Blended families can be the harmonious joining of single parents each with children of their own.
But not every family is The Brady Bunch.
An 18-year-old and his 17-year-old girlfriend are involved in a very much not The Brady Bunch situation. The young man, Redditor Frosty-Dream4101, told their story in a post to the “Am I the A**hole (AITA)” subReddit.
He asked:
“AITA for telling my parents to f’k off and stop calling my girlfriend my sister?”
The Original Poster (OP) explained:
“I, [age 18], have been dating my girlfriend (gf), age 17, for 3 years now. My mom, and her dad got married and we live together.”
“We were dating before our parents were, yet our parents have told us it’s inappropriate for step siblings to date.”
“We can’t show any affection in public or our parents ground us. We can’t be in our rooms alone, or ever be home alone.”
“It’s so f’king infuriating.”
He went on to delve into specifics.
“My parents also make it worse by saying things like ‘take this over to your SISTER’ or ‘how are you and your sister feeling’.”
Finally he snapped.
“I got so sick of this, I hugged my gf and my mom broke it up and said there was too much touching and I just lost my sh*t and yelled ‘f’k you, I am so sick of your sh*t, she’s my girlfriend, much longer than you’ve married Sam, I will continue to date Jessica whether or not you approve’.
“‘You can’t decide what I do f’k you’ and I left the house, pulling Jessica out with me.”
His girlfriend wasn’t entirely on board with his handling of the situation.
“She said I was unnecessarily rude to my mom. I could see my mom crying through the window.”
“We came back several hours later and my mom and Sam were there to give us a talk. They had a discussion and told us about how we need to stop being entitled and accept the fact we are siblings now and we have to behave appropriately.”
“I told them they could go f’k themselves and left [and] Jessica followed me into my room. I locked the door and ignored them as they knocked on the door and were telling me to come out.”
“They gave up after a bit.”
“F’king hell I want to move out.”
Redditors were then asked to pass judgment by declaring:
- NTA – Not The A**hole
- YTA – You’re The A**hole
- ESH – Everyone Sucks Here
- NAH – No A**holes Here
Many comments called the parents’ judgment into question.
“NTA. You’re parents are loons and are throwing a temper tantrum because they want to create a fantasy world.”
“Even if you weren’t dating, them getting married wouldn’t magically turn Jessica into your sister.” — Moggetti
“NTA. I’m sorry your parents are delusional.” — Mis_Bee_Have
“NTA. Your relationship predates theirs so they can’t criticise you over it. They are being delusional and are acting out because their fantasy world is falling apart.” — Outside-Question
“NTA- your parents are delusional. I can see if you’re related but you’re not. They’re crazy and want to live in a fantasy. NTA” — Kylo-ren-94
“Nta. Both of your parents are being weird. I suggest therapy for all parties involved.” — Kreeblim
Some Redditors suggested responses to the parents.
“Start asking your mom why she married her brother. Tell her it’s sick to have an uncle father.” — ImOnTopOfABuilding
“NTA. You could start calling each other brother/sister in front of your parents, but make it really creepy.”
“I think this is what reddit calls malicious compliance?”
“Seriously though. A real talk to set ground rules with them is needed.” — AmazingAd2765
“NTA, when they say to bring something to your sister, just say ‘who? I don’t have a sister’.” — CaptainBooBooSavage
And others suggested the young couple bolt whenever that’s possible.
“NTA. Move out. And when she turns 18, take her with you.” — anonymous_chaos_
“Jesus effing Christ…”
“NTA. Get away from them, go no contact, live your life, as soon as you can.”
“Even if it doesn’t work out between you and your partner, I can’t imagine there could be any good in fostering a relationship with people like that.” — NSFWorkout
“NTA. That is enough I would just go no contact with my parents. That is toxic as can be.” — Puoaper
The OP provided an update.
“Thank you everyone for the support.”
“To answer some questions, yes we are planning on moving out ASAP, we are considering going to Аrmеnia to volunteer and enlist…”
“…or do some other volunteer work as they really need it especially in Karabakh or maybe somewhere else.”
“She turns 18 in a few weeks. We definitely do not want to stay here any longer.”
“Also my parents are planning on having another child, so no matter what my parents are not willing to compromise on our relationship.”
“And no, there is no chance Jessica is related to me.”
Overall Redditors decided the OP and his girlfriend were not the a**holes in this scenario.
And they were absolutely not The Brady Bunch.