Today’s Reddit story comes from the AITA subreddit – where people post about their situations to ask the community whether they did the right thing or not. AITA means (Am I the A**hole?) and today’s story features a guy who’s definitely not.
He gets kicked out of his parent’s house at the age of 18 and then gets asked to come back home to live with the same parents who kicked him out. He refuses and now lives a happy, pressure-free life.
The Story
Reddit user Independent-Boot-789 posted his story, which received over 1.2k comments supporting his decision. Here is his story:
“My (18M) parents planned on being a child free couple, but because of religious beliefs they kept me even if I was an unwanted pregnancy.
‘I don’t remember when exactly I was told, but I always knew that I would be expected to move out as soon as I reached 18 years old. I have been working and saving since I turned 13 and have a respectable amount in a savings account.
“Now to be fair to my parents, they provided for me financially, they were distant emotionally but they have never been abusive.
“A week before my 18th birthday (January 13th) they sat me down and asked if I have found a place to move into yet. I said yes and that was the extent of the conversation.
“I was planning to live in an apartment with 4 other guys, but a friend’s family heard about it and offered me their finished basement with separate access for a very cheap price ($150 a month utilities included, no down payment required). So I jumped at the opportunity even though I know it is a pity offer. It is relevant that both his family and mine are of Indian descent.
“I moved out the day after my birthday and my parents haven’t contacted me since. I admit that I did not reach out to them too.
“Yesterday my dad called to invite me to dinner. It was awkward even before they asked me to move back in, said I don’t have to pay them rent or anything. But here’s the thing, I like my new living situation, it lacks the awkwardness and tension that I didn’t even know was there until I moved out.
“When I said no, politely at that and thanking them for the offer, my mother started crying and left the room, while my dad started scolding me and saying that their friends are excluding them because of the “rumour” that they threw me out and another desi family had to take me in.
“I said that Ythat was exactly what happened, and it isn’t my job to save them from the consequences of their actions and decisions.
“Now my whole extended family is calling me nonstop and saying I am being an AH.
“So AITA?“
After receiving tremendous support from the Reddit community, he added an update to his post:
“Edit: first I want to thank you all for the kind comments and well wishes, I was hesitating for a moment there and you all made me feel so much better about my decision. I read every comment and appreciate every award. Didn’t think this post would explode like this but I am happy because of all the nice comments.
“To answer a question that was asked by a lot of my fellow desi Redditors: I think my parents thought that I would be moving with strangers and they could say that I was trying to be independent and they were supportive of that. But when I moved with people from the community they couldn’t pretend anymore.
“Also I think the aunty and uncle I live with are the ones who told people about the situation, they are extremely nice and were very upset about what my parents did. They have offered me to live with them as long as I wish and were not even going to accept any rent except I insisted.”
The Responses
People from all over the Reddit community came to leave supportive and loving comments on his post. For context, NTA means “Not the A**hole.” Here are some of the top comments:
Awkward-Mix-283 said:
“NTA. They don’t want you back, they want their reputation and social life back. Your parents are cold, mean people. Don’t go back for anything. Hopefully this other family welcomes you and treats you as one of their own. I’m sorry. You deserve a lot better than you’ve been treated so far.”
calliatom commented:
“Yep…eighteen years you’ve been forced to be a part of this charade, OP, I think that’s quite enough. Time for you to find some genuine happiness, while your parents learn some hard life lessons about the importance of being true to yourself after they’ve been living your whole life being fake.”
FlyGuy1922 supported:
“NTA.
“You moved out like they asked and you seem happier! If your parents are unhappy with their choices and are upset about being shamed in their community then they have to deal with the consequences! Seems like you’re the adult in this situation and they still have some growing up to do.”
You can read all of the comments on Reddit here.
Our Take
NTA, definitely NTA. The parents in this situation didn’t really think for their son; they wanted him back to save face and their position in society – kudos to the son for standing his ground and being independent!
Source: Reddit – AITA for not moving back home with my parents?
What’s Your Take?
What’s your take on this guy’s story? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Hi, did you ever bother asking your parents why they asked if you have found a place to live? If so, what was there response? Maybe there was some kind of misunderstanding. IMO This story seems one sided to me.
I believe you did the right thing, stay strong. I know of a similar situation, a little bit different and that relationship has never been the same! It’s sad when parents do that to there children!! God bless the family that give you a place to live!
I agree that he has done the right thing for himself and there is nothing wrong with his plan. I disagree that his parents were not abusive, withholding love and affection when they could have let him be adopted into a loving family is abuse. Prayers.