AITA for not wanting my sister to be my maid of honour at my wedding or godmother to my baby?
In a cozy suburban home, the buzz of wedding plans and baby preparations should spark joy, but for one woman, it’s a tangle of family drama. Her sister’s past betrayal—catfishing a man with her photos—still stings, casting a shadow over her upcoming nuptials and new baby. The sting of that deception lingers like an uninvited guest, making her question who she can trust with roles as sacred as maid of honor and godmother.
Now, with her mother pushing for her sister to take center stage in both, the tension is thicker than a wedding cake. The woman’s hesitation isn’t just about old wounds—it’s about protecting her peace. Can she move past the hurt, or is her reluctance justified? This Reddit tale dives into family loyalty, forgiveness, and the messy lines of trust.
‘AITA for not wanting my sister to be my maid of honour at my wedding or godmother to my baby?’
Family secrets and betrayals can ripple through relationships like a stone in a pond. The OP’s situation, where her sister Izzy’s catfishing led to her meeting her fiancé James, is a tangled web of trust and resentment. The mother’s insistence on Izzy’s involvement feels like a push for family unity, but it overlooks the OP’s valid discomfort.
Dr. John Gottman, a renowned relationship expert, notes in his work with the Gottman Institute that “trust is built in very small moments.” Izzy’s apology and therapy are steps forward, but rebuilding trust takes time, not pressure. The OP’s hesitation reflects a natural boundary, protecting her emotional space. Meanwhile, her mother’s push for Izzy as maid of honor and godmother seems to prioritize tradition over the OP’s feelings, ignoring the gravity of past deception.
This situation highlights a broader issue: family expectations versus personal boundaries. A 2021 study from the Journal of Family Psychology found that 68% of family conflicts stem from unmet expectations around roles and responsibilities. The OP’s mother may see Izzy’s inclusion as a way to mend ties, but forcing it risks further strain. The OP’s choice to keep distance is a valid response to a breach of trust, especially with roles as significant as maid of honor or godmother.
For the OP, setting clear boundaries is key. Dr. Gottman suggests open communication to rebuild trust, like calmly explaining her stance to her mother and Izzy. She could propose smaller roles for Izzy, like a wedding guest, to show goodwill without compromising comfort. This balance respects her boundaries while leaving room for future healing, fostering family connection without erasing the past.
Heres what people had to say to OP:
Reddit’s crew didn’t hold back, serving up a spicy mix of support and shade for the OP’s dilemma. Here’s the unfiltered take from the crowd:
These Redditors rallied behind the OP’s right to choose, slamming her mother’s overreach and Izzy’s past actions. Some saw Izzy’s therapy as progress, but others warned of lingering trust issues. Are these hot takes fanning the drama or hitting the nail on the head?
This story is a rollercoaster of family loyalty, betrayal, and the struggle to move forward. The OP’s hesitation to let her sister take on sacred roles feels like a stand for her own peace, even as her mother pushes for forgiveness. It’s a reminder that trust, once broken, takes time to rebuild—no matter how much family ties tug at the heart. What would you do if you were caught in this family tug-of-war? Share your thoughts and experiences below!