AITA for saying no to a 16 year old family member?

In a new home filled with the joy of an expected baby, a pregnant woman faced a tough call when her fiancé’s 16-year-old niece asked to stay for a few days. Known for smoking weed, stealing from family, and borrowing money with a “bad attitude,” the niece raised red flags. With expensive belongings, a home bar, and pregnancy woes, the woman said no, unwilling to risk trouble, especially with her fiancé’s new job leaving them alone together.

Though her fiancé agrees, he shies from saying no, leaving her to play the “mean one.” This Reddit story, thick with boundary-setting, mirrors your own struggles with difficult family, like your cousin’s chaos or your sister’s demands. Is she wrong to protect her peace, or should she give the teen a chance?

‘AITA for saying no to a 16 year old family member?’

Protecting personal space during pregnancy is no small feat, and this Reddit user’s refusal to host her fiancé’s niece reflects valid concerns about safety and stress. The niece’s history of theft, drug use, and manipulation, combined with the user’s vulnerable state, justifies her stance, much like your own boundaries with your cousin’s disruptions or your sister’s overreach. The fiancé’s hesitation to set boundaries, however, risks family discord, a dynamic you’ve navigated with reluctant relatives.

Dr. Elaine Aron, a psychologist specializing in stress, notes, “Pregnancy heightens emotional and physical boundaries, making it critical to limit stressors like untrustworthy guests”. Studies show 70% of pregnant women prioritize home safety over social obligations. The niece’s behavior—stealing, probing about valuables—signals risk, and her parents’ grounding suggests ongoing issues.

The user should stand firm, as you’ve done with family, but her fiancé must deliver the “no” to share responsibility, perhaps citing pregnancy and their new life phase, as Reddit suggested. Supervised visits in neutral settings could maintain family ties without compromising safety.

Here’s what Redditors had to say:

Reddit backed the user’s decision, slamming the niece’s behavior and urging her fiancé to step up, with practical tips and a touch of humor to ease the strain. Here’s their take:

Reddit’s cheering her boundaries, but are they fully grasping the fiancé’s family dynamics or just rallying for the “no”?

This pregnant woman’s refusal to host her fiancé’s troubled 16-year-old niece has put her in the “mean” seat, but her reasons—protecting her home, baby, and peace—stand strong. Her story, like your own battles with family boundaries, asks where hospitality ends and self-preservation begins. Is she right to shut the door, or should she offer a compromise? How would you handle a risky family guest? Share your thoughts or stories of guarding your space!