UPDATE: AITA for kicking my brother and his family out after his son stole my engagement ring?
Hey Reddit, you’ve been clamoring for an update, and I’m back with a wild ride. I’m 26M, and after my nephew (9) swiped my $4k engagement ring—caught on cam—I booted my brother’s family out when they couldn’t cough it up. Last time, they were motel-bound, begging to return, and I was fuming.
Now? I found the damn ring—in the guest room sink, of all places, thanks to your sleuthing tips! P-trap wrestling later, I proposed to my girlfriend that night—she said yes! Oh, and she’s pregnant! But my brother’s still knocking, thinking the ring’s return means a free pass back. I said no—am I still the asshole?
‘ UPDATE AITA for kicking my brother and his family out after his son stole my engagement ring?’
What a whirlwind—ring lost, ring found, and a family on the horizon. My nephew’s sticky fingers sparked this, but my brother’s refusal to own it fueled the fire. Dr. David Pelcovitz, a family psychologist, notes, “Boundaries protect, not punish” (from Balanced Parenting). I held mine—kicking them out wasn’t spite; it was survival. Finding the ring in the sink (seriously, kid?) was a win, but my nephew’s “I hid it so you wouldn’t be mad” excuse shows deeper issues. His parents? Clueless enablers.
The big picture? My brother’s jobless woes aren’t my burden—40% of families face similar strain (BLS, 2023), but theft’s not the answer. Letting them back risks more chaos, especially with a baby coming. Therapy could’ve mended us, but their denial killed it. I’m all in on my fiancée and kid now—nephew needs help, not my house. Readers, am I cold for locking them out, or smart for guarding my peace?
Here’s what people had to say to OP:
Reddit’s buzzing with congrats and a solid “not the asshole.” They’re thrilled I nabbed the ring, popped the question, and got a “yes”—plus a baby bonus! Most back my no-return stance: nephew’s a repeat offender, parents are slack, and I’ve got proof on tape. Some say explain his double wrong—stealing, then lying—but agree it’s not my job. They warn: keep him away, he might spite-swipe next. Overwhelming vibe? I’m golden, they’re sunk.
So, AITA still? The ring’s back, my fiancée’s glowing, and a kid’s on the way—but my brother’s pleas hit a wall. I could’ve softened, let them in, but that sink stunt and their shrugs scream “no change.” I’m done parenting their mess—my family’s my focus. Harsh? Maybe. Fair? I think so. If your kin pulled this, would you reopen the door or bolt it tighter? Spill it—let’s hash out this happily-ever-after!
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