her uni choices for next year.

Back in my day, I was torn between biosciences, psych, business, and law, so I was low-key invested in what she’d pick. Turns out, she’s stuck between biosciences (with a side of grad med) or law. Wild, because I had the exact same dilemma. For the record, neither of us nailed the grades for undergrad med, but hey, that’s neither here nor there.

What got me, though, was her take on the legal profession. She was all, “It’s gonna be so cool working on these wild, one-of-a-kind cases every day, plus the money’s insane.” Then she dropped the kicker: “It’s basically like Suits, just less dramatic.”

Yeah.

That’s when I jumped in. I laid out the real deal—pros and cons. The second I hit the cons, though, my sister, Nina, starts shooting daggers at me with her eyes. I explained that most lawyers aren’t living some courtroom drama fantasy. They specialize, so they’re handling the same type of cases (not that it’s boring, but it’s not Suits). Corporate lawyers? Congrats, you’re reading contracts until your eyes bleed. And trials? Months of prep for what might feel like an eternity in court, but in reality, the actual court time is a fraction of that.

Cue Bella losing it.

She starts yelling that I don’t know squat about law, that I’m “mansplaining” her future career to her—even though she’s never met a lawyer, let alone worked as one. At that point, I bounced. Life’s too short to stand there getting screamed at. Later, Nina calls me, furious, saying I had no right to “crush her dreams” and that I was just another dude trying to undermine a girl’s ambition.

So, AITJ?

Another User Comments:

“NTJ. Bella’s got that classic case of ‘TV vs. reality’ confusion. Look, dreams are great, but if they’re built on Suits and not, you know, actual job shadowing or talking to real lawyers, she’s in for a wake-up call.

You didn’t crush her dreams—you gave her a reality check, which is honestly kinder than letting her sink years into a career she might hate.

Sure, she’s upset now, but that’s how it goes when someone pops the fantasy bubble. She’ll either use this as fuel to prove you wrong (good for her) or realize later that you saved her from a bad fit. Either way, you did the right thing. Her reaction? Over-the-top. Screaming at someone for sharing firsthand knowledge? Not a great look for someone who wants to be a lawyer, just saying.”

Another User Comments:

“YTJ, but softly.

Look, I get you were trying to help, but there’s a time and place. She was excited, and you kinda steamrolled her with the ‘well, actually…’ vibe. Could’ve asked, ‘Hey, want to hear what it’s really like?’ or offered to connect her with a lawyer friend.

Also, the ‘mansplaining’ thing? Yeah, it’s overused, but let’s be real—if she’s heard this spiel from a dozen dudes already, her patience is gonna be gone. You’re not a lawyer yourself, so to her, it probably felt like yet another guy lecturing her about her own choices.

Next time, read the room. Or better yet, let her figure it out on her own—sometimes that’s the best teacher.”

Another User Comments:

“NTJ at all. As a law student, I wish someone had given me the unfiltered version before I dove in. It’s not all courtroom theatrics—it’s paperwork, deadlines, and hyper-specific cases. You weren’t ‘tearing her down’; you were giving her the insider tips.

And the ‘mansplaining’ accusation? Lazy. She’s never worked in law, and you’ve got actual experience adjacent to it. If she can’t handle constructive criticism, law might not be the field for her—because honey, judges and clients won’t coddle her either.”

Another User Comments:

“ESH.

You’re not wrong about the legal field, but your delivery was… not great. Leading with ‘I know a ton of guys in law’? Oof. No wonder she felt talked down to.

That said, Bella’s reaction was overboard. Screaming at family over career advice? Not a good look. And Nina piling on after? Yikes. Everyone here needs to chill. Bella’s gonna learn the hard way—most of us do—but you could’ve been more tactful.”

Another User Comments:

“NTJ, but barely. You’re right about the job, but wrong about the approach. Teens don’t want lectures; they want mentors.

Instead of dumping facts, try, ‘I know some lawyers—want me to set up a coffee chat?’ That way, she hears it from the source.

Still, her blowing up was uncalled for. Law’s stressful, and if she can’t handle a convo without melting down, she’s gonna have a real bad time in court.”

My fiancé, Ethan (35M), and I, Elena (37F), have been living together for almost two years now. I moved into his place because, well, he already owned a house and I was stuck in the apartment rental grind. Now, don’t get me wrong—I’m grateful for the roof over my head, but this house? It’s got issues. The biggest one? The walls might as well be made of tissue paper because sound travels like crazy.

Ethan works this weird schedule—three days a week, 12-hour shifts, Sunday through Tuesday.

Meanwhile, I’m your standard 9-to-5er, Monday through Friday, plus a 30-minute commute. That means I’m up at 5:45 AM on workdays, which is… not fun. Ethan, on the other hand, stays up super late on his nights off, sometimes until 4 AM. Why? Because his best friend, Marcus, lives in Alaska, and thanks to the time difference, that’s their only window to game together.

Look, I get it. Dude’s got a long-distance bromance, and I’m all for it. What I’m not for is being jolted awake between midnight and 4 AM because Ethan suddenly forgets how to use an inside voice.

It’s not just a one-time thing, either. Sometimes it happens once a week, sometimes multiple times a night. And once I’m awake? Good luck getting back to sleep—it takes me at least an hour.

I’ve tried asking nicely. “Hey, can you keep it down?” “Maybe sit on the far side of the couch so the sound doesn’t carry straight down the hallway?” And when he actually does those things? Perfect. I don’t hear a peep. But here’s the kicker—it’s only a problem in the colder months because I can’t run a fan in the bedroom for white noise.

His responses?

Oh, they’re gold.
– “My ex-wife never had a problem with it, so it must be you.”
– “I didn’t mean to, I just got excited!”
– “I was whispering, you’re just a crazy light sleeper.”
– And my personal favorite: “You should just wear earplugs.”

Here’s why that last one bugs me the most:
1. I already have anxiety about oversleeping, so I set two alarms on two different devices. Earplugs? Yeah, no thanks.
2. I have ADHD, and sensory stuff messes with me. The idea of something stuck in my ears all night sounds like torture.
3.

Most importantly—we’re grown adults sharing a home. Why should I have to accommodate his lack of consideration?

This isn’t a one-off thing. It’s every. Single. Week. And it’s not like he yells once and then remembers to quiet down. Nope. He’ll keep going at full volume until I drag myself out of bed to death-glare at him from the hallway. At this point, I’m starting to wonder if my sleep—and sanity—just don’t matter to him.

So, Reddit, lay it on me. AITJ?

Another User Comments:

NTJ. Ethan’s being a selfish jerk, plain and simple.

The fact that he’s using his ex-wife as some kind of benchmark for what’s acceptable is ridiculous. Even if she slept like a rock, that doesn’t mean you have to put up with being woken up constantly.

Sleep deprivation is no joke. It messes with your mood, your health, your job performance—everything. If Ethan actually cared, he’d make an effort to adjust his behavior instead of deflecting blame onto you. The earplug suggestion is especially insulting because it’s basically him saying, “I can’t be bothered to change, so you figure it out.”

Honestly? This might be a dealbreaker.

If he can’t respect such a basic need after multiple conversations, it’s a bad sign for bigger issues down the road. But if you’re not ready to throw in the towel, maybe try a white noise machine? They’re way better than fans for drowning out sound, and you don’t have to stick anything in your ears.

Another User Comments:

Yikes. Ethan’s acting like a teenager who just discovered online gaming. NTJ, obviously.

I get that gaming with friends is fun, but he’s a grown man with responsibilities. If he can’t control his volume knowing you have to be up early, that’s a major red flag.

And the whole “my ex didn’t mind” thing? That’s just him trying to gaslight you into thinking you’re the problem.

Have you considered moving your bedroom setup? Maybe rearranging so the bed isn’t directly in the line of sound? Or, if you’re feeling petty, start waking him up at 5:45 AM on his days off. See how he likes it.

Another User Comments:

NTJ, but I think you’re underreacting. Ethan’s behavior is wildly inconsiderate.

Sleep is a basic human need, and he’s prioritizing video games over your well-being. The fact that he’s not even trying to fix the issue after you’ve brought it up multiple times speaks volumes.

And the earplug suggestion? Lazy.

If he really wanted to game late, he could:
– Soundproof the gaming area (even just hanging blankets on the walls helps).
– Use a headset with a mic that filters out background noise.
– Move his setup to a different room.

But instead, he’s choosing to do nothing. That tells you where you stand in his priorities.

Another User Comments:

Okay, unpopular opinion, but… soft ESH.

Ethan’s definitely being a jerk for not adjusting his behavior, but you’re also refusing to compromise. Yeah, earplugs suck, but have you tried any alternatives? White noise machines, noise-canceling headphones (not for sleeping, but maybe to fall asleep?), or even just sleeping in a different room on his gaming nights?

Relationships require give and take.

If you’ve already decided that any solution that involves you changing is off the table, then this might just be an incompatibility issue.

Another User Comments:

NTJ, and Ethan’s excuses are weak.

“I just get caught up in the moment”? Bruh, you’re thirty-five. If a teenager can remember to keep it down past midnight, so can he.

The fact that he only quiets down when you physically go out there to glare at him proves he knows he’s being too loud—he just doesn’t care until you make it his problem. That’s not how a partnership works.

Honestly, I’d be rethinking the whole relationship.

If he can’t respect something as simple as “let me sleep,” what else is he going to dismiss?

My partner, Alex (28M), and I (31F) bought our first house about a year and a half ago. We were moving from a massive, chaotic city to a quieter area, and thanks to the insanity of the housing market, we had to do the whole house tour over FaceTime. Our parents and realtor, a guy named Bruno, checked it out for us. The place itself is great—awesome location in a walkable pocket of an otherwise car-dependent town, close to downtown but still chill. There’s a mix of small businesses and houses, and one of the biggest selling points was the lack of immediate neighbors.

The lot behind us is owned by a nearby auto shop, and the one to the left belongs to the city.

A few months after moving in, we noticed a homeless guy, who we later learned was named Connor, occasionally sleeping in the city-owned lot next to us. He’d crash on an old mattress under a tree, just on the other side of our fence. Honestly, it didn’t bug us. We’re used to seeing homelessness—Alex even works in affordable housing advocacy—and Connor was quiet, only showing up a couple nights a week. We’d run into him around the neighborhood sometimes and even chatted a bit.

But when winter hit, he disappeared, and a new couple, Sasha and Jordan, set up a tent in the same spot. They’re there full-time now.

We spend a ton of time in our backyard because we’ve got a hyper 3-year-old, Noah, and a puppy who thinks he’s a racehorse. We’re always out there talking about weekend plans, grocery runs, or, yeah, upcoming trips. The fence isn’t soundproof, and Sasha and Jordan are close enough to hear us. Even if they weren’t eavesdropping, they’d definitely notice when we’re gone. We’ve got a week-long vacation coming up, and I’m getting nervous about leaving the house unattended.

Alex thinks we should just let it go, but I can’t shake the worry. Would I be out of line if I reported them to the city?

Another User Comments:

Nah, you wouldn’t be wrong here. Look, I get that homelessness is a complex issue, but this isn’t about judging their situation—it’s about safety. These people aren’t your neighbors; they’re strangers camping on land they don’t own. And yeah, maybe they’re harmless, but you don’t actually know that. The fact that they’ve replaced the previous guy means that spot’s becoming a revolving door, and that’s not a trend you want to encourage.

I live in a city with a massive homeless population, and I’ve seen how quickly these things escalate.

What starts as one tent turns into five, then suddenly there’s trash everywhere, fights breaking out, and yeah, sometimes theft. You’ve got a kid and a dog. You don’t need that stress. Call the city, get the lot cleared, and invest in some security cameras. It might feel harsh, but protecting your home isn’t something you should feel guilty about.

Another User Comments:

Yeah, YWBTJ if you called the city on them. You were fine with Connor, so what’s the difference now? Unless Sasha and Jordan have given you a reason to distrust them—like, have they been sketchy?

Have you seen them casing houses or causing trouble? If not, you’re just assuming the worst because there’s two of them instead of one.

Homeless people aren’t automatically criminals. Most just want a safe place to sleep. If you’re really worried, ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your place, lock up tight, and don’t blast your vacation plans on social media. That’s just basic security, whether you have homeless folks nearby or not. Calling the cops on people who haven’t done anything wrong is a jerk move.

Another User Comments:

NTJ. At the end of the day, that lot isn’t public land—it’s owned by the city, and those people are trespassing.

You didn’t sign up to live next to a campsite. It’s not your responsibility to house strangers, and you’ve got every right to be uncomfortable with them knowing your routines.

Get cameras, no question. Motion-activated lights too. And yeah, call the city. They’ll probably just tell Sasha and Jordan to move along, which isn’t the end of the world. If you don’t, you’re basically giving them permission to stay indefinitely, and who’s to say the next people who show up will be as low-key? Protect your home first.

Another User Comments:

YWBTJ, but I get where you’re coming from.

It’s scary leaving your house unattended, especially with people nearby who might know you’ll be gone. But think about what calling the city actually means for Sasha and Jordan. Cops don’t exactly handle homeless folks with kindness. They’ll get kicked out, maybe even have their stuff destroyed. And then what? They’ll just end up somewhere else, still struggling.

Instead of jumping to reporting them, why not talk to them? Maybe let them know you’ll be gone and ask if they’d keep an eye out for anything suspicious. Or set up cameras and have a friend check in.

There are ways to protect your home without making life harder for people who are already down.

Another User Comments:

NTJ, but with a caveat. Homelessness isn’t a crime, but trespassing is. That said, the real issue here is the city’s failure to provide better solutions. If they’re not going to enforce no-camping rules, they should at least offer shelters or services.

In the meantime, you’ve got to do what’s best for your family. Install security measures, see if the police do vacation checks, and yeah, maybe nudge the city to address the lot. But don’t villainize Sasha and Jordan—they’re just trying to survive in a system that’s stacked against them.

I’m a 45-year-old guy with a bio daughter, Ava (22F), and a stepdaughter, Chloe (23F). Here’s the deal: Ava just won a huge academic award (she’s in law school) and her ceremony is on the same day as Chloe’s college graduation. I’m planning to go to Ava’s thing because, well, she’s my kid. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t hate Chloe—she’s a great person, and her tuition was fully covered by her dad.

But Ava’s achievement is a big deal in our family. I’m a lawyer, and she’s the third generation to get this award.

My partner, Taylor (41F), wants me to go to Chloe’s grad instead because it’s a “milestone.” I said no. Also, we’re giving Ava a family heirloom—a pocket watch that’s been passed down for six generations. It skipped me, so she’ll be the eighth to have it. Taylor thinks Chloe should get it because she’s older, but… no? It’s a family thing. Chloe’s graduating, which is cool, but it’s not the same as Ava’s award.

We’re doing a joint celebration lunch the next day, so it’s not like Chloe’s getting ignored.

Taylor’s irate because she thinks my parents should treat Chloe like a granddaughter and give her the watch at the party. But my parents are polite to Taylor and Chloe—they’re just not their grandparents.

Taylor’s Side:
Chloe’s graduating, and I want my partner there because he’s been in her life since she was 11. He’s basically a father figure to her. It would mean a lot if he could give her the watch—it’d be a symbol of their bond.

Is it wrong to want his family to accept her like they do Ava?

So, AITJ?

Another User Comments:

Look, I get where you’re coming from, but you’re both kinda missing the point. You’re not wrong for going to Ava’s award ceremony—that’s your kid, and it’s a huge deal. But calling Chloe’s graduation “just a normal graduation” is a jerk move. Graduating college is hard, no matter what school you go to. You don’t have to downplay her achievement to hype up Ava’s.

As for the watch? Yeah, that stays in your family.

Taylor’s out of line asking for it to go to Chloe. It’s not about favoritism; it’s about tradition. If your parents wanted Chloe to have it, they’d offer. But they didn’t, and that’s their call.

The solution here is simple: you go to Ava’s thing, Taylor goes to Chloe’s, and you both celebrate together later. No drama, no heirloom debates. Just support your kids without making it a competition.

Another User Comments:

Taylor is 100% the jerk here. The audacity to demand a family heirloom for her daughter is wild. Chloe isn’t entitled to something that’s been in your family for generations, especially when Ava is the one who’s earned it.

And let’s be real—if roles were reversed, Taylor wouldn’t be handing over her family’s treasures to Ava.

You’re not wrong for prioritizing Ava. She’s your daughter, and this award is a big deal. Taylor’s guilt-tripping you over Chloe’s graduation is manipulative. Stand your ground, and maybe reconsider why she’s so hung up on a watch that’s clearly not hers to claim.

Another User Comments:

NTJ for choosing Ava’s event, but you’re skating on thin ice with how you talk about Chloe. Graduating college isn’t “just” anything—it’s an accomplishment.

You don’t have to tear one kid down to lift the other up.

That said, Taylor’s demands are unreasonable. The watch belongs to Ava. End of story. If Taylor wants Chloe to have something special, she can start her own tradition. But trying to hijack yours is shady.

Also, your parents don’t owe Chloe grandparent status. Blended families are complicated, but forcing relationships never works.

Another User Comments:

Y’all are messy. Taylor, why are you so obsessed with this watch? It’s not yours, it’s not Chloe’s, and trying to strong-arm your way into a family tradition is weird.

If you want Chloe to feel included, create your own milestones—don’t steal Ava’s.

OP, you’re fine for going to Ava’s thing, but ease up on the “Chloe’s graduation is basic” talk. You’re her stepdad—act like it. Support her without making it a competition.

Another User Comments:

Taylor’s acting like this watch is a custody agreement. Newsflash: heirlooms don’t work that way. It’s not about who’s older or who’s been around longer—it’s about bloodline and tradition.

OP, you’re NTJ for choosing Ava, but you could’ve handled this with more tact.

Both girls deserve respect, even if their achievements are different. And Taylor needs to back off before she ruins the whole dynamic.

My son, Liam, is a year younger than his sister, Emma. It’s been wild since he was born because, honestly, he wasn’t part of the plan like our two older kids were. Having two babies in diapers at the same time is no joke, and giving birth just fourteen months apart? Yeah, that was not on the agenda. I wouldn’t say I’ve been full-on depressed, but I’ve definitely been in that exhausted, complain-y mode—which, let’s be real, I’ve earned the right to be.

My sister, Chloe, though?

Every time I vented about how tough it was raising two kids under two, she’d hit me with the classic “You’re so immature” and “Should’ve planned better.” Cool, thanks. So I stopped confiding in her and just talked to my husband, Ryan, or my friends instead. But I guess she missed having her daily dose of insulting me because she decided to take things up a notch. She went behind my back and told Ryan’s mom that I never wanted Liam, that I’d lied to Ryan about having a miscarriage, and that the only reason I didn’t terminate the pregnancy was because she kept “forgetting” to drive me to appointments until it was too late.

Yeah.

That happened.

My mother-in-law freaked out and called Ryan, telling him he shouldn’t trust me with the kids. Ryan’s reaction was basically, “Uh… what?” When he told me what Chloe had said, I lost it. I called her up and let her have it. I called her every name in the book—stuff I’m not proud of, especially because I hate gendered insults. But in the moment? I wanted to hurt her like she hurt me. I told her she was a vile, miserable excuse of a person and to never come near me or my kids again. Then I hung up.

She’s been blowing up my phone with texts and calls since then, but I haven’t responded.

Now that I’ve cooled down, I feel kinda gross about the things I said. I don’t usually talk like that, but in that second, it felt justified. Still, part of me wonders—what if she actually believes her own story? Chloe’s always had a weird way of twisting memories. Maybe she took me saying, “This is awful timing” and turned it into some fabricated plot in her head. But even if she thinks it’s true, what she did was beyond messed up. Am I the jerk for going nuclear on her?

Another User Comments:

Nah, you’re not the jerk here.

Chloe didn’t just cross a line—she pole-vaulted over it and then set it on fire. Even if she genuinely believes her own version of events (which, let’s be honest, is a stretch), there’s no excuse for running to your MIL with that kind of lie. That’s not just drama—that’s dangerous.

And honestly? Don’t beat yourself up over the insults. Yeah, maybe they weren’t your finest moment, but you were reacting to someone who tried to sabotage your marriage and your relationship with your in-laws. If anyone deserves a verbal smackdown, it’s her.

The bigger issue here is whether you even want someone like that in your life.

She’s shown she’s willing to spread life-ruining lies just to… what? Get attention? Feel superior? Whatever her deal is, it’s not worth the risk. Cut her off and don’t look back.

Another User Comments:

Okay, I’m gonna play devil’s advocate for a sec—not because I think Chloe’s in the right (she’s absolutely not), but because this whole thing sounds like it might be deeper than just her being a jerk.

You mentioned she has a history of misremembering things. Has she always been like this, or is it getting worse? Because the way she’s twisting reality, doubling down when confronted, and then playing the victim when called out… that’s giving me major undiagnosed mental health red flags.

I’m not saying you should forgive her or let her back into your life.

But if this is part of a bigger pattern, it might be worth considering whether she’s dealing with something like BPD or narcissistic tendencies. Not to excuse her behavior, but it could explain why she’s so heck-bent on rewriting history. Either way, protect yourself and your family first.

Another User Comments:

Dude, your sister is a walking disaster. Who does that?! Even if she thinks she’s telling the truth (which, again, doubtful), why would she go to your MIL instead of, I don’t know, talking to you? Oh right, because she wanted to stir up maximum chaos.

And the whole “you blocked it from your mind” thing?

Classic manipulation tactic. She’s trying to make you doubt your own memory so she can control the narrative. Don’t fall for it.

As for the insults—eh, yeah, maybe they were harsh, but so was her lie. If anything, you showed restraint by only yelling at her. I’d have gone full scorched-earth.

Another User Comments:

I’m gonna go against the grain here a little. Yeah, Chloe’s behavior is awful, and you had every right to be furious. But the gendered insults? Not a great look. I get that you were angry, but sinking to that level just gives her ammo to play the victim.

That said, the bigger issue is the lie itself.

This wasn’t just gossip—it was a deliberate attempt to wreck your relationships. Even if you regret how you reacted, don’t let that make you second-guess cutting her off. Toxic is toxic, whether it’s family or not.

Another User Comments:

Honestly? The fact that you’re even questioning whether you’re the jerk here shows you’re a better person than Chloe will ever be. She fabricated a story that could’ve destroyed your marriage and your reputation as a mother, and for what? Because she was bored? Spiteful? Who knows.

But here’s the thing: family doesn’t get a free pass to be awful.

If a friend did this, you’d drop them in a heartbeat. The fact that she’s your sister doesn’t make it okay. And yeah, maybe the insults were over the top, but in the grand scheme of things, that’s the least of your worries. Focus on protecting your peace—and your kids.

I (30F) had a fantastic morning at work a couple weeks ago—and by fantastic, I mean the kind of day where you seriously consider moving to a cabin in the woods with no Wi-Fi. It wasn’t even the whole day, just the morning, but by lunch, I was done.

Normally, I carpool with a couple coworkers, including this one girl, Ava (24F). She’s sweet, don’t get me wrong, and we’ve gotten close over the last few months. But dude, she’s clingy.

Like, “follows me into the bathroom to keep talking” clingy. I get it—she doesn’t have many close friends, and her home life’s a mess (her partner’s family drama could fuel a soap opera). Most of our convos are just her venting, which I don’t mind… usually. But that day? Nope.

So, back to my stellar morning. I work in a call center, and some genius had screwed up a bunch of insurance claims. Cue the angry customers, the passive-aggressive managers, and me fantasizing about yeeting my headset into the sun. By lunch, I was emotionally fried. I texted Ava, “Hey, need some alone time today.

Rough morning, I’ll be okay, just need space.” She replied, “Are you sure? What’s wrong?” I repeated, “I’m good, just need to decompress.”

Cut to me in the smoking area (yeah, I know, bad habit), scrolling through memes like my life depended on it. Then I spot Ava pacing outside, phone glued to her ear. Didn’t think much of it until my phone dinged: “Where are you??” I replied, “In my car. Need quiet time, gonna listen to music.” She texts back, “Can I come?” I said no, again, then bolted back to my car.

Here’s the kicker—I climbed into the back seat because my windows are tinted. Genius plan, right? Wrong. Fifteen minutes later, I’m deep in a meme rabbit hole when my passenger door swings open and Ava plops down like we’d planned this. I nearly launched my phone into orbit. “What are you doing?!” She goes, “Oh, Connor said he saw you get in here, so I thought we could talk!”

I shut that down fast. “Ava, I told you I needed space. Please get out.” She left without a word, but the guilt hit me later. ... Click here to continue reading