AITA for bailing on Thanksgiving for the tenth year in a row for Bali?

Picture a sun-soaked Bali beach, waves lapping at the shore, and a flight attendant sipping a coconut drink, far from the frosty air of Cleveland. For ten years, this has been their escape from a family fractured by betrayal. The sting of an ex-partner’s affair with their sister still lingers, making family gatherings feel like stepping into a soap opera. Their mother’s tearful plea for a Thanksgiving reunion tugs at the heart, but the thought of facing the past is unbearable. Can they keep dodging family ties, or is it time to face the music?

The story unfolds with raw emotion, as the flight attendant grapples with loyalty to self versus family. Readers are drawn into the tension, wondering if healing is possible or if some wounds cut too deep. It’s a tale of boundaries, heartbreak, and the pull of sandy shores over family drama.

‘AITA for bailing on Thanksgiving for the tenth year in a row for Bali?’

Navigating family gatherings after betrayal is like walking a tightrope over a pit of emotional snakes. The flight attendant’s choice to skip Thanksgiving reflects a deep wound, but it also raises questions about balancing personal peace with familial duty.

The OP’s refusal to attend stems from their sister’s affair with their ex, now married with kids. Avoiding this scene is understandable—seeing a “happy” family built on betrayal can feel like salt in an open wound. Yet, their parents, caught in the middle, yearn for connection. According to Family Psychology, unresolved family conflict can perpetuate emotional distance, with 68% of families reporting ongoing tension from past betrayals.

Dr. John Gottman, a renowned relationship expert, notes, “Healing from betrayal requires acknowledgment and boundaries, not forced reconciliation” . Here, the OP’s boundary—avoiding their sister and ex—is a valid self-protection mechanism. Forcing a Thanksgiving reunion risks emotional harm without addressing the root issue.

The broader issue is how families navigate loyalty splits. The OP’s parents may feel torn, wanting both their children and grandchildren present. Offering to meet parents separately, as some Redditors suggest, could rebuild ties without compromising boundaries. The OP might consider small steps, like a weekend visit, to honor their parents’ wishes while protecting their peace.

Here’s the comments of Reddit users:

The Reddit crew didn’t hold back, serving up a spicy mix of support and tough love for our Bali-bound flight attendant. Here’s the unfiltered scoop:

These Redditors rallied behind the OP’s right to dodge drama but questioned cutting off their parents entirely. Some saw the Bali escape as self-care; others called it a cop-out. But do these hot takes capture the full story, or are they just stirring the pot?

The flight attendant’s story is a raw reminder that family ties can be as binding as they are breaking. Choosing Bali over a tense Thanksgiving table speaks to the power of self-preservation, but it also leaves aging parents caught in the crossfire. Balancing personal healing with family expectations is no easy feat. What would you do if you were in their shoes, torn between a tropical escape and a family reunion? Share your thoughts and experiences below!