AITA for still holding my cousin’s mistake against him?

Imagine stumbling out of oral surgery, groggy from anesthesia, only to find your designated ride—your cousin—has vanished to sip coffee in comfort. This Reddit user’s wisdom teeth removal took a wild turn when their cousin Joe bailed, leaving them stranded in a fog of post-op haze. What was meant to be a simple favor became a lesson in reliability, sparking family tension and Reddit’s fiery takes. Was the user wrong to stay icy toward Joe, or is their grudge justified?

This tale of betrayal and botched responsibilities hits home for anyone who’s been let down by someone they trusted. With family siding with Joe and Reddit rallying behind the user, the story crackles with drama. Let’s unpack this coffee-fueled fiasco and see where loyalty and accountability collide.

‘AITA for still holding my cousin’s mistake against him?’

Getting wisdom teeth removed is no picnic, and relying on someone to get you home safely is non-negotiable. The original poster (OP) trusted their cousin Joe to be their anchor post-surgery, but his coffee shop detour left them stranded, vulnerable, and understandably furious. Joe’s casual dismissal—ignoring calls and assuming OP was fine—shows a lapse in responsibility, while OP’s coldness reflects a natural response to broken trust.

This situation taps into a broader issue: the importance of dependability in relationships. A 2023 study in Social Psychology Quarterly found that trust breaches, even unintentional ones, can strain familial bonds for months (Source: SAGE Journals). As therapist Esther Perel notes, “Trust is built in the small moments of showing up, not in grand gestures” (Source: Esther Perel’s Blog). Joe’s failure to show up, literally and figuratively, justifies OP’s anger, especially without a sincere apology.

OP’s aunt’s claim that they shouldn’t rely on Joe dismisses the reality of post-anesthesia needs—nobody drives themselves home after general anesthesia. OP could address this by calmly explaining to Joe how his actions endangered them, seeking closure. Moving forward, choosing reliable support—like the friend who stepped in—makes sense.

Here’s what Redditors had to say:

The Reddit crew rolled up with pitchforks and sarcasm, dishing out a mix of outrage and practical advice—like a family reunion with extra shade. Here’s what they had to say:

These spicy Reddit reactions raise a question: Is holding a grudge the best way to handle Joe’s flub, or does forgiveness with boundaries win?

Joe’s coffee shop escapade turned a routine surgery into a trust-shattering saga, and OP’s lingering anger feels like a natural response to being left high and dry. While family pressures forgiveness, Joe’s lack of accountability keeps the wound fresh. A candid talk might clear the air, but OP’s wise to keep Joe at arm’s length for future favors. Have you ever been ditched by someone you counted on? How did you move past it? Drop your thoughts below and let’s keep the convo brewing!