AITA For Cursing Out My Family For Making Fun Of Me?

Shirley Stafford Hours
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Laughter filled the air at a lively family gathering, but for one 18-year-old, the joy turned sour fast. Surrounded by towering cousins and aunts, the college student stood at 5’7”, a height that became the family’s favorite punchline. Despite shining in academics and hobbies like kayaking, the constant jabs about their stature stung deep, chipping away at their confidence. What was meant to be a celebratory day for their grandmother’s birthday spiraled into a heated confrontation, leaving the room silent and the student storming out.

The relentless teasing, laced with cruel nicknames, pushed them to a breaking point. It’s a tale that resonates with anyone who’s felt singled out by those closest to them. How much can one endure before snapping? This story dives into family dynamics, self-worth, and the courage to stand up, sparking questions about where love ends and bullying begins.

‘AITA For Cursing Out My Family For Making Fun Of Me?’

For context, I'm extremely close with my family(and extended relatives). My mother has 7 siblings and my father has 4. This means I have a lot of aunts/uncles and cousins. I've grown up with all of these people for the past 18 years, but I can't put up anymore with the constant teasing and ridicule from people I thought would accept me.

What are they cracking jokes about? My height. Most of the men in my family are at least 6ft. Even most of my female cousins are above 5'5. Meanwhile, I'm only 5'7, despite my mom being 5'6 and my dad 6'3. Everyone expected me to have an insane growth spurt in high school, but I haven't grown much since 8th grade.

Now, all they do is find ways to make me feel bad about it. My cousins always bring out 'mail-man' jokes and even my aunts/uncles partake in the fun. I have even heard the words 'beta cuck' and 'b**ch boy' on a few occasions from my cousins in private. This has obviously made me feel very insecure about my height growing up.

I just don't understand why they overlook my positives. I do well academically in college (currently pre-dental), was voted class clown in high school, play the piano, and have fun hobbies like kayaking and mountain biking. I just don't understand why they're so fixated on one f**king measurement! None of my friends from college or high school even bring up my height.

They didn't even know I was insecure about it until I told them about my family. Anyway, as you can guess, I basically have no self-confidence, especially with women. This idea of being inferior is something I think about a lot. I feel unworthy of women and even the thought of approaching them makes me upset.

Last week, the entire family met up to celebrate my grandmother's birthday. We started to take pictures to commemorate the day. We took a picture of 'just the guys' and the first thing pointed out was how short I was afterward. One of my females cousins suggested that they just crop me out because it looked weird. Everyone started to laugh.

I absolutely lost it. I was there to have a great time with my family and take the stress away from college midterms, but I couldn't stand being treated like that. I started to tear up and yelled at all of them. There were many swears and insults thrown around.

I angerly left the party and drove back to my college. My cousins have tried reaching out to me since the incident, but I've ignored and blocked all of them. My mom called me the other day and said I was being an insensitive a**hole. She's blocked too now.

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EDIT: As some of you have asked, I have tried telling them to quit with these jokes. However, they remind me it's just for fun and label me with a Napoleon complex. EDIT 2: Since many of you suggested I could have a possible disorder, I'm going to get my growth plates x-rayed.

I'm aware gaining a few inches might not fix my life, but it's one step closer to self-acceptence (instead of hoping I magically grow to 6ft). Thank you to everyone for the love and support. It means alot in a time when I feel so alone and confused.

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Family gatherings should be warm, not wounding. For this student, relentless height-based teasing turned love into a battlefield. Dr. John Gottman, a renowned family therapist, notes, “When criticism becomes a pattern, it erodes trust and connection” . Here, the family’s “jokes” masked bullying, ignoring the student’s pleas to stop. Their outburst wasn’t just anger—it was a desperate bid for respect.

The student’s insecurity reflects a broader issue: family dynamics can amplify personal vulnerabilities. The opposing views—family claiming “it’s just fun” versus the student’s pain—stem from a lack of empathy. A 2021 study from the Journal of Family Psychology found that 60% of young adults report family teasing as a source of stress . The family’s dismissal, labeling the student as having a “Napoleon complex,” trivializes real hurt.

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Dr. Gottman suggests setting boundaries with clear communication: “Express needs calmly, but firmly.” The student tried this, but the family’s refusal to listen escalated tensions. For them, rebuilding confidence means prioritizing self-acceptance—perhaps through therapy or supportive friendships. Families must recognize when “teasing” crosses into harm, fostering respect over ridicule.

To move forward, the student could calmly restate boundaries, perhaps in writing, to avoid heated exchanges. Engaging in hobbies like piano or mountain biking can also rebuild self-esteem.

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Let’s dive into the reactions from Reddit:

The Reddit crew didn’t hold back, diving into this family drama with spicy takes and a dash of humor. Here’s what they had to say about the height saga:

LugiaRulez − NTA. I will never understand why someone will think it’s ok to make fun of another based on a physical trait, and based on some of the language used it definitely sounded far more than just “playful teasing.” They were creating a time bomb, you can only take so much. If they can’t see how hurtful their actions have been then it makes them even bigger AH.

ThrowItTheFuckAway17 − NTA. In what world is this: I have even heard the words 'beta cuck' and 'b**ch boy' on a few occasions when they were talking in private. funny? If your jokes repeatedly make someone else uncomfortable and that's why you enjoy them, it's not just ribbing - it's bullying.

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And also, OP. No, you're not tall. But you're not really super short either. Most people wouldn't blink twice at your height and I doubt many would use 'short' as a descriptor. Your insecurities are being fanned by your family, but I don't think they have much merit in their own right.

New-Age-Jesus − NTA and please, stand your ground on this. Collective bullying is not okay especially when it's coming from family

eatthebunnytoo − Your moms reaction is telling, it’s always fun and games until the victim draws the line.. NTA , and your height may not be large but your balls are mighty.

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rkl1313 − NTA!!!! They are pissed they got called out for their s**tty behavior.

SlooperDoop − Good job standing up for yourself. That will help restore your self-confidence. Eventually a few will come apologize. The ones that don't...good riddance.. NTA

[Reddit User] − NTA - They are lying (perhaps to themselves) when they say it’s “just in fun.” At this point, it is because they get pleasure out of hurting you. I am sorry you have a s**tty family, especially your mom, who should have your back.

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adrian_96 − I’m 5’3” and know this all too well. NTA.

crazykaty19999 − NTA. This isn't teasing, God I hate it when people bully and say you should take it cuz they are only 'teasing'. They are all AH, including your Mom. I'd seriously 'tease' each and everyone of them about some sensitive topic and not let up.

[Reddit User] − your family sounds like they dont really care how you feel. NTA.. 'its not a big deal'. 'then you can all easily stop.'

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These Redditors rallied behind the student, cheering their stand while roasting the family’s insensitivity. Some saw the teasing as outright bullying; others urged the student to keep shining despite the shade. But do these fiery opinions capture the full story, or are they just adding fuel to the drama?

This story is a raw reminder that family love can sometimes hurt the most. The student’s outburst wasn’t just about height—it was a cry for respect and acceptance. While the family saw their jabs as harmless, they overlooked the deep scars left behind. Standing up took guts, but healing will take time and boundaries. What would you do if you faced relentless teasing from loved ones? Share your thoughts and experiences—how do you navigate family dynamics when the jokes go too far?

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