WIBTA for cutting my family off over a honeymoon?

On a sun-drenched beach, a newlywed couple, let’s call them Alex and Jamie, should be sipping cocktails and basking in love. Instead, Alex’s phone buzzes with angry texts from his parents and brother, who “surprised” them by showing up at their original honeymoon spot—despite Alex’s clear refusal to make it a family trip. Stung by a lifetime of boundary violations, from gatecrashing dates to unpaid debts in his name, Alex is ready to cut ties, even as his family’s apology dangles.

This isn’t just about a ruined honeymoon; it’s about respect, autonomy, and the pain of family overreach. Alex’s hurt runs deep, but the thought of severing ties with his anxious mom and close-knit family weighs heavy. Reddit’s community dove in with fiery support and tough questions, urging him to weigh his options. Let’s unpack this boundary-busting drama and explore Alex’s next steps.

‘WIBTA for cutting my family off over a honeymoon?’

Alex’s family crashing his honeymoon plans is a glaring violation of boundaries, amplified by their history of intrusive behavior. Dr. Nedra Glover Tawwab, a boundaries expert, notes, “Repeated boundary violations signal a lack of respect, often rooted in control or enmeshment” . Alex’s parents’ “surprise” and their blaming him for “betraying” them reflect a pattern of prioritizing their desires over his autonomy, from showing up on dates to financial misconduct.

This ties to a broader issue: toxic family dynamics. A 2023 study from the Journal of Family Psychology found that 27% of adults report boundary violations by parents, often leading to estrangement when unaddressed . Alex’s family’s apologies, followed by more violations, suggest a cycle of manipulation, not genuine change. His mom’s anxiety and their past sacrifices for childhood trips add emotional weight, but don’t justify their actions.

Dr. Tawwab suggests a “time-out” over permanent cut-off as a first step, allowing Alex to enforce consequences without closing the door entirely. He could send a clear message—perhaps via email—stating he needs space due to their disrespect, specifying a no-contact period (e.g., three months). This protects his peace while leaving room for future reconciliation if they respect his terms. Alex should also consult a therapist to navigate guilt and process his family’s control tactics . Jamie’s perspective, as a partner, could guide their united front.

For others facing similar overreach, experts recommend documenting incidents and setting firm, consistent boundaries. Alex’s decision to withhold their location was a healthy step, but long-term, he’ll need strategies to maintain distance without guilt. His family’s reaction to a time-out will reveal if change is possible—or if cutting ties is the only path to peace.

Here’s the feedback from the Reddit community:

The Reddit crew didn’t hold back, serving up outrage and empathy like a wedding toast gone rogue. Here’s the unfiltered scoop from the community:

These Redditors rallied behind Alex, slamming his family’s audacity while probing his next moves. Do their takes capture the full weight of this family feud, or are they just fanning the flames?

Alex’s story is a stark reminder that love doesn’t excuse disrespect, especially on a honeymoon meant for two. His family’s boundary-stomping, rooted in years of control, demands consequences, but cutting them off forever is a heavy choice. A time-out, clear communication, and therapy could pave a path forward—or confirm the need for distance. Have you ever faced family overreach that tested your limits? What would you do in Alex’s shoes to reclaim your peace? Share your thoughts below and let’s keep the conversation going!