AITA for not inviting my son to my second wedding?

Imagine a bustling wedding scene: flowers blooming, vows ready to be swapped, and a mother beaming—until her phone rings. It’s her estranged son, pleading to attend her second wedding, a celebration she’s meticulously planned without him. Why the exclusion? A bitter fallout over his cheating ex-wife, a truth she tried to unveil, only to be met with disbelief and an ultimatum. Now, with his divorce mess unfolding, he’s reaching out, but she’s holding firm: no apology, no invite. Let’s unravel this tangled tale with a chuckle and a tear.

This story’s a rollercoaster of pride, pain, and family ties stretched thin. With her big day a week away, did she cross a line by barring her son, or is she justified in standing her ground? We’ve got the Reddit scoop and some expert wisdom to sift through this emotional stew.

‘AITA for not inviting my son to my second wedding?’

Here’s the raw deal. A widow remarrying her beau Jim left her middle son, Tom, off the guest list for her upcoming wedding. Trouble brewed when she spotted his ex-wife cheating and told him, only for him to accuse her of lying to sabotage his marriage—she didn’t like the woman, true, but insists she spoke truth. He demanded an apology; she refused, and they cut ties. Now, mid-divorce and proven wrong, he’s asking to attend her wedding. She said no, citing his lack of remorse. Cue the family feud.

Weddings stir up more than just cake batter—they’re emotional whirlwinds, especially when family rifts bubble up. This mom’s standoff with Tom hinges on a clash of trust and hurt feelings. Dr. Harriet Lerner, a family therapy expert, writes, “An apology doesn’t fix everything, but it opens the door to forgiveness and reconnection” (Harriet Lerner). Here, Tom’s call might be that door creaking open, but Mom’s pride is the lock.

She warned him about his ex’s infidelity, got burned by his disbelief, and now feels vindicated as his marriage crumbles. Tom, blindsided by betrayal, likely lashed out to protect his world—his ultimatum was harsh but human. His outreach now screams olive branch, yet she’s digging in, wanting that “sorry” first. Both are hurting: her from rejection, him from a shattered life. Studies show 60% of estranged parents regret permanent cutoffs (Psychology Today), hinting she might too.

The fix? She could invite him, not as surrender, but as a step toward healing—later hashing out the hurt calmly. Or she stands firm, risking a deeper divide. Readers, weigh in: is pride worth a son’s absence? This dance of reconciliation needs two willing partners—let’s see if they step up.

Here’s the input from the Reddit crowd:

Here’s the Reddit tea, served piping hot: “He’s extending an olive branch—don’t snap it!” Jocelyn-1973 calls her YTA for lacking empathy, while crapfactory22 mocks her “I told you so” vibe, urging her to be the bigger person. Sneaky__Fox85 sees wounded pride at play, and IllTemperedOldWoman warns of lasting family fallout.

The crowd’s split but leans toward reconciliation—do these hot takes hold water in real life?

So, Mom’s got a point—betrayal stings—but slamming the wedding door might lock out more than drama. Tom’s reaching out, bruised and humbled; maybe it’s time for grace over grudges. What’s your take? Ever faced a family spat this raw? Would you invite him or hold the line? Spill your thoughts below—let’s stir this pot together!