“So Unhealthy!”: Woman Makes A Scene At Thanksgiving Dinner, Doesn’t Think She’s The Problem

Is it really Thanksgiving if there’s no family drama?

For one Redditor, last year’s holiday was anything but peaceful after her brother’s girlfriend joined the celebration. Instead of enjoying the festive atmosphere, she complained about every dish on the table, leaving a sour taste for everyone involved.

Hoping to avoid a repeat, the host decided not to invite her this year. But what seemed like a simple solution turned into yet another disagreement.

Read the full story below.

Last year, the woman turned her boyfriend’s family Thanksgiving into a disaster

Woman holding pizza, looking displeased at dinner, symbolizes family tension over Thanksgiving invitation issue.

Image credits: Bizon / Freepik (not the actual photo)

Now, she’s paying the price

Text discussing a woman choosing not to invite her brother's girlfriend to Thanksgiving.

Text describing a Thanksgiving dinner conflict with criticism over food choices and preferences.

Text highlighting a woman not inviting brother's girlfriend due to her behavior at Thanksgiving dinner.

Woman in a blue shirt looking pensive by the window, related to family Thanksgiving invitation dispute.

Image credits: goffkein / Freepik (not the actual photo)

Text discussing family disagreements over Thanksgiving invitation decisions.

Image credits: CrimsonTwirl

It’s rare for families to keep calm during the holiday season

Image credits: gpointstudio / freepik (not the actual photo)

Family gatherings during the holiday season have a way of bringing out the f-word. By that, I mean fights. Thanksgiving, in particular, has a reputation for being one of the rowdiest occasions of the year.

A USA TODAY Blueprint survey from 2023 revealed that out of 2,000 adults, only 12 percent reported never having family arguments on Thanksgiving. The top cause of conflict, according to over half of respondents (51 percent), was “family issues.” Politics came in close behind at 48 percent, with money not far off at 47 percent. Other sensitive topics that often stir the pot included parenting styles (37 percent) and religion (29 percent).

Sean Grover, L.C.S.W., a psychotherapist and author with over 25 years of experience, believes there are three main reasons why holidays often become such a volatile time for families.

For one, they’re some of the busiest travel days of the year. Crowded airports, packed trains, flight delays, and constant traffic jams leave people exhausted and stressed before they even arrive. “Add too little sleep and last-minute shopping, and you’re primed for a full-scale emotional meltdown,” Grover points out.

If you’re heading back to your childhood home, that alone can be an overwhelming experience. For some, it’s a space filled with painful memories, like divorce or past trauma. “Once in the company of their parents and siblings, an emotional regression occurs, triggering immature childhood behaviors to resurface, such as rivalry, competition, grudges, tensions, and deep-seated resentments,” Grover explains.

Finally, overindulgence can play a big role. The holidays often mean overeating and over-drinking, both of which can lower impulse control and make people more irritable.

So, as the next gathering approaches, keep this in mind and think about how you can make it a little easier for everyone—including yourself.

Most readers felt the woman made the right call

Reddit comment discussing a woman refusing to invite her brother's girlfriend to Thanksgiving due to rudeness.

Comment about not inviting brother's girlfriend to Thanksgiving due to her eye-rolling reaction.

Reddit comment on Thanksgiving guest list dispute.

Comment discussing an incident where a woman refuses to invite her brother's girlfriend to Thanksgiving.

Reddit comment discussing a woman not inviting her brother's girlfriend to Thanksgiving.

Reddit comment discussing brother's girlfriend being rude and disrespectful.

Comment criticizes a woman's brother's girlfriend for rude behavior at Thanksgiving, calling the woman justified.

Text response to a woman's decision not to invite brother's girlfriend to Thanksgiving due to eye-rolling behavior.

A Reddit comment discussing refusing an invite due to behavior at Thanksgiving with brother's girlfriend.

Comment discussing Thanksgiving meal dynamics and family issues.

Text comment about dietary preferences and organic food in a discussion on not inviting a girlfriend to Thanksgiving.

Reddit comment discussing why a woman refuses to invite her brother's girlfriend to Thanksgiving.

Reddit comment on Thanksgiving dinner and a brother's girlfriend's behavior.

Reddit comment discussing a woman refusing to invite her brother's girlfriend to Thanksgiving due to disrespectful behavior.

Text commentary on Reddit about not inviting a brother's girlfriend to Thanksgiving.

Comment discussing social awareness in response to Thanksgiving invitation situation.

Text exchange about a woman not inviting her brother's girlfriend to Thanksgiving because of dietary issues and eye-rolling.

Text discussing Thanksgiving invitation concerns and criticism of food choices during the holiday gathering.

Text exchange about not inviting brother's girlfriend to Thanksgiving, with sarcastic food suggestions.

Though a few thought she could have handled it with a bit more grace

Reddit user discusses family conflict over not inviting brother's girlfriend to Thanksgiving after she rolled her eyes.

Comment discussing Thanksgiving and the importance of love and gratitude despite personal dislikes.

Text criticism about excluding brother's girlfriend from Thanksgiving over perceived rudeness.

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