People Say These 'Am I The Jerk?' Stories Are Wild From Start To Finish

So, me (34) and my wife, Elena (29), live in this tiny apartment with a strict no-pets rule. We’re sitting on about $12k in debt, and surprise—we’ve got a baby on the way.

Elena moved here from Brazil to be with me, leaving behind her whole life. She’s crazy close to her mom, who’s getting up there in age, and not having her around has been rough. On top of that, she’s got pretty bad anxiety.

Last Christmas, we decided to foster this shelter dog, Buddy, just for the holidays.

But dude, this dog is perfect. Zero barking, total couch potato, and honestly, he’s been like a furry therapist for Elena. Her mood’s improved so much since he came into our lives that we ended up adopting him, even though our lease says no pets. I couldn’t say no—seeing how happy he makes her? Worth the risk.

Now, though, things are getting complicated. My parents offered to let us move in with them so we can save money and pay off debt before the baby comes. Only problem? Their house is a no-pet zone. My mom’s allergic, and culturally, they’d never allow an animal inside.

Elena’s been low-key hoping they’ll change their minds.

She even suggested keeping Buddy outside, but I shut that down fast. The little guy’s used to being spoiled on the couch—throwing him into the backyard feels cruel.

I brought up maybe finding him a new home, and wow, did that go badly. Elena straight-up told me we don’t abandon family and gave me the silent treatment for days. I get it—Buddy’s helped her through a lot. But I’m also trying to think long-term. Between the debt, the baby, and our living situation, I don’t know what the right move is.

Another User Comments:

Dude, you’re in a tough spot, but YTJ for sure.

You knew the apartment rules, you knew your parents’ rules, and you still went ahead and got a dog. Now you’re acting like Buddy’s some temporary accessory instead of a living creature your wife clearly adores.

Elena left her entire support system to be with you. She’s pregnant, stressed, and dealing with anxiety, and Buddy’s literally her emotional lifeline. You think adding “rehoming the dog” to her list of worries is gonna help? Come on.

Yeah, money’s tight, but you made this mess. You don’t get to bail on the dog now just because things got harder.

If your parents won’t budge, find another solution. Maybe a friend can take Buddy temporarily while you save up, or look for pet-friendly rentals. But straight-up ditching him? That’s cold.

Another User Comments:

Nah, man, I get where you’re coming from. Babies are expensive, and living with your parents could be a huge financial relief. But here’s the thing—Elena’s not just attached to Buddy; she needs him.

Imagine being alone in a new country, pregnant, and your husband’s like, “Hey, let’s give away the one thing that’s kept you sane.” That’s a recipe for resentment.

She’s not wrong—pets are family. You don’t toss them out when they’re inconvenient.

That said, keeping him outside isn’t fair either. Maybe compromise? See if your parents would tolerate Buddy if he stays in one room or you get an air purifier. If not, maybe delay moving in until you can afford a pet-friendly place.

Another User Comments:

YTJ, but gently. Look, I get it—you’re stressed about money and the baby. But you’re missing the bigger picture. Elena’s mental health has improved because of Buddy. Taking him away could wreck her emotionally, and that’s not good for her or the baby.

Plus, let’s be real—you adopted him knowing the risks.

You don’t get to backtrack now. If your parents won’t accommodate Buddy, then living with them isn’t the right move. Find another way to save money. Side gigs, budgeting, whatever. But don’t make your wife choose between her dog and financial stability. That’s not a fair ultimatum.

Another User Comments:

Honestly? ESH. You for adopting a dog when you knew your living situation was unstable, and Elena for not considering how unfair it is to keep Buddy outside.

That dog didn’t ask to be in this mess. He’s been a good boy, and now he’s stuck in the middle of your poor planning.

You two need to figure this out like adults. Maybe a temporary foster situation until you’re back on your feet? Or negotiate with your landlord instead of your parents? There’s gotta be another option besides “abandon the dog” or “make him suffer outside.”

Another User Comments:

I’m gonna go against the grain here and say NAH. This is just a crappy situation all around. You’re trying to do right by your family, Elena’s attached to Buddy, and your parents have their own boundaries.

That said, rehoming Buddy should be the absolute last resort. Have you talked to your parents about how much he helps Elena?

Maybe they’d be willing to compromise if they understood. If not, consider other ways to cut costs—downsizing, freelancing, even moving somewhere cheaper but pet-friendly.

Bottom line: Don’t make a decision that’ll hurt your wife long-term. Money comes and goes, but trust? That’s harder to rebuild.

So, I’m a 32-year-old woman, been with my partner, Jordan (40m), for about three years. I don’t have kids of my own, but Jordan has three—Sophie (16), Aiden (12), and Lucas (10). Since I work remotely, I usually handle the morning routine, getting the kids ready and out the door while Jordan leaves early for work.

Yesterday, Sophie woke up with awful cramps. Normally, the kids don’t try to skip school, and Jordan has this hard rule that unless they’re running a fever, they gotta tough it out.

But come on, I’ve been there—cramps can be brutal even without a fever. So I gave her some Midol, told her to rest, and shot Jordan a text letting him know I let her stay home.

He didn’t see the message until hours later and completely lost it. Said I “blatantly ignored his rules,” accused Sophie of faking it to skip school, and insisted it wasn’t my call to make. When he got home, we had this huge blowout where he basically told me I don’t get to make parenting decisions.

Here’s the thing—I’ve been helping raise these kids for three years.

I’ve handled sick days, school projects, you name it. But suddenly, because I don’t have biological kids, my judgment doesn’t count? I tried explaining that cramps can be debilitating, but he just doubled down, saying I “wouldn’t understand.”

Am I crazy, or is this a massive overreaction?

Another User Comments:

Honestly, Jordan’s rule is ridiculous. A fever isn’t the only indicator of being unwell. If Sophie doesn’t have a track record of skipping school, why assume she’s lying? School isn’t productive when you’re curled up in pain. And let’s be real—if he’s never experienced cramps, he has zero ground to dismiss how bad they can be.

Plus, you’ve been helping raise these kids for years.

If he doesn’t trust you to make basic judgment calls, then he should handle every single parenting task himself—mornings, meals, laundry, everything. Bet he’d change his tune real quick when he realizes how much you actually do.

And yeah, someone else mentioned cramp simulators—maybe he should try one. Guarantee he’d be begging for a day off before it even hits the worst setting.

Another User Comments:

Nah, you’re not wrong. Jordan’s being unreasonable. If Sophie had a migraine or a sprained ankle, would he still insist she go to school? Pain is pain, and dismissing period cramps as “not serious enough” is just ignorant.

Also, the whole “you’re not a parent” argument is weak.

You’ve been in these kids’ lives for years, helping with their daily needs. If he doesn’t see you as a parental figure by now, that’s a bigger issue.

And let’s talk about his “no fever, no staying home” rule. Fevers don’t always show up immediately—plenty of illnesses start with other symptoms. What if one of the kids has food poisoning? Gonna make them sit in class puking because their temp’s normal? Come on.

Another User Comments:

I’m gonna play devil’s advocate here. Jordan’s reaction was over the top, but I kinda get where he’s coming from.

If he’s the primary parent, he might feel like his authority is being undermined. Maybe he’s worried about setting a precedent where the kids start pushing boundaries with you.

That said, his rule is way too rigid. Not every illness comes with a fever, and cramps can be legit awful. Maybe instead of a hard rule, you two could agree on a case-by-case approach. Like, if the kid’s in obvious pain, they stay home. If it seems sketchy, check in with him first.

Still, the way he handled it was crappy. Dismissing your input just because you’re not a bio parent is unfair, especially when you’re the one doing the daily grind.

Another User Comments:

Jordan sounds like he’s stuck in some outdated “my way or the highway” mindset.

News flash: parenting is teamwork, especially when you’re in a long-term relationship with someone who’s helping raise your kids.

And the fever rule? Dumb. So dumb. Fevers aren’t the only reason someone might need to rest. What about stomach bugs, migraines, or heck, even mental health days? Kids aren’t robots.

Also, the “you don’t have kids” argument is such a low blow. You don’t need to have given birth to recognize when someone’s in pain. If he’s gonna pull that card, maybe he should try being the one to manage the kids’ mornings solo for a week.

See how fast he changes his tune.

Another User Comments:

I’m torn on this one. On one hand, yeah, cramps can be terrible, and Sophie probably wasn’t faking. On the other hand, if Jordan’s the main parent, he might feel like big decisions should go through him.

But here’s the thing—if you’re the one there in the moment, you gotta be able to make calls. What if it was an emergency? Would he expect you to wait for his permission to take a kid to the hospital?

Maybe you two need to sit down and hash out some clearer boundaries.

Like, what decisions are okay for you to make solo, and what should be a joint call. Because right now, it sounds like he’s treating you like a babysitter, not a partner.

So, my maternal grandma, grandma, married this loaded guy named Travis after my bio-granddad, Andrew, passed away when my mom was like, twelve. They split after Travis got caught being unfaithful, but grandma walked away with one of his houses in this stupidly fancy neighborhood. Then she married another rich dude—grandpa—and they lived there until they both passed.

Grandma left the house to my mom, her only kid, and divided the rest of the cash between my mom, her step-siblings, and some aunts and uncles. This place is insane—five bedrooms, five and a half bathrooms, Georgian-style, with a pool and a jacuzzi.

My grandma poured her heart into this house, always saying it should stay in the family forever. Selling it was never an option. After grandma and grandpa died, my parents moved in for a while (I was already out of the house), but now they’re in Florida, and the place is my responsibility.

Let me tell you, keeping up this monster is a nightmare. We’re not rich—my mom’s entire inheritance goes into maintenance, taxes, and repairs. And now my cousin, Jordan (on grandpa’s side), hit me up about moving in with his partner, Casey, and their two kids. I don’t vibe with Casey at all, but Jordan’s cool.

They said they’re “over slumming it” in their city apartment and thought crashing here would give them a “higher quality of life” while they save for their own place.

I shut it down immediately. Told them I need my space, our lifestyles don’t mix, and it just wouldn’t work. They called me selfish for not even thinking about it, and some of my dad’s family agreed. But my dad’s got my back, and my mom? She straight-up said if I let anyone move in, she’d murder me.

Still, I can’t help feeling a little guilty.

I’ve got all this room, and they’re family. But am I really the jerk here?

Another User Comments:
Dude, absolutely NTJ. First off, your mom owns the house (or at least has final say), and she said NO. That should be the end of it. But let’s be real—do you honestly think Jordan and Casey would magically save up enough to buy their own place in a year or two? Nah. They’d get comfortable, and suddenly, “just a little longer” would turn into forever.

And you already don’t like Casey. Imagine living with someone you can’t stand, PLUS two kids?

Your peace would be gone overnight. They’re acting entitled, and your dad’s family needs to butt out. You’re not selfish for wanting to keep your own space. If anything, they’re the selfish ones for expecting a free ride in a house they have zero claim to.

Stand your ground. And next time they bring it up, just say, “Mom said no, and unless you wanna deal with her wrath, drop it.”

Another User Comments:
NTJ, but wow, the audacity of some people! They’re not just asking to move in—they’re expecting to live rent-free in a mansion while calling their current place a “slum”?

That’s some next-level entitlement.

Also, a family of four moving in would 100% take over. They’d outnumber you, and suddenly, you’d be the guest in your own home. And let’s not ignore the fact that they didn’t even offer to pay rent. They just assumed they’d mooch off you indefinitely.

Your privacy is worth more than their convenience. If they’re so desperate for a nicer place, they can save up like everyone else. Don’t let them guilt-trip you.

Another User Comments:
NTJ, but I’m side-eyeing your dad’s family hard. Why do they even get an opinion?

This house came from your mom’s side, so unless Jordan is related to your mom (which it sounds like he’s not?), they have zero stake in this.

And Casey’s attitude? Yikes. “Slumming it” in an apartment? Most people would kill for a stable place to live, and here they are acting like your grandma’s house is their birthright.

Your mom’s rule is clear: no one moves in. End of story. If they keep pushing, remind them that it’s not your call—it’s hers. And if they still don’t back off, they’re showing you exactly why they’d be terrible housemates.

Another User Comments:
Okay, controversial take, but soft YTJ.

Hear me out—I get not wanting roommates, especially family you don’t love. But you do have the space, and if Jordan’s your favorite cousin, maybe there’s a compromise? Like a strict lease agreement with an end date, or charging them minimal rent to help with upkeep.

That said, if you genuinely can’t stand Casey, then yeah, it’s a no-go. Living with someone you dislike is heck. But if you shut it down just because you don’t wanna share, that’s a little selfish. Family helps family when they can.

Still, your house, your rules. Just think about whether this is a hill you wanna die on.

Another User Comments:
NTJ, and anyone saying otherwise is delusional.

This isn’t some random spare room—it’s a historic family home with insane upkeep costs. If Jordan and Casey moved in, they’d add wear and tear, and who’s gonna pay for that? You?

Plus, the second you let them in, every other relative with a sob story would come knocking. “Oh, if Jordan gets to live there, why not us?” Nope. Shut it down now, or you’ll never have peace.

Your mom’s instinct to keep it empty is smart. The house is a treasure, not a flophouse for entitled relatives. Don’t cave.

So I’ve got this friend, let’s say her name is Naomi. We’ve been cool for years, but lately, every time she hits me up, it’s because she needs a favor for someone else. Don’t get me wrong—I’m all for helping out when I can. I’ve got a decent job, and I don’t mind sharing when it makes sense. But this last time? Man, it just rubbed me the wrong way.

Naomi messaged me out of nowhere asking if I could lend her money to help some guy named Ethan pay for his groceries.

Now, I’ve never even met Ethan. Apparently, Naomi told him she’d cover his bill, but then realized she couldn’t actually afford it. So instead of just telling him, “Hey, my bad, I can’t swing it,” she comes to me like, “You’ve got the cash, right? You can help him out?” And when I hesitated, she hit me with the guilt trip: “You’re always buying new stuff, but you can’t spare anything for someone in need?”

Like, okay, I get it—times are tough. If I were in Ethan’s shoes, I’d hope someone would lend a hand.

But here’s the thing: if Naomi couldn’t afford to help him, why’s she volunteering my money? It’s not like I’m rolling in it. And now I’m the jerk for not jumping at the chance to fund a stranger’s groceries?

I ended up giving in because I didn’t want to seem heartless, but the whole thing left a bad taste in my mouth. It’s not that I don’t care—I just don’t like being treated like a walking ATM every time Naomi wants to play hero.

Another User Comments:

Dude, drop Naomi like a bad habit.

She’s not your friend—she’s using you to look good in front of other people. If she actually cared about Ethan, she’d either help him herself or be honest about her limits. Instead, she’s putting the pressure on you so she can still feel like the generous one without actually spending a dime. That’s not charity, that’s manipulation.

And let’s be real, if Ethan knew you were the one footing the bill, would he even thank you? Or would Naomi take all the credit? My guess is the latter. You’re not her personal bank, and you don’t owe her (or Ethan) anything.

If you still want to help people, do it on your own terms.

Find a food bank, donate to a legit charity, or even just buy a meal for someone who looks like they’re struggling. But don’t let Naomi turn you into her middleman for “good deeds” she can’t afford.

Another User Comments:

Nah, you’re not wrong for feeling annoyed. Naomi’s heart might be in the right place, but her execution is garbage. You don’t offer help you can’t deliver, then guilt-trip someone else into covering for you. That’s not how being a decent person works.

And let’s talk about how one-sided this “friendship” seems.

If the only time she reaches out is to ask for favors, that’s not a friend—that’s a leech with a phone. You deserve better.

Next time she pulls this, just say, “Sorry, I’ve already budgeted my donations for the month.” If she gets mad, that’s her problem. Real friends don’t keep score or pressure you into spending money.

Another User Comments:

Okay, unpopular opinion here, but maybe Naomi’s just bad at boundaries. She saw someone in need, panicked, and roped you in without thinking. Doesn’t make it right, but it doesn’t automatically mean she’s some evil mastermind.

That said, you’re still not obligated to bail her out.

If you want to keep the friendship, sit her down and say, “Hey, I’m happy to help when I can, but you can’t volunteer my money for other people.” If she respects that, cool. If not, then yeah, maybe distance yourself.

Another User Comments:

Man, this whole thing is messy. On one hand, yeah, it’s sketchy that Naomi only talks to you when she needs something. On the other hand, Ethan’s situation sounds rough. Maybe there’s a middle ground?

Instead of giving Naomi cash, why not offer to help Ethan directly? Like, take him grocery shopping or hook him up with resources.

That way, you know where your money’s going, and Naomi can’t twist it into her own “good deed.” If she refuses that idea, then you’ll know for sure she’s just using you.

Another User Comments:

Honestly, the audacity of some people. Naomi’s out here playing Robin Hood with your wallet, then acting like you’re the villain for not being thrilled about it.

You’re not a charity. You’re not a backup plan. And you’re definitely not obligated to fix problems you didn’t create. If Naomi wants to help, she can do it without dragging you into it.

Period.

I’m a 34-year-old guy who’s been seeing  my partner, Avery (32F), for about a year and a half. Avery has a younger sister, Brianna (28F), and they’re super close. Brianna and I get along great—she’s funny, smart, and we vibe well. I’d never met Brianna’s partner before, but Avery and Brianna’s partner, Sam (27F), are also pretty close.

Backstory time: Avery and Brianna’s parents were super homophobic when they were growing up.

When Brianna was 17, they found out she’d been seeing a girl and straight-up kicked her out. For almost a decade, neither of them had any contact with their parents. But over the last year or so, their parents have actually put in the work to change. They’ve been going to therapy, reaching out, and making a real effort to rebuild things with Brianna and Sam. It’s been a slow process, but progress is progress.

Fast forward to last weekend – Brianna and Sam were celebrating their five-year anniversary, and Brianna just got accepted into a killer Ph.D. program at Stanford. Big wins, right?

So they threw this big family-and-friends gathering to celebrate both things. It was the first time I’d met Sam, and Brianna admitted to Avery and me that she was nervous about being so open with Sam in front of their parents, especially in a crowded setting.

Now, here’s where things got awkward for me. Throughout the night, Brianna and Sam were super affectionate. Not like, making out in the corner or anything, but lots of hand-holding, leaning on each other, Sam rubbing Brianna’s back, that kind of thing. And look, I’ll be honest—PDA makes me uncomfortable. Any PDA, doesn’t matter who it is.

But because I was around Brianna and Sam the most, it stuck out to me way more.

Toward the end of the night, Avery’s dad gave this emotional speech about how proud he was of Brianna for being true to herself and thriving despite everything they’d put her through. It was heavy, and Brianna got really emotional. Sam held her in this long hug while she cried, and I just… couldn’t handle it. I had to step out.

Avery called me out later, saying it was homophobic and that other couples had been just as affectionate. She told me not to contact her until I’ve figured out whether I’m actually okay with Brianna being who she is.

But it’s not about her being gay—I just hate PDA in general. Did I mess up here?

Another User Comments:

Dude, YTJ. Hand-holding and a comforting hug? That’s like, baseline human affection. If that’s enough to make you bolt from the room, you’ve got some stuff to unpack. Like, seriously, what do you do when you see parents holding their kid’s hand at the mall? Do you just avoid public spaces entirely?

I get that everyone has their comfort levels, but if that level of mild affection is enough to make you physically leave, it’s not just a “personal preference” thing—it’s a you thing.

And yeah, your partner is right to question whether you’ve got some deeper biases you’re not admitting to. Because if you can’t handle a couple holding hands at an emotional family event, how are you gonna handle actual displays of affection in the real world?

Also, side note: you do realize that by leaving like that, you probably made the whole thing about you, right? Instead of just dealing with your discomfort internally, you made a scene (even if you thought you were being subtle). Not cool, man.

Another User Comments:

Nah, I’m gonna go against the grain here and say NTJ.

Look, everyone has their own comfort zones, and if PDA—no matter how mild—triggers something in you, that’s valid. The issue isn’t whether other people think it’s “not a big deal”; it’s about how you felt in the moment. That said, you do need to examine why it bothers you so much. Is it just general discomfort with affection, or is there something deeper there? And yeah, your partner’s reaction is fair too—if she thinks this is a dealbreaker, that’s her call. But you’re not a jerk for having feelings. You’d only be a jerk if you refused to reflect on it or dismissed her concerns outright.

Another User Comments:

YTJ, and here’s why: context matters. This wasn’t just some random party—it was a huge, emotional milestone for Brianna and Sam. Their parents, who disowned Brianna for being gay, were finally accepting her. That speech was a big deal, and Sam comforting her was 100% appropriate. You making it about your discomfort with hand-holding is wild. Like, read the room, man. This wasn’t the time or place to make your personal hang-ups the center of attention. If you really couldn’t handle it, you could’ve excused yourself quietly without making it obvious.

But storming out? Yeah, that’s gonna get noticed.

Another User Comments:

I’m torn on this one. On one hand, yeah, the PDA you described is incredibly mild. On the other, if you genuinely have an aversion to all PDA, then it’s not necessarily about Brianna and Sam being gay. But here’s the thing—if that’s the case, you need to communicate that to Avery before it becomes a problem. Right now, it looks like you singled out the queer couple at an event celebrating their relationship and milestones. Not a good look, even if that wasn’t your intention.

You owe Avery an honest conversation about this, and you might wanna do some soul-searching on why affection in public bothers you so much.

Another User Comments:

YTJ, but not for the reasons everyone else is saying. It’s not just about the PDA—it’s about the timing. This was a celebration for Brianna and Sam, a moment where they were finally being fully accepted by their family. And you made it about you. Even if you didn’t mean to, your actions sent a message. And that message was: “Your happiness makes me uncomfortable.” That’s a rough thing to realize about yourself, but if you don’t confront it, you’re gonna keep hurting people you care about.

So, I’m a stay-at-home mom by choice, and my husband, Liam, works two jobs to make that happen. Yeah, it’s a lot for him, but he’s a champ about it. Since he’s grinding all day, most of the house stuff falls on me—cooking, cleaning, you name it. But when he’s home, he’s fully present with the kids and helps out where he can. We’re cool with this setup. It works for us.

Enter my niece, Ava (21F).

She’s crashing with us while she’s in college, and honestly, she’s got it pretty good. No rent, no utilities, just her own snacks if she’s feeling picky, plus her car and gas. She works part-time, so it’s not like she’s drowning in responsibilities. But here’s the thing—Ava hates how we do things. She’s constantly on Liam’s case about how he “needs to step up” with the housework and kids. I’ve told her a million times that his job is contributing by letting me stay home, but she just rolls her eyes and insists everything should be split 50/50.

Liam mostly ignores her.

He told her once, “I do what I can when I can,” and left it at that. But Ava wouldn’t drop it, so finally, I laid it out: respect our choices or find another place to live.

Then things got wild. A few nights ago, Liam got home early (for him, that’s like 11:30 p.m.) and just wanted to zone out with some video games. But his console was missing. We’re tearing the place apart when Ava strolls out of the basement and drops this gem: “Oh, I took it. You can have it back when you start pulling your weight around here.”

Yeah, no.

We shut that down fast. Told her stealing wasn’t happening in our house and we’d figure out her fate in the morning. We decided to give her one last shot—but with a twist. We asked her to list exactly what she thought Liam should be doing, then handed her that list and said, “Cool, this is your week.” We even sent our oldest to my parents’ place to simplify things.

For four days, if it was on that list, I didn’t touch it. Dishes piled up. Laundry didn’t get done. Two nights, dinner was “figure it out yourself.” Ava whined that she couldn’t keep up with her job and school, but I just shrugged and said, “Funny, you expected Liam to do it on top of two jobs.”

By day five, Ava bailed to stay with a friend.

Then my sister called, furious, saying we were “cruel” and that Ava was “just looking out for me.” I told her I didn’t need looking out for—I needed Ava to butt out of our marriage. Now my parents are siding with my sister, saying we went too far. But like… she stole from us. Were we wrong to teach her a lesson?

Another User Comments:

Honestly, you’re NTJ. Ava’s got this weird idea that equality means everything has to be identical, but that’s not how real life works. Your husband’s already contributing by working two jobs so you can stay home.

That is part of the division of labor.

What really gets me is how she acted like you’re some helpless damsel who needs rescuing. News flash: you chose this arrangement. You’re a grown woman who knows what works for her family. Ava’s version of feminism is just her being pushy and disrespectful.

And let’s not forget—she stole his stuff! That’s not standing up for you; that’s being a brat. You gave her a taste of her own medicine, and she couldn’t handle it. Maybe now she’ll think twice before lecturing adults about their lives.

Another User Comments:

NTJ, but I kinda get where Ava’s coming from.

She’s young, idealistic, and probably thinks she’s fighting the good fight. But she went about it all wrong. Instead of listening to you, she bulldozed in like she knew better.

That said, the cleaning lesson was brilliant. She learned real quick that running a household isn’t as easy as she thought. Maybe if she’d approached it differently—like offering to help you instead of attacking Liam—things wouldn’t have blown up.

Still, stealing the console was way out of line. If she wants to come back, she owes you both an apology and a promise to stay in her lane.

Another User Comments:

YTJ, but softly.

Hear me out.

I get that Ava overstepped, but making her do all the chores as a “lesson” feels a bit petty. Yeah, she was wrong, but she’s also young and still figuring out how the world works. Couldn’t you have just sat her down and had a real talk instead of turning it into a power struggle?

Also, your parents and sister are right—kicking her out over this is harsh. She messed up, but she’s family. Maybe give her a chance to make it right instead of burning bridges.

Another User Comments:

NTJ at all. Ava was living rent-free and still had the audacity to police your marriage?

Nah.

And the console thing? That’s next-level entitlement. You didn’t just teach her a lesson about chores—you taught her that actions have consequences. If she can’t respect your household, she doesn’t get to benefit from it.

Your sister needs to back off. If Ava wants to play activist, she can do it on her own dime.

Another User Comments:

ESH. Ava was way out of line, no question. But the whole “clean everything to prove a point” thing feels a bit… manipulative.

Yeah, she needed a reality check, but there had to be a better way. Now the family’s divided, and Ava’s probably doubling down on her beliefs instead of learning anything.

Maybe try talking it out when tempers cool?

Otherwise, this’ll just keep escalating.

So my sister, Jasmine, is getting married next year, and she asked my fiancée, Elise, to be a bridesmaid. Elise said yes at first, but then Jasmine showed her the dress she picked out—strapless, super short, in this bright teal and lavender combo. Elise immediately noped out. She’s not comfortable wearing something that revealing, especially for a whole wedding day in front of 350+ people. Plus, she doesn’t love the idea of those pics being all over social media.

Elise tried to compromise—asked if she could wear a shawl or switch to a different dress that’s a bit more her style.

Jasmine shut that down hard. No changes, no exceptions. So Elise dropped out, figuring it wouldn’t be a big deal since the wedding’s still months away.

But Jasmine’s irate. Like, really irate. She says Elise has the “perfect body” for the dress (she’s a yoga instructor, so yeah, she’s fit, but that’s not the point). Jasmine’s also hung up on how it’ll “look weird” if Elise isn’t in the wedding party since all the other siblings’ partners are included. She’s even dragged our parents into it, and now they’re blowing up my phone about how I need to “fix this” and “make Elise reconsider.”

I told Jasmine no.

I’m not gonna pressure Elise into wearing something she’s uncomfortable in, full stop. Now Jasmine’s acting like I’ve betrayed the family, and my parents are giving me the guilt trip of the century. Am I wrong here?

Another User Comments:

Look, weddings are stressful, but Jasmine’s taking this way too far. Elise didn’t bail last minute—she gave plenty of notice. And her reasons are totally valid. Not everyone wants to rock a strapless mini dress in front of a crowd, no matter how good they look in it.

Jasmine’s acting like Elise’s some kind of mannequin she can dress up for her aesthetic.

News flash: bridesmaids are actual people with their own comfort levels. If Jasmine cared more about having Elise there than about the dress, she’d work with her. Instead, she’s throwing a tantrum because she’s not getting her way.

And the whole “it’ll look weird” thing? Nah. Plenty of weddings have uneven wedding parties. No one’s gonna notice or care unless Jasmine makes it a thing. She’s creating drama where there doesn’t need to be any.

Stand your ground. Elise’s lucky to have you in her corner.

Another User Comments:

Jasmine’s being ridiculous.

I get that it’s her wedding, but that doesn’t mean she gets to dictate how other people feel in their clothes. Elise offered compromises—Jasmine refused. That’s on her.

Also, the “you have the body for it” comment is gross. Elise’s comfort isn’t about how she looks; it’s about how she feels. Jasmine’s basically saying, “Your boundaries don’t matter because I think you’d look hot.” Not cool.

And your parents need to butt out. This isn’t their circus, not their monkeys. You’re not wrong for supporting your fiancée.

If anything, you’d be wrong if you didn’t.

Another User Comments:

I’m gonna play devil’s advocate here because I think there’s more to this. Yeah, Elise has every right to say no, but Jasmine’s allowed to be upset. She probably envisioned this perfect wedding with all her loved ones in matching outfits, and now that image is “ruined.”

That said, Jasmine’s handling it poorly. Instead of doubling down, she could’ve asked the other bridesmaids how they feel about the dresses. Maybe they’re uncomfortable too. Maybe there’s a middle ground.

But instead, she’s picking fights and dragging family into it.

You’re not wrong for siding with Elise, but try to see Jasmine’s side too. Weddings make people crazy. A calm conversation (without the guilt trips) might help.

Another User Comments:

Nah, Jasmine’s out of line. If the dress is more important than the person wearing it, then she doesn’t actually want Elise in the wedding—she wants a prop.

And the family pressure? Ugh. Classic manipulation. “You’re betraying us by not forcing your fiancée into a dress she hates.” Give me a break.

Stick to your guns.

Elise’s comfort matters more than Jasmine’s Pinterest board.

Another User Comments:

Hot take: ESH.

Jasmine’s being a bridezilla, no question. But Elise could’ve handled this better too. Instead of outright quitting, she could’ve pushed harder for a compromise or waited to see if Jasmine cooled off. Dropping out might’ve felt like the only option, but it’s also kinda nuclear.

That said, you’re stuck in the middle, and that sucks. You’re not wrong for supporting Elise, but this whole thing could’ve been avoided with better communication from both sides.

So I (24M) started at this new office about four months ago. It’s a pretty chill place, and my coworkers have been awesome—like, zero drama, everyone’s friendly, and the vibes are good. To break the ice when I first got here, I’d occasionally run out during lunch and grab coffee for people. Not like, every day, but maybe once or twice a month. I’m not rolling in cash, but I can swing it as a nice gesture.

Turns out, other people liked the idea and started doing it too.

Now, there’s usually a coffee run once or twice a week, and it’s become this cool little office thing. Most folks keep it simple—basic lattes, maybe a refresher if they’re feeling fancy. But then there’s my deskmate, Jordan.

Jordan doesn’t do simple. They order this insane iced coffee with like, four extra shots, caramel drizzle, whipped cream, and a side of pastries. Every. Single. Time. Look, I’m all for treating yourself, but their order costs almost twice as much as everyone else’s. And here’s the kicker—they’ve never once offered to pick up coffee for anyone else.

Not a single time.

A few weeks ago, I casually mentioned that these runs are coming out of our own pockets, and while we don’t mind treating people occasionally, it’s kinda unfair to expect premium drinks for free every time. Jordan nodded like they understood, but the next time someone offered a run, same ridiculous order.

Some of my coworkers started asking Jordan to chip in since their drink’s so pricey, but they just brush it off. So this week, I decided to skip them when I offered to grab coffee. I figured if they’re not contributing, they don’t get to keep taking advantage.

Of course, as I’m walking back in with the drinks, they spot me and immediately ask why they weren’t included.

I straight-up told them, “Your order’s way more expensive than everyone else’s, and you never pitch in. It’s not cool to expect free stuff all the time.” Jordan got mad and said I was purposely excluding them, like it’s my fault they’re not willing to adjust or contribute. I just walked away because, honestly? Not worth the argument.

Now the office is kinda split. Some people think I was right to call Jordan out; others think I should’ve just kept including them to avoid drama.

AITJ?

Another User Comments:

Honestly, NTJ. Jordan’s being a total freeloader. If they wanted to be included, they could’ve at least toned down their order or offered to cover the difference. The fact that they doubled down after you called them out says everything.

That said, office politics are weird. Even if you’re right, excluding them outright could backfire if they decide to play victim. Maybe next time, just get them the same basic coffee everyone else gets. If they complain, tell them premium drinks require premium contributions. Either they pay up or they get the standard issue.

Also, why is no one else in the office calling them out?

If multiple people are annoyed, someone should’ve said something sooner. Group dynamics are wild—everyone’s cool with side-eyeing them but no one wants to be the “bad guy.”

Another User Comments:

YTJ, but softly. Hear me out. Yeah, Jordan’s being obnoxious, but singling them out publicly was a bad move. You could’ve handled it way better—like setting a price limit for orders or making a rule that everyone has to take turns funding the runs.

Instead, you went straight to exclusion, which just makes you look petty. Now it’s a whole thing, and the office is divided over coffee.

Was that really worth it?

Also, let’s be real—if roles were reversed and you were the one left out, you’d be annoyed too. Even if you had a good reason, it’s still a crappy feeling. Next time, try solving the problem without making someone feel like an outcast.

Another User Comments:

NTJ at all. Jordan’s entitlement is off the charts. If they want a fancy drink, they can buy it themselves. The fact that they’ve never once contributed to the coffee runs is just shameless.

I worked in an office like this once, and we had a hard rule: if you want in on the coffee runs, you either take your turn paying or you stick to the budget options.

No exceptions. It worked because everyone knew the deal upfront. Maybe your office needs something like that.

And for everyone saying “just include them to avoid drama”—nah. That’s how people like Jordan keep getting away with this stuff. Call it out or it never stops.

Another User Comments:

ESH. Jordan’s obviously taking advantage, but you’re not exactly handling it like a mature adult. Passive-aggressively excluding them instead of just setting clear boundaries? C’mon.

You could’ve just said, “Hey, your drink’s more expensive, so if you want it, you’ll need to Venmo me first.” Simple.

Direct. No drama. Instead, you made it personal, and now it’s a whole mess.

Office culture’s already awkward enough without turning coffee into a battleground. Grow up and communicate like an adult.

Another User Comments:

NTJ, but this is why office “traditions” like this always go sideways. Someone always pushes it too far, and then feelings get hurt.

My advice? Ditch the free coffee runs altogether. If people want coffee, they can get their own. No more mooching, no more resentment, no more awkward confrontations. Problem solved.

Or, if you’re really committed to the idea, start a coffee fund where everyone chips in $10 a month.

That way, it’s fair, and no one’s stuck paying for Jordan’s over-the-top orders.

So, I recently got engaged to my fiancé, Caleb. We don’t live together yet, but we’ve been planning to move in together in a few months. He’s got a 16-year-old daughter, Aria. Now, I’ll be real—Aria’s got a strong personality. Like, really strong. Her own dad has a hard time getting her to listen, and I’m not exactly close with her yet. I’ve been trying, though. I really have.

But her pranks? Man, they make it tough.

Some of them are kinda funny, I’ll admit. Like the time she replaced all my shampoo with green hair dye (thankfully, I checked before using it). But lately, it’s been crossing lines. The final straw was Caleb’s birthday.

I showed up for dinner with his family—his parents, his sister, a couple of his buddies, the whole crew. Everything was going fine until we walked into the dining room. And there, hanging from the chandelier like some kind of twisted decoration, was my bra. Bright red, dangling for the whole room to see.

Aria just grinned at me and said, “Oh, you left this here last time!

Thought you might want it back.”

I swear, my face went nuclear. Caleb looked like he’d been slapped. His mom gasped. His friends? Some of them laughed. One of them even nudged Caleb like it was some big joke. I was so humiliated I couldn’t even speak. Next thing I knew, I was yelling at Aria, grabbing my stuff, and storming out.

Caleb and Aria both shouted after me to “calm down,” like I was the unreasonable one. Caleb blew up my phone later, calling me “overdramatic” and saying I ruined his birthday by making a scene. We had a huge fight where he insisted Aria’s just being a teenager and I should’ve laughed it off.

Now he expects me to apologize.

To her. For walking out after she publicly humiliated me.

AITJ here? Did I really overreact?

Another User Comments

“NTJ. Let’s be real—Aria knew exactly what she was doing. That wasn’t a prank, that was a power move. She wanted to embarrass you in front of everyone, and she succeeded. And Caleb? He’s failing as a parent and a partner by not shutting that down immediately.

Teenagers push boundaries, sure, but this was calculated. She’s old enough to understand basic respect. If Caleb can’t see that, he’s either blind or doesn’t care how you’re treated.

Either way, do you really want to marry into a family where your feelings are brushed off as ‘just a joke’?

And the fact that his friends laughed? Gross. That tells you everything about the kind of people he surrounds himself with. You deserve better than being the butt of their jokes.”

Another User Comments

“NTJ. Pranks are supposed to be funny for everyone, not just the prankster. What Aria did was straight-up bullying. And Caleb’s reaction? Big red flag. Instead of holding his daughter accountable, he’s making you the problem.

Here’s the thing—if he won’t stand up for you now, he never will.

Imagine dealing with this for years. Every family gathering, every holiday, walking on eggshells because Aria knows she can humiliate you without consequences.

And let’s talk about the in-laws. Nobody stepped in to defend you? That’s a whole family dynamic issue. You’re not just marrying Caleb; you’re marrying into that. Think hard about whether you’re okay with being the outsider forever.”

Another User Comments

“Y’know what? Soft YTJ—but only because you’re still considering apologizing. Girl, no. You did nothing wrong. Aria’s behavior was disgusting, and Caleb enabling it is worse.

A 16-year-old knows better.

She chose to do something cruel. And Caleb’s excuse? ‘Teenagers will be teenagers’? Nah. That’s how you raise entitled adults who think consequences don’t apply to them.

You stood up for yourself, and that’s good. Don’t let them gaslight you into thinking you’re the problem. If anything, Caleb should be groveling for not having your back. Hold your ground. If he can’t see why this was messed up, he’s not worth your time.”

Another User Comments

“Honestly? ESH. Aria’s obviously out of line, but yelling and storming out did escalate things.

You’re the adult—ideally, you’d handle it calmly and let Caleb deal with her later.

That said, Caleb’s the biggest jerk here. His kid humiliated you, and instead of parenting her, he’s blaming you? That’s not how a partner should act.

You two need a serious talk about boundaries and respect before moving in together. If he can’t commit to backing you up, this relationship’s doomed.”

Another User Comments

“NTJ, and anyone saying otherwise is wild. That wasn’t a prank—it was mean. Imagine if a male guest had hung up a woman’s clothes as a ‘joke.’ People would’ve lost their minds.

The double standard here is gross.

Aria’s old enough to know that’s not okay, and Caleb’s failing both of you by not teaching her that.

Don’t apologize. Don’t back down. And honestly? Reconsider this engagement. If he won’t protect you from his own kid, he’s not ready to be a husband.”

So, yeah. This is messy. I was with my husband, Alex, for 13 years total—married for 5. We had what I thought was a solid relationship until I found out he’d been unfaithful. Again.

Back in January 2022, a massive storm hit our area. Like, a power-out-for-days, trees-falling-everywhere kind of storm. While I was home alone, terrified and having panic attacks (I have a history of trauma from past disasters), Alex was cozy in a hotel with his mistress, Taylor. Real classy, right?

When I found out, I confronted them both.

He did the whole “I’m so sorry, it’ll never happen again” routine. And like an idiot, I gave him another shot. This wasn’t his first instance of being unfaithful, but I was desperate to believe he’d change.

The next few months were rough. I barely slept, my anxiety was through the roof, and I was barely functioning at work. Alex did try to help, but he’d also get annoyed when I’d cry, saying stuff like, “I already apologized and ended it—what else do you want?”

Then came the kicker. I accidentally saw a message between him and his mom, Julia.

She told him, “Don’t feel too bad about your wife. If she’d been enough for you, you wouldn’t have looked elsewhere. She’s lacking in a lot of ways.”

Yeah. That was the final straw. I blocked his entire family and haven’t spoken to them since.

Another User Comments:

Honestly, you’re way too good for this guy. The fact that he was unfaithful during a natural disaster while you were alone and scared is next-level awful. And his mom’s comment? Disgusting. Being unfaithful is never the victim’s fault—it’s a choice the unfaithful person makes.

Alex’s behavior shows he doesn’t actually regret it. He’s just sorry he got caught. And his mom enabling him? That explains why he thinks this is okay. If he truly loved you, he wouldn’t keep betraying you.

You deserve someone who respects you, not someone who makes excuses and lets his family trash you. Leaving is hard, but staying will just hurt you more in the long run. You’ve already wasted enough time on him. Don’t waste another second.

Another User Comments:

I’m gonna go against the grain here and say you’re partially at fault—not for his being unfaithful, but for staying.

You knew he had a history of being unfaithful, yet you took him back. Why? He showed you exactly who he was, and you ignored it.

His mom’s comment was vile, but Alex is the real problem. He’s the one who broke your trust, not her. You’re focusing on her words because it’s easier than admitting he’s just a bad partner.

At some point, you have to take responsibility for your own happiness. If you keep accepting crumbs, you’ll never get a full meal. Stop waiting for him to change. He won’t.

Another User Comments:

Nah, screw that noise.

You’re not the problem here. People who are unfaithful act unfaithfully because they’re selfish, not because their partner “wasn’t enough.” That’s such a gross mindset.

And the mom? She’s just trying to justify her son’s crap behavior. If the roles were reversed, you know she’d be calling you a homewrecker. The hypocrisy is unreal.

You stayed because you loved him and hoped he’d change. That’s not a crime. But now you know better. Don’t let him (or his toxic family) make you doubt your worth.

Another User Comments:

The fact that he was unfaithful during a storm while you were scared and vulnerable is just… wow.

That’s not just betrayal—that’s cruelty. And his mom’s comment proves he was raised to think this behavior is acceptable.

But here’s the thing: you don’t have to accept it. You’ve given him enough chances. He doesn’t get to act confused when you’re still hurt. An apology doesn’t erase the damage.

You’re not overreacting. You’re under-reacting if anything. Get out before he does this again (because he will).

Another User Comments:

I’ll never understand why people blame the person who was betrayed. “You weren’t enough”?

Please. If Alex was unhappy, he could’ve talked to you or left. Instead, he chose to sneak around.

And his mom’s comment is just pathetic. She’s basically saying, “Yeah, my son’s unfaithful, but it’s your fault for not being perfect.” What kind of logic is that?

You deserve better. Not just a better partner, but better treatment from yourself. Stop letting him dictate your worth. Walk away and don’t look back.

So, yesterday morning, I (25F) was out for my usual jog in Riverside Park when I spotted this couple walking the most ridiculously cute golden retriever puppy I’ve ever seen. Like, imagine a tiny ball of fluff with the happiest little face and a tail going a mile a minute.

The second the puppy—let’s call her Bella—saw me, she lost her mind. Wagging, pulling on the leash, basically doing everything short of yelling, “PLEASE PET ME!” The husband, Trevor, laughed and said, “Yeah, she’s friendly,” while the wife, Fiona, gave a tight smile.

I asked if I could say hi, and Trevor was like, “Go for it, she’s already decided you’re her new best friend.”

I dropped to my knees (gross, park germs, but worth it) and just let Bella climb all over me. She was licking my face, nuzzling into my hands, the whole nine yards. I asked how old she was (four months) and if she was their first dog (nope, they had an older one at home). Meanwhile, I noticed they had a stroller with a sleeping baby—maybe two months old?—but I didn’t really pay attention because, well, PUPPY.

After a couple minutes of this, I could feel Fiona’s vibe shifting.

She started tapping her foot, arms crossed, and I figured I’d overstayed my welcome. I stood up, thanked them, and said, “Alright, I’ll let you guys get back to your walk. Bella just made my whole week!”

That’s when Fiona snapped, “Seriously?” I blinked, confused, and she went off: “You spent all that time fawning over the dog but didn’t even look at our daughter. How rude is that?”

I was floored. Like, yeah, the baby was there, but she was asleep. And I’m not a baby person—I don’t hate them, but they don’t give me the instant joy that animals do.

I tried to say something, but Trevor jumped in, steering her away while throwing me an apologetic look. I could still hear Fiona muttering about “disrespectful people” as they left.

Now I’m overthinking it. Was I actually being a jerk? AITJ?

Another User Comments:

NTJ. Fiona sounds like she’s got a major case of Main Character Syndrome. Not everyone is obligated to gush over her baby, especially when there’s an adorable puppy right there begging for attention. The baby was asleep! What were you supposed to do, whisper sweet nothings to a snoozing infant while ignoring the dog actively trying to befriend you?

Plus, let’s be real—puppies are objectively more interactive than newborns.

They wag tails, they lick you, they play. Babies just kinda… exist. And that’s fine! But expecting a stranger to prioritize cooing over a sleeping baby instead of petting a friendly dog is next-level entitlement. Trevor probably deals with this nonsense daily. Poor guy.

Another User Comments:

YTJ, but softly. Look, I get it—puppies are irresistible. But Fiona’s clearly deep in the newborn trenches, and hormones/postpartum emotions are no joke. Even if the baby was asleep, a quick “Aw, she’s precious” would’ve cost you nothing. Parents (especially new moms) are hyper-sensitive about their kids being ignored because society puts so much pressure on them.

That said, Fiona’s reaction was over the top.

Snapping at a stranger over a harmless dog interaction isn’t cool. But in the future, a little awareness goes a long way. Maybe toss in a “You’ve got your hands full!” or something to acknowledge the baby before diving into puppy mode.

Another User Comments:

NTJ. Fiona’s behavior is unhinged. Since when is it a social requirement to compliment someone’s baby just because it exists? If you’d ignored the puppy and only gushed over the baby, she wouldn’t have batted an eye. Double standards much?

Also, babies don’t even remember strangers fawning over them.

That puppy, though? You made its day. Priorities, people.

Another User Comments:

ESH. You’re not wrong for loving on the dog, but come on—ignoring the baby entirely was kinda tone-deaf. Parents are weirdly territorial about their kids, and yeah, it’s irrational, but that’s humans for you. A simple “Oh, and congrats on the little one!” would’ve smoothed things over.

Fiona’s reaction was disproportionate, though. If she’s that upset over a stranger not acknowledging her kid, she’s in for a rough ride. The world doesn’t revolve around her baby.

Another User Comments:

NTJ.

The mental gymnastics some parents perform to be offended is Olympic-level. A stranger petting your dog isn’t a personal attack on your parenting. The baby wasn’t crying, wasn’t neglected—just sleeping peacefully. Fiona manufactured drama where none existed.

Also, can we talk about how weird it is to demand attention for a newborn? They’re basically potatoes with limbs. Puppies have personalities. This shouldn’t be controversial.

About a decade ago, my sister, Hannah (now 46F), dropped her career to move in with our mom, who was diagnosed with early-stage dementia. Fast forward to now, and mom’s condition has gotten way worse. She doesn’t recognize us half the time, has accidents daily, forgets how to do basic stuff like brushing her teeth, and sometimes gets aggressive—like a full-grown toddler with zero filter. On top of that, her dementia comes with hallucinations and messed-up sleep cycles, so someone’s gotta be on duty 24/7. Hannah’s been handling it solo, and it’s wrecking her physically and mentally.

I’m Ethan (49M), live three hours away with my husband, and I’ve got my own health issues—chronic pain and anxiety make it hard to function some days. I’ve talked to Hannah a bunch about putting mom in a memory care facility. Those places have round-the-clock staff, so mom would actually get consistent care instead of whatever Hannah can scrape together between breakdowns. But Hannah refuses. She’s got POA, so it’s her call, and she’s dug her heels in.

Part of it’s emotional—she swears she still sees “glimpses” of our real mom sometimes and doesn’t want to lose that. The other part? Money. She lives in mom’s house, and mom’s pension covers all the bills plus gives Hannah spending cash. If mom goes into care, that money (and probably the house) gets sucked into paying for it, leaving Hannah scrambling for a job and an apartment.

Now, Hannah’s got a partner, Blake, who she barely sees because of mom. She just asked me to come stay at mom’s for a week so she and Blake can take a vacation. I get it—she’s burnt out and needs a break. But here’s the thing: she’s fine slapping a Band-Aid on this (like me stepping in for a week) but won’t even talk about real solutions.

Between my distance and my health, taking care of mom would be a nightmare for me. I don’t wanna bail Hannah out short-term if she’s not willing to fix the actual problem. ... Click here to continue reading