AITA for not wanting to go to my mother’s wedding and saying that I didn’t give a damn who she married?

Picture a rainy English afternoon, the kind where the sky seems to sulk as much as the teenager slumped on a worn-out couch. For one 16-year-old boy, let’s call him Ethan, life has thrown a curveball wrapped in wedding lace. His mother, now across the Atlantic, is tying the knot again and desperately wants him by her side for the big day. But Ethan’s heart isn’t in it—years of feeling overlooked have left him cold toward her invitation.

This isn’t just about a plane ticket to the US; it’s about a boy wrestling with a mother’s neglect and a father’s pressure to play nice. The Reddit community has chimed in, and their takes are as spicy as a pub’s curry night. Can Ethan stand his ground without being the villain in this family saga? Let’s dive into his story and see where the fault lines lie.

‘AITA for not wanting to go to my mother’s wedding and saying that I didn’t give a damn who she married?’

Ethan’s refusal to attend his mother’s wedding is a raw snapshot of a fractured family bond. Dr. John Gottman, a renowned family psychologist, notes in his work with the Gottman Institute that “emotional neglect in childhood can lead to long-term trust issues in relationships.” Ethan’s feelings of being sidelined by his mother, who openly admitted she couldn’t “force herself” to care, align with this. Her sudden push for his presence at her wedding feels less like love and more like a bid for a picture-perfect moment.

This situation highlights a broader issue: parental favoritism. A 2018 study in the Journal of Family Psychology found that perceived favoritism can erode sibling and parent-child relationships, often leaving the “less favored” child with deep emotional scars. Ethan’s resentment is understandable—his mother’s neglect wasn’t just a one-off but a pattern that pushed him to choose his father post-divorce. Her tears now seem manipulative, as they clash with her past indifference.

On the flip side, Ethan’s father’s insistence that he attend might stem from a hope to mend family ties or avoid conflict with his ex-wife. But pressuring Ethan risks alienating him further, as it dismisses his valid pain. Forcing a teen across continents to play happy family could backfire spectacularly, like a sitcom plot gone wrong. Instead, Ethan’s dad could validate his feelings, perhaps suggesting a neutral conversation with his mother to set boundaries.

For Ethan, setting boundaries is key. Experts suggest clear communication—Ethan could calmly explain his stance to both parents, emphasizing his need for emotional space. If he’s forced to go, he might consider attending minimally, like a guest rather than a participant, to protect his mental health. Ultimately, Ethan’s choice to prioritize his well-being over his mother’s wedding optics is a step toward healing, even if it ruffles feathers.

Here’s what the community had to contribute:

The Reddit crew didn’t hold back, serving up a buffet of support with a side of snark. Here’s what they had to say about Ethan’s dilemma:

These Redditors brought the heat, cheering Ethan’s resolve or shading his parents’ priorities. Some saw his mother’s tears as Oscar-worthy manipulation; others urged him to stand firm but keep the peace with his dad. But do these hot takes capture the full picture, or are they just adding fuel to the family fire?

Ethan’s story is a tangled web of hurt, loyalty, and the courage to say “no.” His mother’s wedding might be a celebration for her, but for Ethan, it’s a reminder of years spent on the sidelines. Whether he sticks to his guns or bends under pressure, his choice reflects a teenager trying to carve out his own path. What would you do if you were in Ethan’s shoes? Share your thoughts and experiences below—let’s keep this conversation going!