AITA for telling my dad I want nothing to do with his secret 2nd family?

A quiet home became a battleground when a father’s past sins crashed into his daughter’s present. At 19, she’s drawn a hard line against her dad’s mistress and her child, whose visit threatens to reopen old wounds from a decade-long affair that shattered her childhood. The cozy living room, once a place of family memories, now hums with tension as she stands firm, refusing to play nice with a woman tied to her parents’ divorce.

Her father’s demand for politeness feels like a betrayal, ignoring the pain his choices caused. Yet his anger at her refusal hints at a deeper rift—one where love, loyalty, and boundaries collide. Readers can’t help but feel the weight of her stance: is it fair to shut out his “second family” to protect her peace? This raw tale pulls us into a messy, relatable family drama.

‘AITA for telling my dad I want nothing to do with his secret 2nd family?’

A father’s attempt to blend his secret life with his daughter’s world backfired, exposing raw family wounds. The daughter’s refusal to meet her dad’s mistress stems from deep hurt, tied to a childhood marred by his infidelity. His demand for politeness dismisses her trauma, while her hardline stance risks burning bridges.

Dr. Susan Heitler, a clinical psychologist, writes in Psychology Today, “Infidelity often leaves children feeling betrayed, impacting trust long-term.” A 2022 study from the American Psychological Association notes that 40% of children of divorced parents report ongoing resentment toward a parent’s affair partner. The daughter’s boundary is a shield against reliving that pain, but her father’s “my house, my rules” attitude ignores her emotional reality.

The father’s anger suggests he’s deflecting guilt rather than addressing her feelings. Dr. Heitler advises, “Healing requires acknowledging pain and rebuilding trust through honest dialogue.” The daughter could propose a neutral setting to discuss boundaries, while the father must own his role in her trauma. Resources like Psychology Today’s family conflict guides offer steps for navigating such rifts. Both sides need empathy to mend this fracture, ensuring her boundaries are respected without cutting ties entirely.

Here’s what Redditors had to say:

Reddit dove into this family drama with a mix of fiery support and practical advice, serving up a feast of opinions. From cheering the daughter’s stand to urging her to secure her space, the comments are a lively mix of empathy and tough love. Here’s what the crowd had to say:

These Redditors rallied behind the daughter’s boundary-setting, with some calling her dad’s actions toxic. But do their takes capture the full story, or are they just fanning the flames?

This clash over a secret family reveals the raw pain of betrayal and the power of personal boundaries. The daughter’s refusal to meet her father’s mistress protects her heart but risks her relationship with him. His anger shows a failure to own his past, yet her hard stance might deepen the divide. Honest talks could pave a way forward. What would you do if faced with a parent’s hidden life? Share your thoughts below!