AITA for kicking my friend out of my engagement party after he proposed to his girlfriend there?

Celebrations are meant to be joyful, but sometimes even an engagement party can take a dramatic turn. In this post, a 26-year-old woman recounts how her best friend, Mia, turned what was supposed to be a special evening for her and her fiancé into a scene of unexpected chaos. The party was organized at a trendy rooftop bar with close friends and family.

Everything was perfect until, midway through the night, Mia’s boyfriend, Mark, hijacked the moment by grabbing the microphone and proposing to Mia in front of everyone. Shocked and feeling that her own celebration was being overshadowed, the OP immediately demanded that Mark leave. Although Mia later apologized for her behavior, the incident left deep impressions on the OP, sparking intense debate among their circle about boundaries and respect.

‘AITA for kicking my friend out of my engagement party after he proposed to his girlfriend there?’

Relationship experts emphasize that maintaining clear boundaries during special events is essential to protecting one’s sense of self and ensuring that every individual’s milestone is honored. Dr. Emily Roberts, a psychologist specializing in interpersonal relationships, explains, “When someone unexpectedly hijacks a personal celebration, it can feel like a direct attack on your identity and the significance of that moment.

In cases where a friend’s behavior overshadows what should be a joyful event, asserting boundaries becomes not just necessary, but therapeutic.” Dr. Roberts adds that while humor and spontaneity are important in friendships, there must be mutual respect for each other’s feelings. “If a friend takes it upon themselves to redirect the focus during an important event, it may signal deeper issues of insecurity or a desire for attention. However, this doesn’t give them the right to diminish your experience.”

She emphasizes that open communication is key: “Discussing expectations before such events can help avoid conflicts. If a friend consistently oversteps, it may be time to reexamine the dynamics of that relationship.” Furthermore, Dr. Roberts highlights that setting boundaries in these scenarios is a way to ensure that everyone’s emotional needs are met.

“By standing up for yourself, you’re not only protecting your own joy but also setting an example for how personal celebrations should be respected. It encourages a culture of accountability within friendships.” Ultimately, the OP’s decision to kick out her friend—while drastic—reflects a justified need to reclaim her special moment, reminding us that while compromise is important, self-respect must always come first.

These are the responses from Reddit users:

The Reddit community largely supported the OP’s decision. Many commenters argued that Mark’s unexpected proposal at an engagement party was completely out of line and that the OP was well within her rights to demand that he leave. Numerous users expressed that the party was meant to celebrate the OP and her fiancé’s journey, and any attempt to hijack that moment was unacceptable.

Some commenters humorously suggested that Mark should refund half the money spent on the party, while others felt that if Mia’s friends were supportive of the disruption, they might need to reconsider their own loyalty. Overall, the prevailing sentiment was that the OP’s reaction was justified given the circumstances.

In conclusion, this incident raises important questions about boundaries and respect during shared celebrations. The OP’s decision to kick out Mark—and even demand that Mia leave along with him—reflects her deep need to protect her own special moment. But was her reaction too harsh, or was it a necessary step in asserting her right to celebrate without interference?

What do you think: should we always let others have their moments, even at our own expense, or is it fair to set boundaries when the spotlight is stolen? Share your thoughts and experiences below—your insights might help others navigate similar challenges in their relationships and celebrations.