AITA for refusing to talk to my mother unless she uses my title?

In the quiet hum of a phone call, a newly minted doctor confronts her past, her voice steady but laced with years of pain. Having cut ties with her abusive mother at 18, the 25-year-old, once belittled as “r**arded” and destined to fail, now holds an Oxford medical degree. When her mother seeks to reconnect, the doctor sets a firm condition: address her as “Dr. [Name]” or the line goes dead.

After initial resistance, her mother complies, but her brother calls her petty. The demand, born of a scarred childhood, stirs debate: is it a justified stand for respect, or a prideful overreach in a fragile family reunion? This tale of triumph and trauma pulls readers into a raw clash of boundaries and healing.

‘AITA for refusing to talk to my mother unless she uses my title?’

This phone call standoff is a masterclass in reclaiming power after trauma. The OP, a doctor who endured her mother’s verbal abuse—mocking her potential and intellect—sets a boundary by demanding her professional title. Her mother’s sudden interest post-success raises questions, while the brother’s criticism ignores her pain.

The OP’s condition isn’t just about ego; it’s a symbolic rebuke of past belittlement. As trauma therapist Dr. Bessel van der Kolk notes, “Survivors of abuse often use boundaries to restore dignity.” Her mother’s compliance suggests a shift, but true change requires accountability for past harm. This reflects broader dynamics: adult children of abusive parents often struggle to redefine family ties.

The OP should proceed cautiously, perhaps with therapy to navigate this reconnection. Clear expectations—beyond the title—can test her mother’s sincerity. If toxicity persists, limited contact may be wiser.

Here’s how people reacted to the post:

Reddit’s takes are as charged as a medical ward during a crisis! Here’s what the community had to say:

These opinions spark, but do they illuminate the path or just add static to the drama?

This title-demand clash leaves us pondering: was the OP wrong for insisting on “Doctor” to reconnect with her abusive mother, or was it a fair claim to respect? Healing from trauma and rebuilding family ties tangle like delicate sutures. What would you do if an abusive parent sought to reenter your life after your success? Share your thoughts and experiences below!