“AITA For Refusing To Listen To My Parents And Wanting To Sue My Cousin For A ‘Prank?’”

Family: you can’t live with ’em, you can’t live without ’em. Sometimes it’s best to not live under the same roof, as absence can make the heart grow fonder. And being around one another too much can create conflicts or exacerbate existing ones.

One man quickly learned this lesson after letting his younger cousin move in with him for a while. But after a few months, it was clear that the arrangement wasn’t working. And one day, a “prank” sent the homeowner over the edge. Below, you’ll find the full story that he shared on Reddit in search of advice, as well as some of the replies invested readers shared.

This man was gracious enough to let his cousin move in with him when he had nowhere else to go

Man with prosthetic leg sitting on bed using laptop, reflecting on cousin's prank and aunt’s surprising reaction.

Image credits: s_kawee /envatoelements (not the actual photo)

But now, he’s threatening to sue his cousin for breaking his prosthetic leg

Text excerpt describing a man demanding cousin pay after a cruel prank and the aunt’s surprising reaction.

Text showing a man’s cousin mocking his prosthetic leg with cruel nicknames, highlighting the prank and family conflict.

Text excerpt describing a man frustrated with his cousin’s cruel prank and the resulting family conflict.

Text excerpt about a man’s prosthesis prank by his cousin and the surprising reaction from his aunt.

Text excerpt describing a man confronting cousin about a cruel prank involving hiding a prosthesis, showing tension and anger.

Angry man demanding cousin pay for his cruel prank, expressing frustration in a bright living room setting.

Image credits: voronaman111 /envatoelements (not the actual photo)

Text describing a man demanding his cousin pay for a cruel prank and the aunt’s surprising reaction in a family dispute.

Text excerpt showing a statement about overnight damage, related to a man demanding cousin pay for his cruel prank and aunt’s reaction.

Text excerpt showing a man demanding cousin pay for his cruel prank and mentioning the aunt’s shocking reaction.

Text excerpt from a story where a man demands cousin pay for cruel prank and gets shocked by aunt’s reaction.

Text excerpt showing a man demanding cousin pay for his cruel prank and facing backlash from family members.

Text on screen showing a person explaining the man demands cousin pay for his cruel prank and the aunt’s reaction.

Text on a white background stating frustration about family delays in resolving a cruel prank involving a cousin.

Young man in yellow shirt pleading with a distressed expression, relating to a cruel prank and family reaction.

Image credits: benzoix /envatoelements (not the actual photo)

Text excerpt about a man dealing with family tension over a cruel prank and his cousin’s refusal to pay.

Text post discussing a man demanding cousin pay for prank damage and facing shock from aunt's reaction online.

Image credits: Anonymous

Later, the author responded to a couple of readers and provided more info on the situation

Reddit conversation about a man demanding cousin pay for his cruel prank and the aunt’s unexpected reaction.

Reddit conversation discussing a man demanding his cousin pay for a cruel prank and family reactions.

It’s important to take very good care of prosthetic limbs

Man examining a prosthetic leg in a workshop, illustrating a man demands cousin pay for his cruel prank scenario.

Image credits: seventyfourimages / envatoelements (not the actual photo)

It’s estimated that around 1.7 million people in the United States use a prosthetic limb. And the most common prosthesis is one that goes below the knee, as those account for over two thirds of all prosthetic limbs. Depending on the type of prosthetic leg needed and the user’s activity levels, the cost can range anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000. 

Regardless of the type of prosthetic limb a person has, it’s important that they take good care of it. Horton’s Orthotics & Prosthetics notes that this includes wiping the socket daily using mild soap and a damp cloth. Skin care is another important factor, as well as hygiene, to prevent irritation or skin issues. 

The liner of the prosthetic must be washed daily and replaced every six to twelve months. And it’s important to keep them clean to control sweat and odors. Users must also inspect their prosthetic for cracks or loose parts regularly. Maintenance may be necessary to ensure that the prosthetic always fits properly and is able to do its job.

Moving in with a loved one who uses a prosthetic limb may be daunting at first, if you’re unsure of how to help them or what will be expected of you. But one thing that’s for sure is that pulling “pranks” with their expensive limbs is a terrible idea.

Pranking people, in general, is a dangerous game to play. Yes, we all love to laugh. But you have to consider who exactly will be the butt of this joke. Will they find it funny? Will it hurt their feelings? Will it cause permanent damage to something they own or your relationship with them? Often, it’s far too risky to go ahead with a prank if you’re unsure of what the consequences will be.

Setting boundaries with toxic family members is often necessary

Young woman upset, refusing to talk, while man demands payment for cruel prank in tense family dispute.

Image credits: Zinkevych_D / envatoelements (not the actual photo)

While we can assume that the man in this story didn’t intentionally break his cousin’s prosthetic, he clearly wasn’t thinking through his actions. And the rest of the family didn’t make the situation any better by blaming the homeowner for all of this drama.

When it comes to dealing with toxic family members, Headspace recommends first deciding on the role you want to play in this relationship. Then set boundaries, and stick to them. Your relatives might not be happy to hear that you’re enforcing boundaries, but it’s not up to them. You have to take care of your mental health.

Headspace also notes that it’s okay to take some time away from your family members as well. If drama is inevitable or they’re ganging up on you, it might be time to get some distance. This can also allow you to cool off and view the situation more objectively. Get some outside perspective, and think about how you want to respond in the future.

Living with family members is often challenging, whether you’re a teenager or a senior. But if you own the home, you’re not obligated to open your doors to every single relative. If they don’t respect you, it’s time for them to pack their bags.

We would love to hear your thoughts on this situation in the comments below, pandas. Then, if you’re interested in checking out another Bored Panda article discussing similar family drama, look no further than right here. 

Many readers sided with the author, noting that his family should replace his prothesis as soon as possible

Man demands cousin pay for cruel prank, shocked by aunt’s reaction in a family dispute over money and responsibility.

Screenshot of online comment discussing a man demanding cousin pay for his cruel prank and aunt’s reaction.

Screenshot of a forum comment discussing a man demanding his cousin pay for a cruel prank and family conflict advice.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing the consequences of a cruel prank and demanding responsibility from a cousin.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment stating that pranks should be funny, not mean, related to a man demanding cousin pay for prank.

Comment explaining the cousin's cruel prank broke a prosthesis and the expectation for compensation and consequences.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing a man demanding cousin pay for his cruel prank and the aunt’s reaction.

Screenshot of a forum comment discussing a man demanding cousin pay for a cruel prank and the shocked aunt’s reaction.

Screenshot of an online forum comment discussing a man demanding his cousin pay for a cruel prank and the aunt’s unexpected reaction.

Reddit comment discussing a man demanding his cousin pay for a cruel prank and the surprising aunt’s reaction.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing the consequences of a cruel prank and responsibility for payment.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing a man demanding his cousin pay for a cruel prank and the aunt’s reaction.

Screenshot of detailed Reddit advice discussing legal steps for a man demanding cousin pay for his cruel prank and aunt’s shocking reaction.

Screenshot of a forum comment discussing a man demanding his cousin pay for a cruel prank and the shocked aunt’s reaction.

Comment discussing a man demanding cousin pay for his cruel prank and the aunt’s unexpected reaction.

Reddit comment offering advice on suing cousin after a cruel prank and unexpected aunt reaction.

Screenshot of a forum comment discussing a man demanding cousin pay for his cruel prank and the aunt’s shocking reaction.

Man demands cousin pay for his cruel prank, shocked by aunt’s unexpected reaction in a family dispute discussion.

Reddit comment discussing man demanding cousin pay for cruel prank causing physical harm and family reactions.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment reacting strongly to a man demanding his cousin pay for a cruel prank.

User’s comment on a family dispute about a cousin’s cruel prank and the aunt’s unexpected reaction to the demand for payment.

Comment urging man to demand cousin pay for prank damages and warning about legal actions and university involvement.

Comment on a forum about a man demanding cousin pay for cruel prank, expressing shock at aunt’s reaction in a family dispute.

Screenshot of online comment discussing a man demanding cousin pay for his cruel prank and family reactions.

Screenshot of a social media comment advising to call police and sue cousin over damage from a cruel prank.

Comment discussing a man demanding his cousin pay for a cruel prank and the aunt’s surprising reaction.

Screenshot of an online comment discussing a man demanding his cousin pay for a cruel prank and the aunt’s surprising reaction.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing family guilt and a cousin's prank, related to a man demanding payment.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment advising on suing cousin for a cruel prank and facing the aunt’s unexpected reaction.

Screenshot of a detailed Reddit comment discussing a man demanding cousin pay for his cruel prank and the aunt’s unexpected reaction.

Screenshot of an online forum comment where a user calls someone an extreme insult in response to a cruel prank dispute.

Screenshot of a forum comment criticizing a cruel prank involving a prosthetic and family reactions to the dispute.

Screenshot of an online comment discussing a man demanding cousin pay for his cruel prank and the aunt’s surprising reaction.

Screenshot of a forum comment discussing a man demanding his cousin pay for a cruel prank and the aunt’s surprising reaction.

Screenshot of a discussion about a man demanding cousin pay for his cruel prank and the aunt’s surprising reaction.

Screenshot of a forum comment discussing a man demanding his cousin pay for a cruel prank and the aunt’s reaction.

However, some believed that everyone could have behaved more maturely

Text comment about man demanding cousin pay for cruel prank and aunt’s firm reaction in family dispute discussion.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing a man demanding his cousin pay for a cruel prank and the aunt’s shocked reaction.

Screenshot of a social media comment about a man demanding cousin pay for his cruel prank and the unexpected aunt’s reaction.

Text post discussing a man demanding his cousin pay for his cruel prank and the aunt’s surprising reaction.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing a man demanding his cousin pay for damages after a cruel prank, highlighting family conflict.

Man demanding cousin pay for cruel prank faces unexpected reaction from aunt during family dispute discussion.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment criticizing conflict resolution skills in a discussion about a man demanding cousin pay for his cruel prank.

And some readers thought that the author was being too harsh

Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing a man's demand for his cousin to pay after a cruel prank, mentioning hurt feelings.

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