On the eve of his high school graduation, a young man faced an unexpected twist of fate when his mom and her lover delivered a shocking ultimatum–kicking him out of the house. A year later, having navigated the unforgiving streets and forged a new life, an unexpected plea from his mother's boyfriend reopened old wounds, compelling him to confront a past he thought he had left behind.
Young man wearing a graduation cap and gown | Source: Getty Images
In January 2024, an anonymous male poster turned to Reddit's widely popular "AITA" forum to pen his story. The day after his graduation, the Original Poster (OP)'s mother and her boyfriend delivered the unexpected news that, now an adult, he had to find a place of his own.
The dynamics of OP's relationship with his mother underwent a significant shift with the arrival of her new boyfriend. Despite OP's efforts to make a good impression and ensure his mother's happiness, the boyfriend harbored an inexplicable resentment.
A middle-aged couple looking at each other with love | Source: Shutterstock
According to OP, his mother's boyfriend "convinced my mom to start charging me rent because I had a part-time job while still in school, even though he was jobless and living off my mom."
Undeterred, OP stood his ground, firmly declining the request.
The intrusions escalated as the boyfriend entered OP's room, rifled through personal belongings, and utilized items without consent. His disregard reached a breaking point when he damaged OP's laptop, having used it without permission.
Man working on laptop | Source: Pexels
Despite the blatant invasion of privacy, OP's mother remained oblivious to the wrongdoing, consistently siding with her boyfriend. Expressing discontent led to heated confrontations, with the mother consistently reprimanding her son rather than saying anything to her lover. Strangely, the boyfriend appeared content with the outcome when the mother ultimately forced OP to leave.
With insufficient funds to secure a place, OP endured a precarious living situation, relying on the hospitality of friends to crash on couches. As his friends gradually grew weary of the arrangement, there were times when OP had no choice but to sleep outdoors.
Young man sitting on a bench in the sun with his eyes closed | Source: Shutterstock
However, a lifeline emerged when someone in his network facilitated a second job opportunity. Through diligent efforts, OP managed to accumulate savings. After enduring several challenging months without a stable abode, the turning point arrived, and OP finally moved into a new residence at the beginning of January 2024.
Just a few days ago, OP received an unexpected call from his mom's boyfriend, who delivered surprising news about the mother having suffered a stroke. In a rather audacious move, the boyfriend attempted to leverage the situation to guilt OP into returning home to provide support.
Ailing woman in hospital with a man beside her | Source: Shutterstock
Undeterred, OP stood his ground, firmly declining the request. He explained the intricacies of his busy adult life, emphasizing the impracticality of taking time off. With a finality to his tone, OP hung up, choosing to maintain the boundaries he had painstakingly established.
In the end, OP was left wondering, "AITA for not wanting to go back home to take care of my sick mom after her and her boyfriend kicked me out the day after my high school graduation last year?"
Man using his phone in a cafe | Source: Shutterstock
The online community responded strongly to OP's narrative, unleashing a wave of support. Numerous commenters resonated with his plight, unanimously declaring him "NTA."
"NTA. They threw you out of their lives because you weren't convenient for them. Now, he's trying to bring you back in as a free home-care caretaker because that would be cheaper and convenient for him. Otherwise, he has to help her out. They were brutally callous to you, and it would still be the case if he didn't want free labor so he doesn't have to do it himself [sic]," wrote one commenter.
Stressed young man talking on the phone | Source: Shutterstock
"NTA he just wants you to take the responsibility because he can't mooch any longer," added another user. "NTA. I'm so so sorry this happened to you. I'm also very proud of you for getting your own place. Congratulations! You are doing great! Keep it up! Do not go back to these people who abandoned you. You need to focus on yourself and build your life," expressed yet another person.
"Thank you, it means a lot hearing that. I am a guy and a bit ashamed to admit that I genuinely almost sobbed on my first night in my place. It was overwhelming," replied OP.
Adult son holding his ailing mom's hand in the hospital | Source: Shutterstock
Do you believe OP was justified in refusing to look after his sick mom after what happened? What would you do if you were in OP's place?
Click here to read another story about a woman who wondered if she was wrong for kicking out her boyfriend's mom and sister right in front of him.