AITA for shitting on my cousin’s plan to go to law school?

Family gatherings can ignite like a spark in dry grass, and for one 21-year-old, a weekly chore at his grandma’s turned explosive. His cousin, Taylor, a devout Christian, shared her dream of law school to fight abortion, but her shaky grades and cluelessness about the LSAT drew his blunt scorn. Calling her plan “dumbass,” he urged her to stick with nursing, leaving her in tears and their grandma fuming, accusing him of a “godless agenda.”

Now, with threats of a minister’s visit looming, he’s questioning his harsh words. Was his honesty too brutal, or did her unrealistic goal invite critique? This Reddit saga dives into the clash of beliefs, family ties, and tough love, where a cousin’s ambition and a sharp tongue collide. Can differing views coexist without burning bridges?

‘AITA for shitting on my cousin’s plan to go to law school?’

Words can cut deeper than intended, and this 21-year-old’s blunt takedown of his cousin’s law school dream left wounds. Taylor’s anti-abortion goal and weak academic prep sparked his harsh “dumbass” jab, but the tears and family backlash show the cost of his approach. Their rocky history—her rudeness over his lack of faith—set the stage, but was his critique fair or cruel?

Dr. Harriet Lerner, a relationship expert, says, “Honesty without tact can fracture relationships.” His point about Taylor’s unpreparedness for law school—unfamiliarity with the LSAT and poor grades—was valid, as law programs are brutally competitive. Only 40% of LSAT takers score high enough for top-tier schools. Yet, his delivery, fueled by personal tension, turned advice into an attack. Her nursing path, while practical, also raises concerns; her activism could clash with patient care, as Reddit noted.

This reflects a broader issue: family debates over career and beliefs often ignite when respect falters. His frustration with Taylor’s judgment mirrors her push to impose her views, creating a cycle of resentment. Dr. Lerner suggests “I” statements to soften critiques: “I’m worried law school’s demands might overwhelm you without LSAT prep.” This could’ve opened dialogue, not tears. For repair, he might apologize for his tone, not his point, and clarify his intent to help, not hurt. Boundaries with grandma—refusing the minister—protect his autonomy but risk family ties.

These are the responses from Reddit users:

Reddit users didn’t hold back, offering a mix of cheers and jeers on this cousin clash. Here’s what they had to say:

These takes are spicy, but do they miss the mark on mending family ties?

This man’s sharp words to his cousin didn’t just bruise her ego—they cracked family bonds. Calling her law school plan “dumbass” was honest but harsh, driven by her shaky prep and their personal grudges. Her tears and grandma’s wrath show the fallout of mixing tough love with bad blood. What would you do when family dreams clash with reality? Share your thoughts below—how do you balance honesty with kindness in family feuds?