Me (27F), I was at a family dinner last week with my parents and my uncle. During the meal, my uncle made a comment about my job, saying in front of everyone that I would “never do anything serious” and that I lacked ambition because I enjoy playing video games alone on weekends.
I asked him to stop, but he laughed and told me I needed to “learn how to take it.” I felt humiliated, so I left the table and went home earlier than planned.
Since then, my uncle has accused me of ruining the mood, and I’ll admit I have a hard time pretending everything is fine. Some family members said I should have stayed and just ignored it.
I feel like I was setting a boundary, but I also know I sometimes struggle to control my emotions and I’m not sure if I overreacted.
**AITA?**
Why should you have to pretend everything is fine. Uncle AH needs to learn how to take things being uncomfortable if he keeps mocking people.
NTA. Telling people they need to “learn how to take it” is not an excuse for being rude to them. He is the one who ruined the mood, not you.
My mom taught me to walk away from playground bullies but if they continue I can hit them. My dad would say to your uncle if you don’t want to be treated like a bully don’t act like bully. You sowed the seeds you reap. “Don’t be surprised if someone says your breath stinks when you’re talking shit” was one of my mom’s favorites too.
NTA
He insulted your job, mocked your hobbies, then laughed when you asked him to stop. You walked away instead of blowing up that’s reasonable, not dramatic.
He created the problem, not you.
NTA he is the Ass hole, video games are not a way to judge someone and so what if you are not ambitious, it is your life. not his.
So we’re still at the women need to shut up and take it mentality with your uncle. NTA. Get up and walk away every damn time if you are not going to be seen heard or respected.
NTA dude is gaslighting you. What a prick.
NTA. You don’t have to play happy families when your family member is being a bully.
NTA
Removing yourself from a shitty situation is not an AH move.
That being said, a valuable life skill to develop is the ability to look at somebody and tell them to “shut the fuck up” and not accept any talk back. Don’t let the assholes of the world have power over you.
NTA. If the whole family didn’t stick up for you & shut him down then good for you for leaving. He was TA and should have been told that in the moment.
NTA. He ruined the mood, is ashamed, and is trying to blame you.
NTA. It still amazes me that we allow bullying & tell the victims “learn it take it” instead of telling the bullies to stop it. And stop inviting them into your homes.
NTA. I would have told him to take his comments and shove them up his ass.
NTA. “I do know how to take insults and disrespect. By walking away from people who treat me badly and not wasting my precious time on them.”