AITA for calling a girl overdramatic when she was crying after rear-ending me?

Last weekend, during his brother’s college graduation, a young man discovered that the rear of his car had been hit. The other driver—an 18-year-old girl—remained at the scene, visibly shaken and crying hysterically while her mother tried to calm her down.

Although the accident was minor, the young man noticed that her emotional reaction seemed excessive. Despite reassuring her that mistakes happen and that he wasn’t upset about the collision, he grew increasingly impatient as she continued to cry. In a moment of frustration, he told her to calm down and stop being dramatic, an action that would later spark criticism from his sister.

‘AITA for calling a girl overdramatic when she was crying after rear-ending me? ‘

Experts in stress management and adolescent psychology explain that emotional responses to accidents can vary significantly, particularly among new drivers. Dr. Elaine Matthews, a clinical psychologist, notes, “In high-stress situations, such as being involved in a car accident, even minor incidents can trigger intense emotions.

For new drivers, the surge of adrenaline combined with fears about potential financial and legal consequences may lead to overwhelming distress.” According to Dr. Matthews, what might appear overdramatic to an observer can be a genuine expression of anxiety and fear for someone experiencing their first accident.

Additionally, Dr. Matthews emphasizes that individual differences, such as underlying anxiety or previous traumatic experiences, can amplify these responses. “It is important to consider that each person processes stress differently,” she explains. In this scenario, while the young man’s reaction of dismissing her tears might have seemed reasonable to him, it did not account for the possibility that her behavior was driven by genuine fear of severe consequences, such as increased insurance rates or parental disappointment.

Family dynamics expert Dr. Michael Turner also highlights that unsolicited judgments during high-pressure moments can exacerbate emotional distress. “When someone dismisses another’s emotional response in a situation where they are already vulnerable, it can worsen their feelings of isolation,” Dr. Turner remarks. He suggests that a more empathetic approach—such as simply offering silent support—might have been more appropriate, allowing the young woman to process her emotions without feeling invalidated.

Ultimately, both experts agree that while it is understandable for the young man to feel frustrated, his decision to openly criticize the girl for being overdramatic was likely an insensitive response that overlooked the genuine fear and anxiety she was experiencing at that moment.

Here’s what Redditors had to say:

The Reddit community largely condemned his reaction. Many commenters emphasized that an 18-year-old, especially a new driver, might naturally experience significant anxiety following an accident. They argued that telling someone to “stop being dramatic” can come off as dismissive and hurtful.

Several users pointed out that his reaction, although perhaps understandable in the moment, lacked the empathy required in such a sensitive situation. The consensus was clear: while accidents happen and practical matters can be resolved later, the emotional impact on someone in that situation should not be trivialized.

This incident raises important questions about how best to support individuals in moments of intense stress. While the accident itself was minor and the insurance process was already underway, the young man’s choice to criticize the girl for her emotional response appears to have crossed a line.

His reaction prompts the question: Is it acceptable to dismiss someone’s genuine fear and anxiety in the midst of an accident, or should more empathy be extended, regardless of how excessive the reaction might seem? What would others do in a similar situation? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—let’s discuss how to balance practical reassurance with compassionate support during stressful events.