AITA For abandoning my mother in Colombia?

Imagine landing in vibrant Colombia, the air buzzing with wedding excitement and the scent of street food wafting through bustling streets. A daughter and her 75-year-old mother, fresh from Canada, roll their suitcases into a sleek Airbnb, its modern charm a stark contrast to the crowded family homes they usually visit. But when the mother balks at the distance from relatives and chooses to cram into a packed apartment instead, a family feud erupts, with accusations of abandonment flying.

This Reddit saga is a spicy blend of cultural clashes and personal boundaries. The OP wanted comfort; her mother craved family chaos. When she opted for luxury over a crowded stay, her family cried foul. Was she selfish, or just setting boundaries? The Reddit community has plenty to say. Let’s unpack this tropical drama.

‘AITA For abandoning my mother in Colombia?’

Talk about a family vacation gone sideways! The OP’s choice of a plush Airbnb over a crowded family home sparked a cultural clash with her mother, who seems to equate proximity with loyalty. The OP didn’t abandon her—she offered a comfy alternative, but her mother chose the familiar chaos of family life. The accusation of “abandonment” feels like guilt-tripping, especially since the OP provided a two-bedroom option.

This scenario reflects a broader tension: balancing cultural expectations with personal boundaries. A 2023 study in Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology found that 45% of diaspora families face conflicts over differing values, especially around family obligations. The mother’s insistence on staying with relatives, even in discomfort, aligns with Colombian values of “convivir” (living together), while the OP’s preference for privacy reflects her Canadian upbringing.

Family therapist Dr. Elaine Fogel Schneider notes, “Cultural differences within families can create friction, but respecting individual choices is key to harmony”. Here, the mother’s pressure and family’s criticism ignored the OP’s autonomy. Her decision wasn’t a rejection of heritage but a need for comfort.

The OP could calmly explain her need for space while affirming her love for family, perhaps hosting a gathering to bridge the gap. Therapy might help navigate these cultural divides.

Here’s what Redditors had to say:

The Reddit crowd brought the heat, siding with the OP and tossing shade at her mother’s drama. Here’s what they said:

Wow, Reddit’s serving tea with a side of sass! Most see the OP as guilt-free, pointing out her mother’s choice to leave. Some highlight cultural nuances, urging empathy, while others call the mother’s reaction pure manipulation. Are they on point, or is there more to this family feud?

This Colombian wedding tale shows how fast a trip can turn into a tug-of-war over culture and comfort. The OP’s luxe Airbnb wasn’t abandonment—it was a boundary her mother chose not to respect. It’s a reminder that family love doesn’t mean sacrificing personal needs. Have you faced family pressure to conform? Would you pick the Airbnb or the crowded family home? Drop your thoughts below—we’re dying to hear your take!