A groom is facing a dilemma that’s dividing his family and sparking debate online: should he invite a mother who neglected him throughout his childhood to his wedding?
In a post shared to Reddit’s “Am I the A——?” forum, the 26-year-old man explained that after his parents’ divorce when he was just 8 years old, his mother quickly remarried and shifted all her attention to her new family, leaving him feeling invisible.
She focused on her new husband and stepchildren, going on family vacations, attending sporting events, and ignoring her son’s needs.
READ ALSO: Kanye West Takes Out Loan to Buy $35 Million Beverly Hills Mansion
“I felt like I wasn’t even her kid anymore,” the groom wrote. “She didn’t ask about my school, didn’t care about my friends, or even my mental health.”
After moving out at 18, he hoped his mother might try to stay in touch, but her response was always the same: “I’m busy.” Eventually, he gave up on reaching out.
The tension between them worsened when the groom announced his engagement. Suddenly, his mother was eager to get involved, texting him excitedly about wedding details and even saying things like, “I can’t wait to see you start this new chapter.”
The groom was stunned by her sudden interest after years of neglect.
Feeling betrayed, he told his mother he wasn’t comfortable with her attending the wedding.
He explained he would be open to rebuilding their relationship afterward but couldn’t allow her to be part of such a significant day after her past behavior.
READ ALSO: Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Offers Free IVF for Women Willing to Use His Sperm
His mother burst into tears and accused him of “holding a grudge,” claiming that as his mother, she “deserved” to be there. The groom was left grappling with whether he was being too harsh.
Reddit users have been quick to support the groom’s decision, with many agreeing that his mother’s neglect made it impossible for her to demand a place at his wedding.
“Childhood neglect is not something you forgive and forget for most people,” one commenter wrote. Another added, “She doesn’t get to waltz back in and ruin one of the happiest days of your life.”