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41 Stories Of Family Drama That Range From Funny To Absolutely Chaotic
Interview With Expert
Every family has its fair share of sweet moments, and, let’s be honest, a healthy dose of drama too. There’s the kind of drama that makes holidays memorable, like arguing over who blinked in the Christmas photo, fighting over the last slice of pie, or debating who forgot to bring dessert. Then, there’s the kind that lingers: the quiet tension, the long grudges, and the silent treatments that leave family members tiptoeing around one another for months.
Recently, someone online asked, “Tell me your current family drama. Come on, spill the beans!” And wow, people did not hold back. The responses ranged from petty disputes over trivial things to shocking revelations that sounded like they belonged in a soap opera. These stories remind us that family life is never just black and white, it’s messy, unpredictable, sometimes ridiculous, but always unforgettable.
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#1
My brother and mother no longer speak. My mom is an arsehole so I understand why he cut her off. I have minimal contact.
The thing is, he's getting a divorce, has met a new woman (who I love and is 100 percent better than his soon to be ex) and has had a child with the new partner. My mother literally has a grandchild she doesn't know about and I'm sworn to secrecy, which I will respect.
Jenna Kay 1 month ago
To those who left negative comments, please don't judge! You have no idea if the mom a****d them and that's why they do not speak to her.
Crystalwitch60 1 week ago
Exactly ,!! I’m going with a vile mum ,I don’t judge toxic is toxic n EVERYONE needs to protect themselves from it , her story behind this post is just that HERS ! unless she chooses otherwise , 100% with you on this ,the negative nancys are as bad as the toxic mum x
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WindySwede 1 month ago
Then it's important to be a kind, and great grandparent who listens for boundaries I think? 👍😺
Load More Replies... Crystalwitch60 1 week ago
Tim bob and Winnie ,no call for your vile comments !! Like jenna says n I totally agree we have no idea what she did ,but she is a toxic vile parent ,n that people IS ALL WE NEED TO KNOW !! hope you don’t have kids with your negative judgemental outlook on life
Crystalwitch60 1 week ago (edited)
Maybe your mother should look in the mirror n see that she’s got NO ONE to blame but her own toxic self !!no one need ps toxic in their lives ,I protect my kids from it as much as I can , your mums fault her loss ,blessed be op n brother x
Crystalwitch60 1 week ago
Excuse me w*f has it got to do with you !, she is ,that’s all you need to know !!
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RELATED:
#2
My dad recently passed away. He and my mum were married for over 50 years. My uncle (mum’s brother and only living relative) said he wasn’t sure he could come to the funeral as he had bought cinema tickets for that evening. The funeral was at 2pm. My mum is now kicking off that I won’t invite him to my wedding but if Superman was more important than my dad, I’m not wasting space on him at my celebration.
Boop the Snoot. Pound the Paw. 1 month ago
My nephew - 45 - was k****d last week. I love him and his siblings and his mom, my sister, but the thought of going to his celebration of life is giving me a high level of anxiety because of someone I know who will be there. I am so stressed out and it's still two weeks away. I would dip if I could, but I'm going for my nieces and nephews. Now, my brother has been waiting at death's door for months. I already told my sister that when he dies, I'm not attending the CoL due to this same person. She understood. I don't know your situation, your family, your life, but I do know families have secrets that create unseen motivations for actions that can be misinterpreted.
Crystalwitch60 1 week ago (edited)
In this case it clearly wasn’t !! IM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LIFE SWEETHEART xx💔
Load More Replies... Mir Adwari 1 month ago
Nice bit of British Slang... though may be well known/used in other countries of course.
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Beak Hookage 1 month ago
Superman wouldn't act like that. Superman would be very disappointed in Mr Selfish here.
SheamusFanFrom1987 1 month ago
Tell Uncle Stupid-man to go to Clark Kent's wedding instead... -_-"
#3
My mum and brother don’t speak because he lent her his car and she sold it to buy a new one.
BeesEelsAndPups 1 month ago
In the US you can't sell the car without a clean title.
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Every family has its own share of ups and downs. There could be a tiff between a father and son, a disagreement between an uncle and niece, or even small squabbles over trivial things like who gets the last slice of cake. These clashes, big or small, are inevitable. But what truly makes or breaks family bonds is how we handle them.
Do we let tension fester, or do we address issues with care? How we navigate disagreements often determines whether love and harmony prevail or grudges take root. After all, family is messy, chaotic, but also incredibly meaningful.
#4
My mother is having surgery and will need help for 3-4 weeks. My sister is coming to help for 3 days. I assume I am the help for the remainder.
The drama comes in a week or so when my mum has exhausted me with days of saying how fantastic my sister is for helping.
Green Machine 1 month ago
When you're the reliable child, parents often come to expect it and take it for granted.
Wonnie-Cookie713 1 month ago
And when you grow up and leave, they realize all the things you have done.
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Dustinthewind 1 month ago
'Take those 3 days off and go on a short holiday / stay with a friend.
Littlemiss 1 month ago
Golden child gets different treatment from the average, less cared about child. There's always a catch.
Jan Crump Aquino 1 month ago
Oh, been there, done that!!! My husband and I helped full time, my sister would come in Tuesday late afternoon and leave Thursday morning, but all I ever heard was that my sister came in for a "WEEK" to help and how wonderful she was!! What a crock! The whole family joked about her "week" long visits!!!
LGBTQpanda 1 month ago
The dependable one is most often the overlooked one. When someone does the bare minimum, they receive accolades because it is so out of character to give of themselves. Shame some parents gush over the ones that give little to nothing.
Upstaged75 1 month ago
When are you going to go away and never come back? Or at least stop posting stupid unreadable comments?
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#5
Just found out my cousin has set her wedding date for three days before mine and they live in a different country so will likely loose some of my wedding guests! My wedding date has been set for two years and everyone had the save the dates before she even got engaged!
Angela C 1 month ago
The ones that matter will still show up. Everyone else - fúck em. Consider this an opportunity to take out the trash
Tabitha 1 month ago
And just have reheated lunches and dinners on the leftover food. Won’t have to cook for a month!
Load More Replies... BeesEelsAndPups 1 month ago
Meh. Without knowing these people, I cannot assume there was any ill intent here. It's possible the cousin had forgotten, or just didn't think about it. In some countries weddings aren't the big deal they are in others.
Shark Lady 1 month ago
I feel sorry for the grandparents, no matter what they choose someone will be hurt.
Eugenia 🇮🇹🤌 1 month ago
Two of my cousins chose the same date for their marriage, unbeknownst of each other. The whole family split in two! Everybody greatly embarrassed 😄
Huddo's sister 3 weeks ago
The majority should honour the fact your save the dates were already issued
#6
My family is estranged from my Uncle because he turned his back on my Mum (his sister) when she had cancer. Avoided her, wouldn't visit her, and sent her a text in her final days at the hospice that he was sorry but couldn't bear to see her like that and he'd 'see her in another life'. She was his only family member that kept contact with him for 30 years after everyone else washed their hands of him and his absolutely awful, rude, and nasty wife.
He wasn't invited to the funeral, nor was he told when she passed away. (Mum's wishes). If he spots me or my family in town, he quickly changes direction.
Chrystina Sumpter 1 month ago
I have seen most of the family I grew up with through their final illnesses. I have stopped bothering to count the number of times I’ve heard, “I can’t bear to see her/him like that.” My grandmother, who had multiple strokes and was forced to leave the house my grandfather built for her, was deserted by friends she had known since they were toddlers. If it was so difficult to SEE a person you are supposed to care about in that situation, imagine how much harder it was for that person to BE in that situation.
LakotaWolf (she/her) 1 month ago
My mother and sister bailed on my dad the day he was dying because they "couldn't handle it". I was the only one who stayed and held his hand the entire night until he died around 3am. My mom swore she'd go with me to pick up my dad's ashes after he was cremated, and she bailed and "couldn't handle" that either, so I did it alone. Again. I will never forgive her for either situation, honestly, especially since my dad's condition was the result of decisions SHE had unilaterally made after his accident.
Load More Replies... Amy S 1 month ago
Perhaps, but I've seen similar before. Someone I know didn't spend time with him mum in hospital before she died because he said it was 'too difficult' for him. They had a good relationship before that and I've always felt sorry for her that she didn't get to see her son at the end.
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It’s completely healthy to have clashes. You might not always agree with everything your family says, and that’s okay. What matters is learning to navigate those moments with understanding. That’s why today, Bored Panda spoke with Warsha Baid, a 62-year-old from Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
Warsha, a dynamic matriarch with eight grandchildren, skillfully manages a large extended family while running a boutique alongside her daughter-in-law. She effortlessly juggles multiple roles: mother, sister, grandmother, mother-in-law, and business owner, keeping everything running smoothly. “Family can be tiring,” she admits, “but it’s also the most rewarding part of life.”
#7
Brother is trans. It’s been 4 years since he came out but my parents still won’t accept it :(
Even grandma is more accepting.
arthbach 1 month ago
Bigoty is not dependent on age, nor on the closeness of a genetic connection.
Tha Monkey 1 month ago
Can confirm. My dad (who was in his 70s at the time) 100% supported my kid when they came out. My kid's father (from whom I'd been divorced for a good 7/8 years) was not so accepting. Azzhole that he is. My kid was in contact with my dad until he died, and cut off my ex when they turned 18. :|
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Lukas (he/him, it/its) 1 month ago
Ugh. That's not easy at all. When my parents found out (I didn't tell them, they found out I'd ordered a binder) they completely ignored it and acted like nothing had happened. Things are slowly getting better- My mom got me Dragon Ball decorations for my 19th birthday party, not because I like Dragon Ball, but because I think she saw them and thought they were "boy" decorations. It was sweet. They're... trying. Not doing the best, but it's something? I don't know.
Marie 1 month ago
The fact they're trying means a lot, maybe even more than if they had accepted it right away. It's sad acceptance doesn't come naturaly, but doing the effort to try, even if it's awkward, takes a lot and it shows they care.
Load More Replies... Jan Crump Aquino 1 month ago
I've told all my grandchildren, just find someone to love and we'll accept them into our family!
Sue Denham 1 month ago
If the rest of the family shows acceptance hopefully the parents will feel like the "odd ones out" and realise It doesn't have to be a drama.
#8
Mother in law passed away 18 months ago.
She lived next door and my wife and her siblings have been gradually clearing the house. A couple of weeks ago one of my wife’s nephews B(early 30’s) was at the house and was seen taking items without permission.
He’s always been a pretty arrogant arsehole but that’s all.
Turns out he’s a sociopath, when confronted about his behaviour by my wife and her sister (not his mum) his response was yes I took the things what are you going to do about it and just laughed at the them basically saying I can do what I want. His Dad (my wife’s brother) basically said don’t push it, when pressed he said you don’t tell B no unless you want trouble. He’s apparently pushed his mum down the stairs before, hit both his brothers etc.
TCW Sam Vimes 1 month ago
There's something called "the police" and I heard they do Arrest thieves
arthbach 1 month ago
I love that this comment has come from Sam Vines of The City Watch. So appropriate!
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Siege Rook 1 month ago (edited)
"he said you don’t tell B no unless you want trouble. He’s apparently pushed his mum down the stairs before, hit both his brothers etc." Don't threaten me with a good time.
Huddo's sister 3 weeks ago
Well before my grandparents went into a nursing home, they invited us (their two kids and four grandkids) over to put our names on the back of all the painting we wanted. We each took turns choosing, in order of age. I think it ended up being about four each. Apart from my youngest brother (who was in palliative care and they wanted him to be able to enjoy them while he was still around), when they downsized they passed them on to each of us. My mum and uncle also got to choose some of their antiques and I was gifted some porcelain dolls. My grandad had had a dispute with a relative after his mum died because his aunt had claimed she was intended for a particular item, whereas his mum had promised it to him, so he didn't want a similar situation happening (not that it was that likely). The rest of their stuff, when they died, went to my mum to sort out, because she was the one still living in the country at the time.
#9
My mum told me she wished it was me who had died in the car accident and not my sister. I was 14 and she was 22 at the time of the accident.
I barely tolerate my mother because of it.
My sisters death left my mother a bitter woman who weaponises every small mistake against me. I am the PERPETUAL DISAPPOINTMENT child
Oh and I'm 90% sure my father has been having an affair for the last 10 yrs, but because my parents are very wealthy they won't split because it will cost them both too much. I act like I don't know anything because honestly I don't really care.
Oh and my dad, the eldest in his family cut his family off decades ago for a crazy reason. They only got back in contact when his youngest brother had Non Hodgkins lymphoma and they needed money. My dad's bailed so many out of failing mortgages for one to still end up losing the house. The final straw was when my daughter was born and they all claimed how nice it was to finally have a girl in the family to spoil as all my cousins are boys.. Completely ignoring the fact my sister and I existed.
This is all because my dad moved abroad and met my mum and refused to move back to the uk and when they did 20 yrs later, they moved over 300 miles away down south away from any family. I think I've seen my dads side 6 times in my whole life 😕
Wow this is cathartic.
Yvonne Dauwalder Balsiger 1 month ago
Is your mom the steward of Gondor? What an absolute cvnt
Nicole Weymann 1 month ago
😂 sorry to laugh, but you somehow conjured up the overbite t-rex meme.
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Amused panda 4 weeks ago
Got to say, I can understand the 'nice to have a girl to spoil' comment, because OP's already stated that dad cut off the family decades ago, which indicates the extended family didn't have the opportunity to spoil OP and OP's sister when they were in a different country and had been cut off.
Warsha, who has been married for 40 years, emphasizes the importance of listening. “Listen… really listen,” she says. “Especially when someone is upset, hear them out completely. Understand what hurt them. Did any of your actions contribute to it? Don’t just brush it off or assume you know how they feel. A lot of tension comes from feeling unheard.” Her words remind us that patience and empathy go a long way in keeping family ties strong.
#10
My aunt doesn't speak to my dad's part of the family because she thinks that my brother didn't write a thank you note for a Christmas present. He was 15 at the time and it was 25 years ago.
Wysteria_Rose 1 month ago
My brother-in-law is this type; if you don't make a huge grand gesture to say thank you for birthday or Christmas gifts, he'll ensure his mother tells you so...she did so to my son at his 16th birthday. I'm still flabbergasted that this is an expectation some people have.
Crystal M 1 month ago
A great-aunt stopped speaking to me because I didn't immediately say good morning to her when I woke to use the restroom one morning, I was 6.
Pixie T 1 month ago
I actually cut off my ex sister in law for a similar reason. I'm a brilliant gift giver ( friends & family regularly ask for my help) and I'd bought my nephew in law a limited edition logo set for his birthday. I spent literally months researching and tracking it down. It wasn't cheap either but I didn't mind as I knew he'd love it. Well the birthday party comes and goes and 2 months later I still hadn't heard so much as a thank you from my nephew ( but he was only 6) or my ex sil so I decided if she can't be polite I wouldn't bother anymore.
#11
Ive sort of walked away from my mother. She made no effort to be involved in my life and so ive stopped calling and texting. If she wants to make an effort for once ill reciprocate but until then she is on her own. Worst part is I actually enjoy not having to deal with her, so her not being around is easier. I haven't seen or spoken to her in a year, im getting remarried this weekend. Ive sent an invite but heard nothing.
Tabitha 1 month ago (edited)
It is amazing how peaceful life can be without people like that in it doing their level best to f**k it up at every turn so they have something to insult and berate you about. Misery loves company why, and when it can’t find any, it works hard to create some. When I left home (s****y parents) and all that constant sturm und drang behind, there was peace in my life, and I could exercise and enjoy true autonomy for the first time. If things went well, it was because of me and no one else. Conversely, if things went wrong it was also down to only me—-but fixing them was also on me, so I got to learn from my mistakes and get stronger and learn to recognize the signs of things going downhill, some could stop before hitting bottom. That’s a very handy skill, believe me, and one you don’t learn when someone else is controlling your life and pushes you out of the way when there’s a problem because they’re convinced they’re the only person wh9 can fix it, even if they only f**k it up further.
Charles McChristy 4 weeks ago
I did the exact same thing with my father. It's been almost 25 years, and I don't miss him or his miserable wife.
#12
My sister is homeless. We have no family apart from each other. Im so scared.
Karen B 1 month ago
There could be many good reasons. Most important, you cant save anyone who don't want to save themselves. You'll just drown trying.
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“Anger accumulates over time,” Warsha continues. “If someone is upset and it goes unnoticed, it can build and fester. The person may become bitter or resentful. For example, a cousin may act cold during a Diwali party for no apparent reason. That bitterness could be from something from weeks or even months ago. Sometimes, it’s something we don’t even realize we did. That’s why paying attention to small signs is so important.”
#13
LI’m not coming to Christmas Day with my family this year as I’m spending it with the girlfriend’s family instead. Mum is taking it as a personal insult. Her new ‘retirement dog’ a completely untrained shitbag is part of the reason. Between the dog, 6 people in a small house and my brother working till 5pm Christmas Day (we can’t possibly eat till he gets home…) I’m not entirely upset at missing it.
Dad might not be coming either because my Nan has severe dementia and his siblings have either washed their hands of her or are worn out from caring for her. It will be interesting to see the fight for her very large and lightly taxed estate when she dies.
I’m planning on proposing to the girlfriend sometime next year. She would like me to ask her parents permission despite the both us knowing they will refuse. I’m planning on doing it at Christmas and am trying to come up with a polite way of saying she’s not your property and it’s not 1066 any more. We’d both like the approval but we’re going ahead anyway. .
Jac Carr 1 month ago
And that's what you say - we would love your approval but I'm not asking for permission
Mel in Georgia 1 month ago
Not sure spending Christmas with either family would be very fun. Hope the 2 get married and start their own Christmas celebration.
Wonnie-Cookie713 1 month ago
They are a*****e parents! Don’t even try to THINK about approval! It’s your life, not theirs!
Liz Rutherford 1 month ago
H*ll with his family. To to GF's have a great time, propose, get married and tell the family afterwards.
Huddo's sister 3 weeks ago
When my brother wanted to spend Christmas with his partner's family the first time, my mum was disappointed but understanding. We changed our plans and did a 'Christmas' lunch a week or two before Christmas. Now we just alternate each year.
#14
I had a stroke & tbi nearly four years ago. My brother basically couldn’t care less about me & didn’t visit me in hospital, even when the docs thought I wouldn’t make it. He lied to my partner saying he had Covid. Mother takes his side as usual & I’ve not spoken to either since then.
Fuhleeheece 1 month ago
Nearly dying gives clarity like that. Don't waste any time with people who don't deserve it.
Still Going 3 weeks ago
Words to remember, and live by. In 2018, a sudden catastrophic illness landed me in a hospital. My life was changed forever. I thought I had several good, lifelong friends, but none stayed in my life once I became chronically ill and disabled. I was devastated; now I'm glad I don't have to keep pretending.
Load More Replies... Kate Johnson 1 month ago
These kinds of situations certainly can give you clarity about your relationships.
#15
I've not spoken to my dad in a while and I don't know how to feel about it. He has his faults but he is still my dad. We had some good times in my teenage years but before and since, especially for the last few years, I just feel on eggshells around him. He is a very angry and strong willed man, and I just don't like that energy.
I know I should reach out but it would be because I felt I should not because I want to. I don't think a child should have to chase their parent. (No matter how old the child).
BeesEelsAndPups 1 month ago
I just want to comment on the child not chasing the parent. I 100% agree with that. I have an adult son from my first marriage. He and I are close. I call him 99% of the time though. I don't expect him to call me at all (although it's always nice when he does). He's a young man, in college. He has his own life now. I drive out to visit him once a month. I usually just take him to lunch or to a movie. My second ex-wife (his step mom), is constantly complaining that he doesn't call her. But she's never made an effort to reach out to him. She didn't call him to congratulate him when he got into college. She didn't call him when his grandfather passed away. She didn't call him when he was going through some really tough times. Why would he call her, he barely even calls me.
Laserleader 1 month ago
You are a good parent. That's it. My mom only reaches out when she wants me to do something for her, and I started saying "no", so she tried manipulating me and gaslighting me, and the last straw was her laughing at my childhood pain and saying it didn't happen.
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Natalia Girotti 1 month ago
I could write the exact same text... it´s kind of unsettling for me to not miss him...
Sandra Buchert 1 month ago
I have this rule: a relationship is the reponsibility of both parties. I stopped making effort if the other person doesn't make effort, even if it's family. I;m to tired for this, it's too draining.
KatWitch57 1 month ago
It took me over 60 years to work this out for myself, life is a lot less stressful now.
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SuperCoolDesigner 1 month ago
It is a difficult decision as a child to go no contact with a parent. I second guess cutting my mother off almost everyday. However, she is no longer there to ruin every holiday and twist my wife's and my words into new meanings that make her look like a martyr. My life has more peace, and my children won't have to suffer her openly using them as pawns to manipulate a situation to get her way. I am sure your father knows why you have cut him out. If he were willing to make at least the smallest change, things would be different. For some people, change and accountability are just out of the question.
Huddo's sister 3 weeks ago
My siblings don't talk to my dad a lot. He rarely answers his phone (often has it turned off) and they live 1.5 hours away. Often messages are relayed via messenger through me, because I live with him. He has never been that great at communication, because of his social anxiety and likely autism, and the fact we haven't lived with him full time since 2007. My brother was a bit disappointed a few months ago because dad didn't seem that keen to visit and see his new baby. I had to assure him he was, he just isn't good at staying connected. I took him down to see his first grandchild when he was about 1 month old.
Wonnie-Cookie713 1 month ago
I think this will be me and my dad when I get to university…. And the face in the picture is kinda funny ngl
Wonnie-Cookie713 1 month ago
To clarify: my dad and I have never been close because he scolded me and tried to control my dreams and what I want to be (a K-pop idol, but he wants a doctor). I just said I didn’t love him (lie. I adore him) so yeah…….
Load More Replies...Always try to communicate before jumping to conclusions. Misunderstandings often arise from assumptions rather than facts. Reach out, ask questions, and clarify intentions. Warsha stresses, “Don’t let your mind fill in the blanks with worst-case scenarios. Conversations, even small ones, can prevent conflicts from escalating into long-term grudges.” Communication is the bridge that keeps family connections strong.
Now, if you’re mad at a relative, take a moment to assess the situation. Figure out the root cause of your feelings. Find a solution that works for both sides and strive to forgive. Forgiveness is key to maintaining any healthy relationship. Warsha says, “Holding onto resentment only hurts you more than anyone else. Once you forgive, you free yourself, and that allows the relationship to heal and grow stronger.”
#16
My aunt will not speak to my other aunt because she "stole" her highschool boyfriend. This happened in the 60's.
ZombieMommy 1 month ago
Meanwhile my Grandmother's sister is married to her ex-boyfriend. I asked her about it and she said it never bothered her because they just weren't meant to be together. I miss her
Lila Allen 1 month ago
My grandmother had Parkinsons and in the late stages she confused me for her older sister ( we look somewhat alike) and I got yelled at repeatedly for borrowing her dresses and trying to steal her boyfriend. Made me look at my great aunt in a whole new light.
LakotaWolf (she/her) 1 month ago
Had a similar situation in my childhood - my grandma had a sister, whom I called Aunt Bert (though she was technically my great-aunt.) My mother told my sister and I when we were children that we were NEVER to tell Grandma that we'd been to visit Aunt Bert, and we were NEVER to talk about Grandma to Aunt Bert. It was surreal and bizarre, especially around the holidays. Some weekends my grandmother would come over in the morning on Saturday, and then later on after she'd left, we'd go to Aunt Bert and Uncle Frank's house, which made it REALLY feel weird for us kids. Later on in my life, my mom told me that Aunt Bert had slept with Grandpa at one point, and that's why Bert and Grandma hated each other so much. This had allegedly happened 60+ years before, but they STILL hated each other over it. AFAIK they never reconciled.
ILoveMySon 3 weeks ago
That is sad. Similar situation with my grandmother and great aunt. Needless to say I never met my aunt AND my mother harbors grudges. Hence my LC and I try to forgive others.
Load More Replies... #17
My uncle (who was born of an affair that Grandad had) looked into finding out more about his birth mother who dumped him at Gran and Grandads and got off out the village never to be seen or heard from again.
Turns out she had immediately moved to Canada, where she got married and had another 4 kids. The oldest of which, a son who's a year and a half younger than my uncle, was given the same first and middle names as my uncle.
His mother died about 20 years ago, but his half siblings were apparently split down the middle with two who were happy to have a new brother, and the other two who are absolutely raging that she never told them. The brother that shares his name apparently refuses to even acknowledge him.
Amy S 1 month ago (edited)
I don't think I'll ever understand being mad at/ignoring the person who was abandoned in these types of situations.
Ellinor she/they/elle 1 month ago
I think (my opinion only) that in this situation it come from the fact that the person who they want answers from will never be able to give them. They all want to talk to the mother but they never will, so all the anger, confusion and frustration in coming on the "long lost sibling". And especially for someone who just found out that his name is actually his brother's name that their mother abandoned. I think that it must be really confusing self-identity wise.
Load More Replies... K Barnes 1 month ago
My dad is adopted and found his birth mom in our city, who has passed. He has reached out to his half siblings but never heard back. I'm so curious if they don't believe the messages or just don't want to acknowledge that he exists. I would love to get some medical history from them.
LakotaWolf (she/her) 1 month ago (edited)
A lot of the time we don't have a choice whether or not to open that "can of worms". Sometimes you NEED to know about potential medical history, especially if something starts going wrong with your own health. Source: am actually adopted.
Load More Replies... #18
A bit of backstory.
A few years ago my brother was evicted because the landlord wanted to sell the house. However he had another house my brother could move into immediately for the same price. Which was a massive 3 bedroom house
My brother is chronically lazy and on top of that in the last couple of years his health has drastically deteriorated, add severe depression and alcoholism, means the house fell into disarray. Upon seeing this last November, the landlord decided it was unacceptable (he also wanted to turn the house into a multiple occupancy accommodation) and began the process of eviction. My brother did nothing and hoped the situation would either go away or fix itself. It did not.
We get to February and he tells us all what's happening and that he was two weeks to move out. A family member with knowledge of housing steps in and acts as mediator and gets a one month extension. This keeps happening until May.
Now the current drama. I found him a house opposite mine for him to potentially move into which he did. Our parents fronted the rent and deposit. My dad and I helped him move house...He did f**k all to prepare for the move, so everything, packing, cleaning, all of it was done on the day. I threw my back out lifting heavy furniture.
He's been there 5 months. He hasn't unpacked. He hasn't cleaned. He took his cats...which was strictly forbidden by the new landlord. They s**t and vomit everywhere in the old house so I assuming they do the same in the new house. He hasn't put his garbage bins out once in the last five months, so where is all his trash? He keeps his curtains closed 24/7
My mum and I have been asking him to let us help him clean his house and make it a home, but he keeps deflecting. Next step is tough love. I'm going to tell him straight. If he doesn't look after this house, if the landlord does an inspection he WILL 100% be evicted again and this time I won't help him.
TL;DR Lazy, alcoholic, depressed sibling has a history of not cleaning the rented accommodation he's lived in before and is currently doing the same in the house we, his family moved and heaven and earth to get him into and is at risk of being evicted again and is refusing help.
Green Machine 1 month ago
Mental illness / a*******n is a monster, often affecting everyone involved.
BeesEelsAndPups 1 month ago
Yeah, this sounds more like severe untreated depression, than just being a lazy jerk. As somebody who has suffered with MDD for decades, I understand what it's like to fall into a rut like this. Luckily I had a lot of support from my family, and access to medications.
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Laserleader 1 month ago
People who independently diagnose him as depressed, always stop at that... and what does anyone expect once he has burned all his bridges? I've seen people do this and all the energy and help from family is garbage to them unless they independently decide to actively be alive.
CartoonCasey 1 month ago
You need to cut the b******t and get that guy into a hospital. He has a debilitating mental illness that is quickly k*****g him. It is self centered, but in a viciously negative way. He's not being lazy, or dirty, or inconsiderate. The situation has overwhelmed him and he's drowning on dry land. He cannot deal with his depression. He has shut down. He doesn't need a pep talk; he needs an intervention.
Deborah B 1 month ago
Mental illness. Possibly an undiagnosed hoarder. If he isn't in treatment, drag him to a doctor and try to get him on antidepressants, because "lazy" may be a symptom of depressed, and "alcoholic" may be self medicating. If it's hoarding, that's notoriously hard to treat, but if it's apathy, that's also a symptom of depression. It's a sucky situation all around, but treating the most treatable problems is a good start.
“I once had a tiff with my daughter-in-law over something very trivial,” Warsha recalls. “It was when guests arrived, and I felt her room wasn’t properly cleaned. In my eyes, it was messy, but she thought it was fine. We spoke calmly about it, shared our perspectives, and eventually laughed about it. Sometimes, conflicts are just about perspective, not malice. Open conversations often dissolve tension instantly.”
#19
I live in a foreign country away from my family. I went through an ugly divorce during COVID Lockdown in 2020, which left me grasping onto my sanity. I have cut off my 3 siblings for leaving me in the wind, and essentially not caring that I was okay. We had so much drama all the time previously. I realise that I am emotionally healthier and more sane by no longer having them in my life.
#20
Old, but my great grandmother didn't speak to her own daughter, my grandmother, for nearly three years because grandmother didn't give my dad the name she preferred.
#21
My husband’s sisters are planning an intervention with their dad. We happen to be in town soon so they’ve planned it for when we’re there. This is my Christmas, new year, Halloween and Easter in one.
The man is an awful human being but none of them seem to have cared until recently. He went through a divorce in the past few years and his true misogynistic, womanising colours have come out since then. The way he speaks about women is beyond reprehensible. A few quotes of things he’s said about women and I’m going to preface this with he’s in his 60s, not in good shape, not good looking and has teeth that make Victorian era look like good dentistry.
“You s**g fat birds to get practice for when you pull the skinny ones”
“Women who aren’t serving me with s*x have no use to me at all”
“I would never pay for anything for a woman, she should be chasing me. And any woman that pays for things is desperate” this one really made me do the confused woman math meme.
“I’ve been chatting to 2 sisters, 21 and 23 I’d like to do them both at the same time” (to be clear these women had no interest in him, he’s delusional”
he has 3 daughters, 7 granddaughters and doesn’t see how any of this is awful? He has a whole host of s*x tapes that he shows to one of his sons in law. He’s regularly tried to tell me about his exploits and I shut him down so fast and tell him what I think of him. Everyone previously has told me to stop being mean, only now that there’s some potential backlash that will impact other family members has anyone bothered to care about what a pig he is.
This is scratching the surface of the awful things he’s said and done over the past 5 or so years. He’s not shy about speaking about his exploits or acting this way including in front of the grand kids whose ages range from 2 to 21. Thankfully all the boys who are in their teens or older see his behaviour for what it is and want to be nothing like him.
The man has an ego the size of Jupiter so I know he’s going to throw a huge hissy fit and say they’re all just jealous and trying to ruin his fun.
Kate Johnson 1 month ago
Who are the entirely irresponsible parents that bring their children around this entirely worthless POS?
Lila Allen 1 month ago
Yeah... I think that intervention should just be a quick. "You're a disgusting pig and when you get locked up none of us are posting bail or acting as character witnesses. You're cut off. Die alone."
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However, Warsha warns that not everyone is deserving of your forgiveness. Some people, even relatives, may try to manipulate or take advantage of you. Recognize patterns, set boundaries, and protect yourself. “Kindness doesn’t mean letting anyone walk all over you,” she says. “Being cautious doesn’t make you unkind; it makes you wise. Choose wisely who you extend your trust and forgiveness to.”
#22
In the 15 years I knew/was with my wife, she had a difficult relationship with her mum (constant cycle of falling out and being guilted into talking again).
This woman accused me of using my son as a weapon against her, because he didn't go and talk to her after a football game he was playing in, he was 7.
Unfortunately, my wife passed last year, now I'm getting the full brunt of her crazy. She wants to ensure that the kids are constantly doing things during the school holidays, despite them both needing some down time.
My wife's gran, again has her issues, the current one is she doesn't like the kids beds (even when we got them, she did like them), and wants to buy new ones.
KnightOwl 1 month ago (edited)
You know you don't actually 'have' to deal with them, i understand you might want the kids to have a relationship with your partner's family but if they're that toxic you need to limit contact. Personally I'd go no contact but if you don't want to do that you need to have solid boundaries and at least go low contact. Don't allow them to come to your house, take the kids to visit them, that way when things get to much you can just leave, if they keep overstepping boundaries I'd limit contact to a few times and year at most.
#23
My extended family: aunt has disappeared after being under suspicion of poisoning her late husband.
#24
Me and my now wife got married in the summer. Since the day we got engaged we said we didn’t want children at the wedding.
My brother has three children under 5. He also emigrated 7 years ago for work and moved back to the U.K. about a year ago with his wife he met abroad, who is now living in a foreign country. This delighted my mother who is quite grandchild obsessed.
When we told my brother we didn’t want children at the wedding he naturally assumed “you don’t mean your nieces surely?”. After explaining that, yes we indeed did, he got quite huffy and said he and his wife would now likely not be able to attend the wedding as they don’t know what to do with the children. We offered to pay for a babysitter and even conceded and said they could come to the reception just not the church bit.
To cut a long story short after being in the U.K. for 4 months his wife announced that no one in our family ever did anything to help her with the kids (she was a stay at home mum) and that we clearly all don’t want her here so she’s decided she’s moving back home with the kids and my brother can either come with or get a divorce. My brother takes his wife’s side, a tad bit grumpy as it cost them £10k to move to the uk and will now cost him another £10k to move back, citing that we didn’t make his wife feel welcome and we should have helped her more as he’s away with work a lot. For context when they moved to the uk they moved 5 hour drive from where my whole family is based. One reason referenced was how we didn’t want her children at the wedding.
It’s never been explicitly addressed but my mum took a long time to get over it and the family group chat went from a very fun place where everyone messaged most days, to the obligatory “happy birthday” message and that’s it. Doesnt make much sense but can’t help feel a bit responsible for it all going south. Even though part of it is likely just age and family members generally growing apart.
Dustinthewind 1 month ago
Does your brothers wife come from a culture where the whole family raises the kids?
LuckyL 1 month ago
and even if that was the case - being 5 hours away just doesn't make this possible
Load More Replies... RomanceRadish 1 month ago
Help from family members with raising children? That sounds luxurious.
JB 1 month ago
Why do people hate having children at a wedding? You know that going is already an expense, and having to cover childcare is even moreso. People have kids, deal with it. And if they suck, well, maybe don't invite their parents? Like I said, I don't really get it - even when I was single I knew people had kids and that the absolute best weddings to go to were the ones where just about anyone was welcome to celebrate with the couple. This whole gatekeeping, "perfect wedding" noise needs to come to an end.
KnightOwl 1 month ago
Personally I like having kids at weddings but I don't judge people who don't. Everyone has the right to do what's right for them and if they choose a childfree wedding then people should just respect that. Some people don't like kids or simply don't want to deal with issues that can come up with kids being around (crying during the ceremony, bad behaviour, meltdowns, accidents, etc.) Some people just want everyone to celebrate without having to worry about kids, I've been to weddings where everyone gets unbelievably drunk and having kids running around just makes it really stressful.
Load More Replies... Huddo's sister 3 weeks ago
I'm curious what the actual reasons are for wanting a child free wedding?
In the end, Warsha prioritizes her peace and strives to be as kind as possible. “Family is a blessing, but you must balance love with self-respect. I focus on nurturing relationships that bring joy and let go of unnecessary negativity. Remember, you can’t control everyone’s behavior, but you can control how you respond. Make peace your priority, show love when it’s deserved, and life at home becomes far more harmonious.”
#25
My grandma has just got home after being sectioned for going loopy.
She has three children, none of whom are helpful, so I get the grand prize of being solely responsible for coordinating her life. My dad lacks capacity for various reasons so I'm also now in charge of him and his finances as she can no longer do it. He's just got his first smartphone and tried to spend £120 on crystals on Temu this afternoon which I had to put a stop to (big up Monzo for the notifs).
And all of this is happening while I'm on maternity leave!
Mel in Georgia 1 month ago
Oh man, that all sounds so stressful! I hope she finds ways to take care of herself!
Susan Reid Smith 1 month ago
I hope you make sure that taking care of yourself and your baby are your priority!
Load More Replies... Lila Allen 1 month ago
Being the functioning family member comes with a lot of unasked for and thankless tasks. OP should find a care facility for grandma and tell the others to pay up. Might need to have dad in a care facility as well.
Mir Adwari 1 month ago
For just basic residential care weekly costs typically range from approximately £800 to £1,500 in the UK.
Load More Replies... #26
Caught my husband cheating on me for the SECOND TIME, and I’m divorcing him ASAP.
Huddo's sister 3 weeks ago
My best friend gave her ex-husband a second chance. They went to counselling to try and work things out. Then she found out he never stopped seeing the other woman so then she left him. Once bitten, twice shy I guess, but I could never give a cheater a second chance. She had already been divorced once, so I think she was hoping it wouldn't happen again.
#27
My sister kicked my 18yo niece out at the weekend and she's currently kipping on my sofa 😬.
Well, these posts show just how chaotic family drama can get, ranging from funny misunderstandings to full-blown arguments that leave everyone stunned. Have you ever experienced a family feud that left you completely flustered or speechless? Maybe it was a holiday dinner gone wrong, or a simple disagreement that escalated beyond reason. How did you handle it, and what did you learn about navigating tricky family dynamics?
#28
My mum went mental at me on my wedding day last year, I had to take myself off and calm down because I was distraught. Didn’t speak to her for several weeks after and only started again because she’s my only family and my husband’s family live several hours away, so he persuaded me to speak to her again. She’s refused to talk about it since, never apologised, and I’m just pretending to be fine but inside I’m still absolutely seething about it all.
Binny Tutera 1 month ago
Your REAL family is the one you choose. That’s difficult at first, but gets easier as you feel the weight lifting off your heart.
Jenna Kay 1 month ago
My DIL's mom made my DIL cry so hard on her wedding day that one of the other bridesmaids had to come and find me to help calm her down and get her dressed. Then, after the wedding, this terrible woman made her cry again, like sobbing in a corner, crying. My husband had to keep my son from beating this awful woman to a pulp. I am happy to inform you that my son & DIL are NC with her mom, and her dad finally grew a spine and is getting a divorce. Her mom has never been allowed to the grandbaby, and doesn't even know that there is another on the way. I hope that witch dies alone and miserable, or better yet, gets treated the way she has always treated others.
TiNaBoNiNa 1 month ago
Ignoring a bad situation is never helpful or healthy. Setting boundaries is essential. No one should be allowed to insult you or treat you with disrespect.
#29
My mum found out a couple of years ago that her mother cheated, leaving a question mark over who her dad was.
My wife received a message tonight saying the real dad has been found.
My mum is visiting tomorrow.
UPDATE: He was a carpenter. It's suspected my gran paid for his work in kind. This is why we don't dig up the past.
Teutonic Disaster 1 month ago
So first he nailed something together for her and afterwards she polished his hammer, ehh? 🤪
#30
Going to my cousins wedding on Friday…the wedding has just been cancelled due to family arguments, but reception at night still going ahead 🤷🏻♀️.
Lila Allen 1 month ago
Is this in Kentucky? Louisiana? Because what in the back woods " wedding is off due to family argument" but still holding the reception???
Ronane Lloyd 1 month ago
I don't think that's strange at all. People spend thousands on venue, food, music, etc. Why let it all go to waste? I went to one of these a few years back and it was awesome!
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nottheactualphoto 1 month ago
Uncle Harry has been shouting all day. Now he's Harry the Hoarse.
Load More Replies... #31
Okay so my nan has fallen out with my uncle (again) due to some disputes on the property she lives in, pays no rent for and has decided she has part ownership for. She didn’t come to my cousins (his daughter, first grandchild to get married) because she ‘wasn’t welcome’ when she was told she’s only invited if she doesn’t cause a scene. My grandma (other parents side) has terminal cancer and won’t leave the house basically, and my grandad was forced to retire early even though they can’t afford it to look after her as she’s not willing to sell the house they live in to downsize. Also brother keeps getting suspended from school for calling teachers p*dos and telling people to get r*ped by horses. Also mums boyfriend of 3+ years was a classic narcissist case and cheater on her big time and is now a born again Christian and now she’s a bit off the rails. Nothing major, but constant headache.
Fuhleeheece 1 month ago
Nothing major?!? I really hope never to see the truly "major" events in this person's life.
Lila Allen 1 month ago
May I suggest an exit plan and move to new place without providing contact info or forwarding address.
Earthquake903 1 month ago
You've unfortunately been conditioned to accept calamity as merely annoying. I am 54 years old and finally starting to learn that complete disaster isn't normal. I hope things settle for you soon. You deserve peace.
#32
My family on my grandfathers side didn't talk to my grandfather's brother because he stole a few mil in inheritance decades ago. Now both are dead. My mother has connected with cousins and getting to know them again.
#33
A relative has fallen in love with an unemployed man who contacted her after liking a comment on social media. Who even answers messages from strangers, let alone meets up with said stranger?? She has now moved the unemployed man into her house. She works, he is still unemployed!
Lila Allen 1 month ago
I feel like in a couple years this is going to be an AITA post about should she dump the deadbeat boyfriend who lives off her but treats her terribly.
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Tha Monkey 1 month ago
RIGHT?!?!! That's the only quality about him we know; he could be the most caring, best cook, funny, genuine people the relative ever met. And if she can support them both, w*f not?! Maybe he's on perm disability. Maybe he has a trust fund. Maybe she wants a house husband - lord knows, I'd do that in a heartbeat if I found the right person!!
Load More Replies... #34
I realised, and came out as lesbian at 32 and I've had to rebuild my relationship with my parents as they've slowly come to terms with the blame, shame and guilt of the parts they played. My dad, a boomer completely unable to talk about his feelings or take any accountability is now only manageable in small chunks. I tried to talk to him about internalised homophobia which he flat out denied he had *"iVe GoT nOtHiNg AgAiNsT ThE GaYS"* and yet the next time we saw him he just idles casually "You know I had this peculiar feeling when I was watching you get married, you know back in my day it was just a man and a women". Yes dad...that's internalised homophobia 🤦.
Cyndi Hafele 1 month ago (edited)
My mom was born in 1929. She had a lesbian gym teacher in high school, that everyone knew about, but nobody talked about. My mom often referred to her as her favorite teacher. Decades later, when her granddaughter came out as lesbian, my mom had literally no issue with it at all. She was born prior to the boomer generation, but all of her kids are boomers, and she didn't raise us to be bigots.
Lady Eowyn 1 month ago
Is he really a boomer? Or a Gen X? I will downvote anything with the word "boomer" unless an actual age or birthdate is specified.
Binny Tutera 1 month ago
Yes, getting tired of people flinging”boomer” like an open sack of sh it.
Load More Replies... #35
Not exactly drama, but my Sister-in-law has decided to uproot her husband and two young children to go travelling across Asia. The kids are like 7 and 3, and I can't think of anything more worrying or stressful than to do something like this with no real plan and young kids. This is not a holiday, this is the plan for the next few years. All the grandparents are upset as they figure they'll very rarely see the kids now, and are wondering how long it'll last and if my Brother-in-law is actually into the idea or just going along with it.
Either way, I hope it works out for them and she doesn't live to regret it because they've sold nearly everything they own. I'm more worried about the kids staying safe and enjoying it though!
Laserleader 1 month ago (edited)
This doesn't sound like a problem at all, humans have been doing this for millenia. Rich people sheesh.
Dustinthewind 1 month ago
Poor kids. Not knowing the safety and relaxation a home can bring. Not having friends around the corner. Not going to school (homeschooled while traveling? really?) It's adventurous for adults, but imo kids need a stable place while growing up.
EmbersAreOut 1 month ago
In defense of OP, a good friend of mine from childhood was homeschooled, and her parents took her traveling all over the world. They would be out of the country for years at a time, starting when she was about 7. She is one of the most well rounded people I know. She speaks 4 languages fluently, and is going to college for International Relations in Business.
Load More Replies... #36
I went NC with a sis a couple of years ago. She was already NC with the rest of the fam. She popped up in conversation today and she got googled. Turns out she's sold her house and moved to a different country. I feel a bit weird about it but I suppose it just draws a line underneath the whole thing.
#37
A sibling is instigating a divorce 👀 unclear if the spouse knows.
I just found out my dad once hired a private Investigator to hunt down my mum's dad.
I am awfully dull in comparison.
#38
My mum and my uncle fell out over my grandad's will (he died in 2019). I'm pregnant and my mum has been actively trying to hide it from him, saying we can tell him when we see him in person (heavy handed hinting that he doesn't make enough effort to see my nan).
My nan has been buying baby things and getting my old baby things out of storage and leaving them about the house, and it finally worked and long story short, uncle finally knows (I'm now 7 months).
You'd think my mum would be mad at my nan for spilling the beans, but no, uncle is now further in the dog house for not contacting me to congratulate me. Should he? Would you? I don't even know what a normal response would be any more.
Binny Tutera 1 month ago
It looks like it’s entirely up to you if you want a relationship with your uncle.
#39
Dad has been dating his "friend" (his words) for two years now. She's 32 years younger than him, and they have zero chemistry. I met her for the second time a few weekends ago, she's nice and all, but I'm not sure anyone really approves of the whole thing. In the end if they make each other happy then who are we to intervene? We're just not sure what he really knows what he's gotten himself into.
Michael Largey 1 month ago
The m**h lab in their basement is a big tip-off.
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#40
My paternal nan is in a care home. My dad's been taking care of the house for a bit. It has its own self-contained flat upstairs, that's been rented out as a holiday joke over summer. His siblings always wanted to sell to pay for care costs and because heating is too expensive in winter and now they're dragging their feet and don't actually do anything. I hope they're sorting it out at some point, but knowing them there's two factions and it's gonna be my dad who sorts it out eventually.
#41
Not a lot but my sister, brother in-law and niece didn't say happy birthday to my son yesterday... while they were with my mum and eating his birthday chocolate.
Michael Largey 1 month ago (edited)
Some people are just too polite to talk with their mouths full, I guess.
Tyranamar Seuss 1 month ago
It wouldn't even occur to me that I had to say an extra Happy Birthday to someone. I figure if I show up, and sing Happy Birthday, and get them a gift and a card, they know I wish them a happy birthday.
Laserleader 1 month ago
How does she know they didnt say it before or after? And isn't it kind of implied if they were at the party?
Amused panda 4 weeks ago
Now I want to know if they were offered his birthday chocolate, or they just saw chocolate and decided to help themselves.
Michael Largey 1 month ago
If they're distant enough not to know, that would certainly indicate something.
Load More Replies...Explore more of these tags
What do you think ?
Mel in Georgia 1 month ago
Went LC with my husband's brother's family years ago because of an incident with the brother's wife. Over the years we got back in touch and because the brother was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's (he's 70) we went to visit. Everything was fine until the wife went off on me, bringing back all the trauma of the first cut off. This breaks my heart because everyone else in that family is great, but I never want to be around or talk to her again.
TCW Sam Vimes 1 month ago
Very glad I choose my family based on how we get along and have low contact with blood relatives. Only keep people in your life that want to be there and you want to have there. Saves a lot of headache or worse
bElLa sTairZz 1 month ago
my dad didnt tell me about my (second) half brother being born until i happened to overhear it. 1 month before the kid was due. combined with an already heavily strained relationship, i havnt seen him since. sounded like one of these stories XD
Brian Droste 1 month ago (edited)
Majority of these were bad/chaotic. Where were the funny ones? I think there was only one funny one, where were other funny ones?
Mel in Georgia 1 month ago
Went LC with my husband's brother's family years ago because of an incident with the brother's wife. Over the years we got back in touch and because the brother was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's (he's 70) we went to visit. Everything was fine until the wife went off on me, bringing back all the trauma of the first cut off. This breaks my heart because everyone else in that family is great, but I never want to be around or talk to her again.
TCW Sam Vimes 1 month ago
Very glad I choose my family based on how we get along and have low contact with blood relatives. Only keep people in your life that want to be there and you want to have there. Saves a lot of headache or worse
bElLa sTairZz 1 month ago
my dad didnt tell me about my (second) half brother being born until i happened to overhear it. 1 month before the kid was due. combined with an already heavily strained relationship, i havnt seen him since. sounded like one of these stories XD
Brian Droste 1 month ago (edited)
Majority of these were bad/chaotic. Where were the funny ones? I think there was only one funny one, where were other funny ones?
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