AITA I'm Forcing My Daughter Share Her Birthday Celebration With Her Twin Brother r/Relationships

[@d74killer]

1st story. I’m a dad of twins. Two girls. I do not force them to do things together at all. They still share birthday parties. They are usually largish affairs. They know they can have separate parties but they will each be smaller celebrations.

[@keikairin2038]

I am a twin. For years I didn't feel like I got a birthday. I was not the favored child so I got to be dragged around doing what my sister wanted. On my 13th birthday I was forced to get my ears pierced because thats what she wanted. It swelled when I fell asleep on it. The doctor had to pull the earring out of my ears. Then yelled at my mother for letting that happen. In punishment my mother took the studs and i got nothing for my birthday that year. It was my fault it all went sideways she got yelled at...so I was the bad guy. She still wears them to this day almost 25 years later. Yeah it sucks not being treated like your own person.

[@Indi_Waffle_Girl]

Oh wow, yuck that she still wears those earrings 💀 I'm so sorry, love. Please, make sure to intentionally celebrate you and the wonderful, unique individual that you are ❤

[@Nikkimommyof4]

So sorry you got treated like half of a pair instead of an individual. I have four kids and I and my husband did our best to teach our kids that we didn't expect any of them to be anything other than themselves. We didn't expect them to be like... and never tried to compare them to someone else. We also had a hard and fast rule with family about gifts. If you can't do for all of them don't do it for any of them unless it's for their special day like a birthday or a graduation or some other special celebration just for that child. This way they didn't feel left out and no one felt as if someone else was the "golden child." I hate that term and that idea.

[@keikairin2038]

@@Nikkimommyof4 Well I got treated like the extra child they didn't want. It was a lonely childhood but I got through it.

[@sylviajones6745]

I am so very sorry your parents didn't treat you guys equally. I am a mother of twins. I let them get whatever they wanted, plus they each got their own cakes. They are still very, very, very close. They turned 50 this year. I remember each birthday until we stopped celebrating for religious reasons. But after, we were back to celebrating them. Tomorrow is their younger sister's birthday. July 25th. They are mono mono twins. I am so glad they love each other so much since you hear about other twins or siblings who don't like each other ❤

[@platinum_noelle]

The step-mom one brought me to tears. My step-mom has been in my life since i was 5, she was there for my sisters and me when our bio mom just...stopped wanting visitations and disappeared, she held me as i cried myself to sleep asking where my mother was and told me that sometimes people make decisions that can hurt us. She was there when i was sick or scared, she kept an eye on my grades and went to my chorus and academic events. She got my bio mom and dad talking to each other again and acting civil towards each other until i, the youngest, turned 18. She stayed in a marriage with my dad despite having lost her love for him within the first couple years, all because she couldn't leave my sisters and me with him with his drinking and antagonizing. Even now, 8yrs after their divorce, she's more in my life than both of my bio parents. Idk where or how messed up i would be without her.

[@Stopthisrightnow560]

Your mum sounds like a real one. ❤

[@scarletonyx8507]

That’s really beautiful!

[@LusterDust]

Never thought a TIFU post would catch me with so many wholesome tears. I'm so happy for both of them. I'm really glad her words got through to him in the note and he's accepting that he has a mom again. Now if you'll excuse me, WAAAAAA

[@owl7072]

Story 4: Why does it matter so much to them as to _why_ there isn't alcohol? "There just won't be" should be a good enough response. Op's right, it really isn't their business as to why especially since it's something so personal. She clearly doesn't mind it in general since she's literally _in a bar,_ she just doesn't want it at the wedding. If someone told me "there won't be alcohol at the wedding" I'd just be like "Okay, what's being served instead?" What's the big deal 🚶🏻

[@vanillablossom]

In my country (quite family friendly) childfree wedding are more accepted than weddings without alcohol, people would probably not attend at all, sad how it sounds. Perhaps even thematic weddings would be more accepted. And I heard about a couple that loved Japanese culture and food and that was theme of their wedding. They shelled out a lot of money for it to be Japanese style, with sushi and miso soup and other Japanese foods. People came, said raw fish is yucky and tee ceremony boring, and party wrapped up entirely in like 2-3 hours, while traditional weddings go on for 2-3 days and modern ones at least till 3-4 a.m. Having said all that, the couple doesn't have to explain everything to everyone, but the info should be on invitation like the child free info and other expectations for things out of ordinary (traditional wedding food contains a lot of meat and high percentage alcohol and soda for kids), so the guests know beforehand and can make informed decision, regardless the outcome. Edit: I cannot explain though, why people find alcohol free weddings so appaling here. I wouldn't care, the thing I do care at the weddings is to avoid alcohol and toast with water, so. 😂 Btw it's not only for weddings, many people say party without % isn't real party.

[@owl7072]

@@vanillablossom oh I definitely agree Op could have at least said something about it beforehand and I can see why they would be somewhat upset that there wouldn't be any, I was just _so_ bewildered by them being so insistent on being told the reason why lol Also, the Japanese wedding you described sounds so fun, I would have gone in the guest's place and brought my friend's who also love that stuff lmao

[@animatorstanley]

​@@owl7072 wait, wasn't the conversation OP is talking about her telling people in advance?

[@owl7072]

​@Cosmic Jolt I'd personally say it is, but it's possible people mean more in advance like _on_ the invitations when they're sent out or something, kinda similar to how you'd say on the invites if it's child free or something. I forget when they said the wedding is vs James' party taking place cause I was in the middle of something lol, so I don't remember how close to the wedding they were hence my "beforehand" part

[@swearimnotarobot3746]

I think the issue is that they hid it. Like if I’m invited to a wedding, I’m going to assume there will be alcohol unless stated otherwise. They just decided not to mention the fact they weren’t going to serve alcohol. So obviously people were confused and surprised. They shouldn’t be getting angry, but being surprised by this info might be something to consider.

[@samtrujillojr]

Last story, I feel you. We did not have alcohol in our way. Neither of us drink. There was a bar in the hotel so if somebody really wanted to drink they could go have one in the bar. I have several fall down drunk, obnoxious addicts in my family. I was not going to have alcohol and give them the opportunity to ruin my big day like they had almost every holiday and family gathering when we were visiting with extended family. The couple getting hitched makes the rules. If people cannot support you for a single evening on your wedding then I don't believe they really are your friends. We didn't mention alcohol on our invites either. It was a lovely ceremony and a really fun party. Nobody was drunk to do anything stupid.

[@LittleGreenCar514]

Story 3: I have a 3 (nearly 4) year old. When he was born, I didn't get that whole "instant love" thing like you see in the movies. Sure, I cared for and worried about him; I found him adorable. But here was this stranger who was completely reliant upon myself and my fiancé. The fairy tale parental love didn't really set in until he started getting a personality, showing food preferences, etc. Hollywood and society tells you that if you aren't completely in love with your newborn, then you must be a horrible parent. They are so very wrong. I am very glad that the new dad found joy in his new role over time.

[@RaizelSX]

It's an endurance run for real, it seems cool until you're missing sleep, and certain freedoms, and it becomes a hassle. And then you slowly realize oh this is kinda cool. You need like 3 people just to handle it really but 2 somehow makes it, and 1 is even more a miracle

[@QueenSunstar]

My twin cousins were born a year before me. I was born the day after their first birthday. Our birthdays were done as a joint event for years. Never bothered us. Around the time we were turning 12 and 13, our parents decided to do separate parties. We actually protested that, but accepted in the end. Once I turned 21, we started a little tradition together. On the 28th of December every year, we meet at the local tavern for a drink together. Last year, we couldn’t meet up so I went alone with my laptop and iPad. My cousins live streamed with me and we had our traditional drink together. Same thing we did during lockdown, except we stayed in our own homes.

[@Daydream_N]

We aren't related, but my childhood friend has the same birthday as me. We always celebrated together growing up and even as adults now we still get excited to plan our birthday together lol

[@elizahamilton5599]

Not a twin but my birthday is one day before my older brother’s and we celebrated together for years. We even had a joint dinner last year!

[@vanzy01]

💯👍🏿

[@alderblanco2362]

My brothers and I all have birthdays within a week of each other. We also did joint parties (but we got homemade individual cakes on the day of) and the party never bothered me. What bothered me was when people would get one gift “for you to share”. We could only stand so many board games lmao

[@judyjohnson9610]

My brother and I were almost Irish twins. We often had parties together, but also separately. I don't recall how the decision was made lol. We were both born in the summer, so that was a good excuse for a proper weenie roast

[@michal31131]

I'm happy for the dad at story 3 that came out of his fear of being a dad, yet I'm also happy for people who know straight up that they're not going to be parents at all. Both should be accepted

[@WobblesandBean]

I dunno, I find it hard to be sympathetic. I see way too many dads want to give up on fatherhood the moment they realize it's going to be a lot of work. Also, having a baby almost always leads to the parent's relationship tanking. I can't link things (thanks youtube), but there's a statistic showing that married couples who have a baby are miserable and only staying together for the sake of the kid. Sorry, but they chose this. This is just what life with kids is like. That's why I chose not to have any.

[@melodymagickal6508]

​​​​@@WobblesandBean Where in this comment does it mention dads wanting to abandon their kids? This person is talking about those that don't want kids- Childfree people. The OP of this post seems to have come into his own and found happiness as a father. Others know they don't want kids and often get condescending remarks from parents that start snobbishly saying "You just don't want to be responsible. You won't know *real* love until you've had kids!" Some know it's not what they want and all this comment is saying is that they noticed that bit of Smug Parent wafting from op's update.

[@Nevertoleave]

@@WobblesandBean life with kids isn’t miserable. Babies are hard. A newborn needs to eat every 2-3 hours for months. They need a diaper change just as often. They’re tiny and helpless. Then the only need to eat every 3-4 hours and they’re awake more often during the day and sleep longer at night. And then they don’t need to be held as much and want to explore. They eat more and don’t need to eat as often. They grow and you have more time to yourself and your relationship. Soon they’re doing things without you. You ask if they need help and they go, “no thank you mommy. I got it.” They grow up and have new problems, bullies, homework, what to do with their life. And when they leave you miss them but you have to let them go. It’s not a Disney movie, things can be hard. That doesn’t mean they’re alway hard. If someone doesn’t want kids then they shouldn’t have them, that doesn’t mean people who want them are going to be miserable

[@PrincessAfrica3]

I thought the update was so nice. Real and loving. Made me teary eyed

[@MegaWuggles]

@@Nevertoleave And the side with kid's like OP make it out like you won't be miserable and if you are it will only be temporary. I don't think you are going to be miserable for having kids as an absolute but the side who have kids always downplay the people who don't want them with crap like "oh you don't know till you have them" "oh you'll change your mind one day" "who will take care of you when you're older?!" The only misery you have from not having children is potential regret but having them is a whole different animal when you weigh it against the mental and physical and financial toll raising kids takes on you, so I'm more inclined to believe you have a greater chance of being miserable having them than not, but people who are prepared for it have at it.

[@kathleenmcfarlane2555]

Story 4: If OP let's people know there won't be alcohol, someone will bring alcohol. I guarantee it

[@PrincessAmanante]

That’s a good point.

[@originalfriendly100]

This! I have been to many alcohol free weddings and some out of state folks try to sneak some in. Despite being in a southern state alcohol just typically isn't served at weddings where I live so I find it super entitled that people in the thread are calling op an ass for not telling people there won't be alcohol.

[@kathleenmcfarlane2555]

@@originalfriendly100 those are the alcoholics speaking. Even when I drank, I don't remember drinking at weddings personally. Other people did, but not me.

[@FlashQuatsch]

That's why I think she's nta at all here. Because if she publicly announced it, then people would either not attend, sneak it in or get drunk before.

[@Stopthisrightnow560]

I don't even get why people think they should be notified of this. Alcohol is a privilege- not a given.

[@saratronus]

The thing with story 3 is that people do tell you How Difficult Having a baby is is that no one believes it until they live in. And that Feeling is a phase the moment the baby starts growing that frustration of not been able to do things that sadness slowly starts fading away from what people have. Told me I'm basing this off of hearsay. And i'm so happy with the update it had me in tears

[@VanityZERO]

It’s rare to get such a heartwarming post in Story 2 ETA: Story 3 sounds like he had baby blues.

[@katiebug4105]

yeah PPD / PPND is no joke and should be talked about more. glad that OP is feeling better

[@jacquimaclennan3254]

Absolutely - studies have shown that men can also suffer PPD. The parents’ whole life it shaken up like a snow globe 😱😱😊

[@Stopthisrightnow560]

Story 2 straight up made me cry at the end.

[@PrincessAfrica3]

@@jacquimaclennan3254 so true!

[@ambearero9455]

As a twin, I’m conflicted about Story 1. Im glad it seemingly worked out for the best, but it just feels really weird to me that the OP said “I try to treat them as people, not twins” but then the FIRST thing they did for a punishment was “treating them like a twin” aka forcing them together. Does OP normally go for taking away their individuality and forcing them to do things together like that as a punishment?

[@PairOfSocksGaming]

my understanding was more i try to treat them as individuals but my daughter lied to me and left out her brother so as punishment she gotta involve him. i dont think its reoccurring and more of a spur of the moment bad decision

[@AngelaMerici12]

I thought the same. Why would the girl lie if she could just have her own party??

[@s1os2s3]

It is simple. Dylan was not informed. Dylan assumed he would be part of her party and celebrate together. The father was upset on Dylan's behalf because both of he and Dylan were surprised of Dylan being left out. The asshole in this situation is the daughter because she did not communicate her intentions.

[@ambearero9455]

@@PairOfSocksGaming True, it just feels like if she was truly treating them as individuals then joint parties would already be the default… speaking as an extrovert twin who felt pressured to include my introvert twin in all of my parties until she made her own friends in middle school, even though my mother never explicitly asked me to. OP should’ve known full well that her teenage daughter wouldn’t want to share a party with her teenage son and started to plan appropriately YEARS ago.

[@ambearero9455]

@@AngelaMerici12 Exactly. The fact that she took the initiative to make her own plans, conceal them, and then feel guilty about concealing them tells me that she knew OP wouldn’t immediately approve of her having her own separate party. And the fact that OP went to her son and said “Your sister made this party, did you know about it?” and not “your sister made a party, let’s make a party for you too!” tells me that she’s making the sister responsible for her brother’s feelings.

[@theakaneko]

Someone told me "the days are long but the years are short" because everyone goes through story 3, some more some less. Also, I laughed at the beard going gray because if he feels old now, imagine when she goes to school or starts to drive or vote!

[@harleyreddragon2394]

Last story: I don't think op was wrong at any point. I didn't serve alcohol at my wedding. I've been to weddings where alcohol was not served. What does it say about our society that we expect to be served alcohol at a wedding?

[@Stopthisrightnow560]

The entitlement that you "deserve" to be notified beforehand as well just blew my mind. Lmfao Casual alcoholics are wild.

[@technicaldifficulties368]

I kind of disagree. It says that people drink? It's a normal part of many cultures that alcohol is served at special events. Even people who don't drink normally will have a glass of champagne as a toast at a wedding. That's not to say it's required, but it is more common to have alcohol than not.

[@Stopthisrightnow560]

@Technical Difficulties It's also completely normal to NOT drink but one of these people is being called the arsehole and that says everything.

[@technicaldifficulties368]

@@Stopthisrightnow560 For not saying anything I think she is a bit of one. Its totally fine that there isn't any alcohol. It's a part of the menu imo. When you host a party and do things a bit outside the norm for the culture it's common courtesy to tell people ahead of time.

[@ettinakitten5047]

@@technicaldifficulties368 Why? Why are they entitled to know that? So they can plan to sneak in alcohol and hide it from OP? So they can decide that they don't care enough about OP to attend a wedding they can't get drunk at? IMO anyone who thinks that's important information to know ahead of time is probably the asshole, I can't really think of any non-assholeish reasons why it'd be important information. Is OP also obligated to mention if there'll be coffee available?

[@yomommah6866]

#4 "people go to weddings to drink" that's like, the biggest load of pathetic crap I've heard all week. Perhaps I'm biased since I don't drink often, nor do I need it to have a good time, but last I checked, you go to a wedding to celebrate a union between people you care about. If you can't do that without getting alcohol in your system, you may need to go to rehab too.

[@angelflyfreesky4984]

Story 1 am I the only one that feels weird about how the daughter kept saying this is what my friends want, I don't care about the sharing of the birthday just was upset to tell the friends it's cancelled, the friends wanted girls only. IDK, sat weird for me. But glad parent and the twins figured it out.

[@drako8343]

Sounds like she really isn’t allowed to want things as an individual and so her friends are the only way she can be herself.

[@mr.protagonist5639]

​@@drako8343 sounds more like peer pressure to me. I think your thinking to deep about it.

[@aries8597]

@@drako8343 if anything, that sounds like the opposite. If she was an individual with her friends she would say …this is what *I* want…and not be so concerned about what her friends wanted to do for her birthday. So either she’s pushing that her friends are saying they want this and she is a bit of a follower or an eager-to-please -push-over. Or She lied again and just said her friends wanted it because she didn’t want to hurt her brother’s feeling even more by expressing what she really wanted. I’m guessing the former, since she said it sucked more to tell her friends the party was cancelled.

[@dorianleakey]

It sounds odd to me they would want a party rather than to go out and do things. It's that age where kids are trying to be more adult. The votes are stuck on the idea of girls and women being forced to do things they don't want to accommodate men, but this seems daughter did it in the only way it could be hurtful.

[@whitneylivingston5706]

OP’s first misstep was asking them individually about the party and not together. Second misstep was not allowing them what they wanted. She wanted a party for just her, he wanted a party for both of them… so give them what they want. Allow her a party for her and her friends, and allow him a party where they can both invite friends and celebrate together.

[@maurer3d]

Story 4: NTA, I think your "friends" need to start attending meetings. If they need alcohol to have fun they are alcoholics. You owe nobody a "warning" that there will be no alcohol, as not having alcohol will not hurt anyone in any way.

[@1Katakana]

Completely agree. It makes it seem like they prioritze going to weddings in order to get drinks, instead of celebrating the couple if they claim it won't be any fun without booze in their system. If they can be in a room filled with people and still not have fun simply because of that one fact, then they need professional help. If they need to be prepeared beforehand, and protests/demands an explanation, for the fact that this will be an (very important/memerable gathering that the couple wants to share with them mind you -a fact that apperently isn't good enough reason on its own-) event where they for once won't be pouring alcohol down their throats as part of this get together, then they probably should get banned from any and all pubs.

[@saratronus]

I agree with you completely. And actually had another comment written down but it was kind of confusing lol. But in short I personally have no problem With alcohol Technically speak They can cause migraines so that's the only problem. I might have with them but even so I hate this whole Social norm Around drinking that if you're not drinking or if your party doesn't have alcohol it's boring. You can't have fun without alcohol. I've had fun for years without alcohol even when I was allowed to drink it. I barely drink And I still had a lot of fun. It's just on the people you're hanging out with the only buzzkills. Are? The people who rely on alcohol for fun. Tbh

[@saratronus]

​@@1Katakana I barely drink and do the medical reasons. I really can't drink any more but no one has called me Buzz killed for it so I never understood people who do that. It's just so foreign to me. I guess I'm the only Out of my friend group that could drink and obviously my family all could drink up. So maybe later in life I'll understand I'm 22 maybe I'm just too young. Lol

[@broken_queer_but_fighting8589]

The step mom story and the new dad ones were so sweet aww

[@TriXJester]

Story 3: The dude was clearly experiencing some pretty severe burnout, which is really common for first time parents, but it also highlights the little recognized fact that dads are just as susceptible to going through PPD as a mother is, we just tend to focus more on the mother's experiences as a society. If you are feeling like that after having a baby than you need to speak up and talk to someone, because while I am so glad it worked out for the OP, this is not always the case and sometimes it just gets worse. Speak up to get help rather than let these feelings destroy you and your life.

[@pickle_pup8187]

Story 2 - this is how a stepparent blends with their stepchild(ren). Just being there and not pushing so hard and trying to wipe out the ex or deceased parent. Taking it one day at a time and being there and showing love. This helps to create acceptance. Story 3 - Baby blues isn’t just a gender feeling. It happens to both. A baby can be overwhelming. The feelings can be confusing and complex. Getting help is so important and being honest is necessary. Also remember that everyone’s experiences are different and it’s ok. The hugs, love, wonders and giggles make it so worth it. ♥️

[@pris1378]

#4: if op had mentioned the no alcohol thing in the invitation? a few idiots would have smuggled some in and that has the potential to go wrong in so many ways.

[@joshrivet4011]

That last story is a doozy, and one that reminds me that users across reddit rarely agree on certain topics, or hold different standards at different points of a discussion. I hear; it's your wedding, it's up to you to decide, end of. Then we have stories like this where the fact it is OP's wedding is ignored for the sake of alcohol. Social lubrication isn't a must, nor is it an expectation, it's an option and options are safe to ignore.

[@rf159a]

Last Story: When I was in construction we would sometimes go to the bar for lunch or after work. We had a fellow worker who would come with us to the bar sometimes. He was an alcoholic (passed away) and I asked him one day why he came with us to the bar and he said he like being around his coworkers. I asked if it bothered him being around the alcohol and he said not one bit. He was proud he was able to beat his addiction and he was proving to himself how strong he could be. All he ever ordered when he came with us was ginger ale. And YES that's all it was because I was always sitting next to him and watched the bartender only ever use the soda gun. Rest in Peace Gino. You were a great mentor and a good friend!!

[@Stopthisrightnow560]

Massive respect, Gino. ❤

[@beebs4283]

Story 4: It’s well and truly fucked that alcoholism is so normalized in society that thousands of people will kick up a little baby fit when they’re not allowed to drink at someone else’s party. That someone not drinking means they’re a “buzzkill” just because they don’t want to be impaired. That this person is being forced to give an excuse as to why they set the rules of their frickin’ wedding the way they wanted to.

[@Swnsasy]

Omgosh I absolutely understand the mother feeling he wish he didn't have his child, I absolutely do and it's NOT uncommon at all.. He's still depressed and I hope he got some help because YES, YES, it. gets.better.. As parents we CANNOT forget to take care of us too! You sit down and talk with your partner about hobbies, date nights etc, and alone time to work out a schedule... I know as parents especially MOTHERS, we get hounded like we're HORRIBLE people for feeling regrets and or wondering, panicking and not understanding why we did this and called bad people.. No, we aren't.. We learn to adjust and have open communication with our partners and in this day and age online support groups... It's OK is what we ALL need to understand... It's O.K..

[@GrayTimber]

Story 4; "People go to weddings for the alcohol." What??? I'm just a little flabbergasted. I understand expecting to be fed at a wedding, but expecting alcohol so much so that you won't go if there is none? That's just bizarre to me

[@AndyyWithAY]

Story 3 I'm curious if this was a planned child and if this was mutual decision? But either way sleep deprivation can completely destroy your whole mood. I've had a few nights of insomnia and hated everyone and everyone until I got some decent sleep. Can't imagine how hard it is for parents with a newborn. I'm glad OP is doing much better now. And dad's can have post-partum depression too. I don't know the ideology of it, if it's hormonal or what but it's a thing

[@khaleesireyna731]

Honestly, yeah. Insomnia is a b and the times I've had a mostly or completely sleepless night, I spend the next day ruminating on a bunch of stuff and being mad about stuff that I'm usually over... I've started to refer to it as "I'm marinating in my salty feelings today".

[@lavonnewr]

doesn't matter if it's planned or not, newborns can be horrific regardless. Tho he did wonder if it was the worst decision he's made...indicating a decision?

[@CristinaFrank]

Story 4: I had a small wedding in Vegas, so this wasn't an issue for me.. but one of my best friend's did have like an X dollar amount for free at the bar for his wedding. By the time we got back from taking pictures(30min max), the alcohol had already exceeded the "free" dollar amount. So the entire wedding party had to pay for all their drinks. I didn't care, because they didn't have the tequila I wanted, but I felt it was inconsiderate of the guests to drink so much before the reception started. That the main couple we were all there to see didn't get a single free drink at their own event. Well, except for the ones I bought for them

[@LA-mz1dd]

Guest don't know the dollar limit and shouldn't need to keep track of it. It was inconsiderate of the bride and groom not to have something put aside for the wedding party. If they wanted to limit the free drinks, they should have given out tickets for the drinks

[@CristinaFrank]

@@LA-mz1dd you're correct, the guests didn't know the open bar limit. But I find it distasteful for people to hear something is free and horde it like a cracked out doomsday prepper. Do people think it's appropriate to get utterly shitfaced in a matter of minutes, WITHOUT the 2 main people they're there for?!

[@auntdeen6314]

I always feel like the answer for people who want an alcohol-free wedding is to have it early in the day. Venues and catering are usually cheaper, you can do a really fun coffee bar and you won’t have nearly as much squawking about the lack of booze. Guests can head out to a bar after the reception if they want to drink.

[@LoveK1]

That’s a good idea and a coffee bar sounds so fun.

[@DivaViews]

Yum, a coffee bar does sound good for day wedding!

[@gngrblls2thwall]

A joint celebration seems like one of those things where it's inherently a "anything but two yeses means no" thing. OP inverted that.

[@Nathan_Bookwurm]

Story 3: It's important we parents also speak about the negative or tiring sides about being a parent. We're expected to always be happy, because "we wanted to be parents." My kids are 5 and 6 now, and while I love them and enjoy them, there's also days where I wish I could have 1 peaceful weekend for myself. Like in holidays, where everything is about them multiple weeks in a row, or when they're misbehaving/have bad days, or when the kids get sick in the middle of a day full of plans/work, etc. Mine also have autism and autidhd, one still doesn't sleep through the night. So parenting isn't always fun. Before becoming a parent you just can't imagine the impact of putting yourself aside for 18+ years really is making on your life. Especially not when they have extra illnesses or disorders. But when expressing any negative emotion about parenting, people look at you as if you hate your kids. I've started avoiding negative topics about parenting with other people, cuz we get pushed in society to present as perfect happy families at all times. It makes me feel lonely and sad. It makes you feel like a failure, cuz why am I not happy all the time? If nobody ever talks about issues, it feels as if you're the only one. Instead we could help eachother out, talking about these topics too. Sorry for the long post. Have a great day everyone 😊

[@scarletonyx8507]

Being a step parent can be hard sometimes, I’ve been one for almost 20 years and story 2 has me sobbing heart felt happy tears. It’s a special thing being loved by child who chooses to love you.

[@musicallydisneyamvs6731]

Story 1.) “You make me do too much labour” (one of the comments made me think of that) to accommodate the slow communication on what’s happening. Also, why cancel, when a basic grounding will do? Glad it worked out.

[@rubymeaddle]

Because she's still getting what she wanted 🤷‍♀️ and you making this about a sexism issue when she's being punished for LYING is ridiculous

[@musicallydisneyamvs6731]

@@rubymeaddle 🤔 If there wasn’t sexism I’m sorry. I think some others sensed that too, judging by the comments. If twins were same sex it’s still rash to cancel before the parent properly communicated between the kids & figured things out as we see they did in the story.

[@rubymeaddle]

@@musicallydisneyamvs6731 She said it's because her friend didn't want any Boys at the party not because she had to plan it for her brother. You're making this about gender is really disrespectful to the Boy whose feelings were hurt

[@Maddogg500]

@@musicallydisneyamvs6731 its called projecting your own experiences into the stories and thats where the reaching part comes into play

[@musicallydisneyamvs6731]

@@rubymeaddle ….🤨 Okay? I think you’re taking this a lot more seriously than me. I just gave my two cents & you disagree. Okay, cool. Chill this ain’t Twitter, I ain’t looking for a fight hun.

[@queencars802]

I'm so happy story 3 had an update. Parenting is HARD mainly that first year. Theres always struggles as they grow but it's such a truly rewarding experience I dont regret becoming a mother one bit. Even as a newborn being woken constantly, when hes sick and I get no sleep, when hes got an attitude and I wanna bang my head on the wall 😂 I love him more than anything

[@melindaflick631]

Story 1 - I think it's time for a family meeting with both kids. They need a timeline for deciding what kind of party, and an agreement to talk to each other by then as well. Dylans feelings were hurt because of not just what Paige wanted to do, but how Paige handled it. Her feelings would have been just as hurt of Dylan had blind-sided her with his choice. They're growing up, and I'd bet the time for joint parties has come to an end for a good decade, if not forever, but it could have been handled a lot better. I don't really fault Dad for how he did it, but he does need to sit both kids down and give them a framework for how to handle differing choices in the future.

[@jeffersondeleon2528]

Dammit Mark, I came here for stories while I study, not to cry with the second story. Jokes aside, it's nice to hear such a holesome and bright story.

[@Raaslen]

Story 4: why are people so obsessed with alcohol? Is everyone so miserable that they can't have fun unless drunk? I get the feeling of a buz is nice, but getting mad that you won't get some drinks is baffling.

[@melindaflick631]

Had 3 kids. I always felt like those early months and years are an endurance run you just have to get through, doing your best.

[@alicatoire7577]

Omg! I have never heard the words Onion Ninja.. this will be my new go to! You are my new favorite person!

[@darkmask5933]

Story 1: I love Reddit being armchair psychologists were trying real hard to vet out Golden Child reasons or that Paige was being forced to kneel to men and OP was so terrible ... turns out Paige was just being a normal selfish teenager, lied in the moment and felt bad after, lol, its not any deeper than that! People sometimes forget teenagers are sometimes little shitheads for no reason and not even to be mean.

[@lordMistbloom]

You're absolutely right sometimes these stories aren't so bad they just needed some to tell them to just talk and it usually gets fixed people just forget not every story is form a toxic family.

[@reggiereggiesauce5755]

Story 3: friendly reminder that postpartum depression can occur in the fathers too

[@CreepyBlueAnimals84]

I got misty eyed when OP talked about hugging his mom and apologizing for not realizing how much she loves him!! What a beautiful story!! Dry Wedding Story: OP is in no way required to share her reasons why she wants a dry wedding but I think the look on the faces of people giving her a hard time would be a come to Jesus moment. It might make them stop and rethink about how their prying and unsolicited comments make them AHs. Plus, you can really milk the fact that people shouldn't have to share things they aren't comfortable with.

[@rickraber1249]

Re: the booze-free wedding. Alcohol has been a major factor in ruining a lot of wedding receptions. The guests are more than welcome to leave early and retire to the nearest pub if liquor is that important to them. And it's extremely rude for her buddies to complain and press her for an explanation. Wow. That's like complaining because you were invited to dinner and the host didn't serve dessert. Grow up, you ingrates!

[@clwbchbabycakes]

Last story - she didn't give people a heads up about the alcohol free wedding because she didn't want them to RSVP not coming.

[@missmutt3741]

No one needs alcohol at a wedding and there doesn’t need to be a reason why it’s their wedding.

[@carlrood4457]

I always found that when feedings went from every 2 hours to every three hours was a big help to the sleep situation. You can time it so you only really have to get up once, at least if you're someone who goes to sleep late like me. Baby naps are also key. I had a recliner and I'd let the baby fall asleep on my chest and nap along with them. Also, with a first child you gradually just get better at the chores and get into a routine, so things like changing diapers become automatic.

[@GreebleClown]

Story 3: Yeah, sounds like he was burnt out from the abrupt lifestyle change and lack of sleep. I’d have suggested both mom and dad ask for help so they get some breaks and time for themselves. Also to give it a year and he’ll be more used to the change and the baby will have more of a personality than just a crying, shitting wriggling thing that can’t be left alone for five minutes lol. Give it a few years and the child can even join you in your hobbies and you can take more time to yourself because they won’t need constant watching.

[@sandeesandwich2180]

S3: The thing about kids -- especially the first one -- is that the child keeps growing and changing (sometimes for good, sometimes with challenges) so that as a parent you are always adjusting. As a friend put it "once you get a handle on this phase of parenting, they change and you have to learn a whole new set of stuff." The other thing, as a first time parent, is that as the child grows, you get more experience, and get more confident and a little (very little) less worried, so your own growth helps things improve as much as the child's growth does.

[@rubymeaddle]

I've literally never been to a wedding that serves alcohol nor have I ever expected to get drunk on the hosts' dime. And I say this as a social drinker.

[@Snowshowslow]

Interesting! Where are you from? I have never been to a wedding where alcohol wasn't included in the free bar (out of some 10-15 weddings) but it wouldn't bother me if there wasn't any.

[@rubymeaddle]

@@Snowshowslow the US 🤷‍♀️ we're not big drinkers in my family and friends circle

[@Snowshowslow]

@@rubymeaddle Well fair enough 😁 That's bound to save everyone loads of money and health issues.

[@elizahamilton5599]

My cousin and sister had an open bar at their weddings but due to county law an officer had to be present to make sure no one got too rowdy.

[@bautistalover]

Well that’s interesting because alcohol and wedding literally go hand in hand. Especially when it’s an open bar.

[@KaliTheMuu]

In regards to story 3, this helped a lot to hear. My partner and I of a year and a half have begun throwing around the idea of possibly having kids in the future. Definitely when we're more financially stable and both out of college. But seeing someone's raw emotions about the whole process of becoming a first time parent is very eye opening. It really does help me have a better perspective on how we'll probably be feeling of and when we do have a kid. So I'm definitely sending this to him to see what he thinks :)

[@Vallyrah]

Story 4: "I have alcoholic relatives and didn't want people trying to talk me into something that I felt was wrong, so I didn't go into it" followed by "I'm not discussing it further, this is not open for negotiation or debate." Then just walk out. This should be enough for anyone.

[@Dodachin]

I can relate to the dad story especially because she was a surprise and at the time my husband was not helpful whatsoever. He would sleep through her crying which left me with a lot of restless nights while he got full nights rest. Among other things. However we worked through it had a long talk and we worked it out. Now my daughter is in the first grade and i couldnt be more proud and loving towards her. She is my everything and now that shes going to school ive found time for myself and activities again that i had to put on pause to take care of her. The angst, the depression it doesnt last forever and its sooo hard at first. The struggle is real. But its definitely rewarding when you get to watch them flourish. (Im only speaking for myself but if you can relate thats wonderful :) )

[@Alisha21210]

My brother and I are fraternal twins. We're 33 yrs old and STILL share our birthdays when we aren't living across the country. We pick the restaurants for the day and spend it with our parents. And we live apart and can't visit then it's a solo party. They should have a shared party for the family and then do one with friends if they want to. Keep in mind us twins used to fight a lot and didn't share friends so we weren't close growing up, especially in HS. I'd feel rejected if my brother ditched me to go out on our bday and didn't even say anything to me :/

[@NottyAries]

S3: it's hard to regulate your emotions when suffering from sleep deprivation. Going from zero to 1 child is jarring. A talk between Mom and Dad where they each get to switch out at least once a week where they get to be alone and twice a month to go on a date.

[@keepdancingmaria]

No one goes to a wedding to drink. SOME losers may go to the reception to drink... But not even the losers expect to drink at the wedding....

[@aaronbickerstaff8984]

I'm a twin and have shared my birthday parties every year. We're 34 years old and still do something we both agree on. We just turner 34 on the 24th of April and are doing a joint party this weekend

[@tamsel814]

For many years I shared a party with my cousin since our bdays are so close. It makes no sense to have seperate parties asking family travel twice on dates close to each other. Of course we would still have a small seperate party with the non related family members/friends.

[@LisaTizzard]

Well happy belated birthday to you and your twin!!! 🥳🎉🎂🎁

[@mediocreskullduggery]

Happy belated birthday, champ 🎉🎂🧁

[@heatherholzhaus7013]

Happy to be here!🎉

[@2Cambell]

Last story- The whole issue about alcohol is solved by having an early in the day service followed by cake, punch and finger foods. Plenty of people do this here. Or simply level with anyone inquiring that there's recovering alcoholics attending and leave it at that. But you better do the lime sherbet ice cream mixed with Sprite for one of your punches!!!😋

[@sdragonfly5549]

Twin story. Okay I am still calling dad the AH after the update because he said the reason his daughter lied was because she forgot and felt guilty about it. Instead of sitting down and having a conversation, that it's okay to forget things sometimes and you can talk to me instead of feeling so guilty you can't be honest with me...he still grounded her. Dad just told his daughter that instead of having an honest conversation, you can talk to me if you feel bad about something, he said nope. If you do you will be punished.

[@RaizelSX]

It sounds like you're reaching to call him an ah no matter what. He's not punishing her for expressing herself, he's punishing her for lying and not expressing herself (which is a twist).

[@Nikkimommyof4]

The story about the first time dad - I think that the major part of his initial post was that he wasn't all in at the beginning. He didn't fully grasp that his life really was going to completely change. He assumed that only parts of it would and acted shocked when he finally realized that this little person had taken over everything. yes it's easier for a woman to grasp this as it our bodies that are taken over first and so we are better able to accept the inevitable but sheesh! it's not as if he wasn't warned. ONly the truly crappy parents maintain any semblance of their original selves while tending to an infant. The truly involved parents change and evolve (i.e. grow up) right along with their child. Lean into the process and it's a much easier transition. If you resist at every turn and try your hardest to maintain your infantile single lifestyle mentality you are going to be in for a world of heartache and pain. It will never work that way.

[@clairebear-96]

Omg story 3, the descriptions of the toddler stages made me tear up, I don’t have kids but I work with babies - 2 year olds and i lovee this 🥺🥺 Edit to add,it’s so true that it’s a different experience every couple of months, I’ve been at my current job for over a year and the babies have grown so much already! It’s so crazy to look back at them just last year and see how much they’ve grown and everything 🥺

[@chinavaughan6383]

Story 1: Why didn’t the brother make plans with his friends for his birthday, like his twin sister did? Doesn’t he have any friends? He probably wanted a dual birthday party so that his sister could do all of the work putting it together. I’m guessing that the sister knew that her brother would say no to having a separate birthday party and decided not to talk to him about it. Mom made a big mistake in forcing her twins to have a joint birthday party. I bet the sister can’t wait to get away from both mom and her brother😒

[@jeancarbonneau6966]

In story 3, I understand that being a first time parent is loads of work in the beginning. The baby crying about food, diaper, loneliness, colics and so on. As the child grows older, you get to see and hear their first words and steps. Then you see their emotional bonds with you even more and how much you love these tiny human beings. I want to be a father to my own children someday but I know that I need to find myself a woman to be able to do this with first. Right now, I'm 50 and I doubt that I'll ever have that chance in the future.

[@ACAB.forcutie]

You could adopt and be a single father. There are so many children who need a parent to love them. 👍

[@jeancarbonneau6966]

@@ACAB.forcutie that would be good if I wasn't on disability benefits. Because of these benefits, I wouldn't be able to support any child in my lifetime. So, I'll only be able to hear from others what raising a child is like and never experience it for real.

[@ACAB.forcutie]

@@jeancarbonneau6966 I mean.. I understand there are barriers, but if it is something you really want to do, you should. There are other ways you can raise children too, you can become a big brother, there are so many volunteer opportunities and children who technically have parents but have no one who actually raises them. Good luck 👍

[@music_horror]

with story 3: the only thing i can think of is "imagine how many deadbeat parents miss out when they abandon the child/SO during the first few weeks of sleepless nights because they couldn't wait."

[@ellybubbs9114]

Omg ty for the new parent story! Today marks 34 weeks for my pregnancy, and I've been so fortunate to have several friends give me the gritty details about their experiences. Without their warnings and encouragement, I wouldn't be as prepared for the bad days as I am now. That poor dad's first post broke my heart, but hearing his update had those onion ninjas killing me!! Thank you for fostering the community you have, Mark! And thank you to the community for being so welcoming and supportive over the last few years! ❤❤❤

[@Stopthisrightnow560]

Oooh, congratulations!!!! As someone who did both midwifery and raised a baby (my nephew) the ONE piece of advice is to trust yourself, trust your body, and trust your baby. Your baby is half of you so you know them already and you'll be so fine. Just relax into motherhood and appreciate that beautiful bubba. ❤

[@ellybubbs9114]

@@Stopthisrightnow560 Incredibly, that's the one piece of advice I've listened to! It really has been so helpful, and I can guarantee it's very appreciated! ❤️

[@Stopthisrightnow560]

@Elly Bubbs You'll do amazingly. Good luck for the next couple of months and I hope your birth goes as smoothly as possible. ❤️

[@agingophelia9812]

If your party is a punishment, it ain't a party.

[@FriedaMMartin]

Good afternoon! I hope all is well!

[@broken_queer_but_fighting8589]

You too m8🤗🤗💜💜

[@impishrebel5969]

I've said it once, and I'll say it agan, and I've been saying for years now on Mark's vids every time a situation like this comes up where someone's peeved there isn't any alcohol served these people must be boring AF if they have to have alcohol to have a good time. I remember that story on here where the OP and partner was like "You poor things! You don't have any alcohol being served!" and then they brought in a trunk load of alcohol much to the bride and groom's anger because there was a reason it wasn't being served. I am so so glad seeing that idea catch on because, y'know, some of us actually just don't like it and being around sloppy drunk people slurring their words, vomiting everywhere, and having to take care of them isn't any fun for *us* . And it's not, in fact, a "marriage tradition".

[@InfernalPume]

"i try to treat them as individuals, but only if one twin gets permission from the other to be an individual" also i dont get punishing kids for lying for the sake of lying. like lies are usually the symptom of a larger issue. you steal something and lie about not stealing. you lie about someone by saying something mean. but 'lying' that you and your brother have agreed to something when you havent, even though you shouldnt need to agree with your brother to have a boundry, thats a lie so severe it deserves to be punished for its own sake? some lies kids tell are indicative of the parents being shitty. whats that old saying? 'strict parents just teach their kids to lie'. even if the daughter lied intentionally and didnt just say the brother had agreed to it without talking to him first, her feeling the need to lie about having her brothers 'permission' is unsettling in its own right. it doesnt really matter if you ask both kids what they want, if either one of them can veto the other ones decision. OP sucks.

[@Pepperjack1986]

Story 4: I'm so confused about why not having alcohol at a wedding is such a big deal. I've been to countless weddings in my life, and the ones where alcohol was available were few and far between. Furthermore, it costs more to have alcohol served at a venue, and most venues won't allow BYOB alcohol due to not wanting to compromise their liquor licenses. In fairness, I live in the US, so maybe it's different in other countries.

[@nidiagarcia8411]

For the last story maybe get non-alcoholic champagne for the end of the wedding and it’s still a dry-wedding.

[@unicornjennie]

S4 NTA you don't have to explain why to anyone. People don't go to weddings to drink, its not required, they go to a bar/pub to do that.

[@lizfritz6546]

Dad story - post partum depression can effect fathers/non pregnant parents too! Alcohol story - people telling OP she disnt warn them… they’ve got like 4 months or so til the wedding. Four months of warning. Also social alcoholism is a very real thing and if you rely on alcohol to get through social or stressful situations you need therapy not a drink

[@honeybelle1203]

That last story is so confusing lol like do most people really need to have alcohol at an event so badly that they have to be warned if there won't be any at a specific thing? are they going to be so traumatized that they can't get smashed that it's going to ruin the entire experience for them? and why tf do they need a justification as to why any one event is going to be booze free? i will never understand the glorification of drinking. i genuinely dont care what people do w their own bodies but if learning that not everybody 21 (or 18 in most places) and over participates in the practice causes their entire worldview to shatter i feel like something is wrong.

[@cynicalrabbit915]

Story 4) Dry Wedding The only problem I can see with warning guests ahead of time, is that some may BYOB. If this happens, do you kick them out or what, especially if no one notices until they get drunk and possibly end up making a scene, possibly going on a drunken rant about OP & NH being too cheap to have even have a bar let alone an open bar. I think the situation and circumstances suck. I can't blame OP but letting them know could lead to the above happening. If some decide not to attend because of it being dry, at least OP will know who came to celebrate and who would only come for the beer.

[@messinalyle4030]

I wonder if the story 2 step-kid's love language is words of affirmation, and that was why his stepmom's note seemed to pierce his defenses in a way that none of the other ways she showed him love did? 4th OP probably could have satisfied the people who so badly wanted a reason for her no-alcohol rule by telling them that one of the people she had invited was an "Anonymous Alcoholic" and she had banned it from the wedding to protect them, and she would protect their privacy by not disclosing who it was. They don't have to know that the anonymous alcoholic is her.

[@maurer3d]

Story 1 (before update): YTA,twins in general only have shared birthdays when they are very young (1-5). Once they start school and have different social groups, their celebration (or parties) should be separate unless they both ask to have them together. If you can only afford one party a year you should alternate one kid gets a party this year and one gets it next. Why are you making it your kids job to do your job? Story 1 (update): OMG, she didn't lie to you. She told you she wanted a solo party.... That isn't a lie, it was her choice. The fact that you went thru with a punishment still is ridiculous.

[@chulutheimposter5415]

Just in time for an upload I see! Hello Mark! How are you doing tonight? I hope all is well and I wish you a great night! (I wish you fellow Waffles a great night as well) I'm currently trying to find the motivation to continue an animation!

[@broken_queer_but_fighting8589]

Good luck with the animation and have a good night and weekend 🤗🤗💜💜

[@bdhesse]

As someone who doesn't drink, I find it weird how viscerally angry people get about alcohol-free weddings and holidays. Like, can you really not go one day/evening without alcohol? Does no one see how much of a problem that is? I mean, I've been to events where all that was available was alcohol or water. I've survived drinking nothing but water at a fancy event. I think if I can manage not throwing a hissy fit about my preferences not being met, others can do the same. And if you can't go to an event and not drink, you probably shouldn't be drinking in the first place.

[@carolroberts4614]

One of my nephews had a dry wedding, and no-one thought anything of it! I don't think we knew beforehand. Everyone had a great time!

[@bdhesse]

@@carolroberts4614 Yeah, I think if I had a wedding there would be no alcohol. I probably wouldn't tell anyone either because I simply wouldn't think about it. The number of people who say people are TA on AITA for simply hosting a dry event is just weird. I don't get it.

[@GMAMEC]

Story 4 - This is definitely a regional issue. Alcohol is frowned upon in some areas in the South, especially receptions held at the church. However, it’s fairly common in other areas, including some church receptions. I hope OP and husband find a way to enjoy their special day.

[@jamilaycock5027]

The first time dad story hits a little different for me. My oldest was a breeze and slept through the night at 2 ½ weeks.. The youngest had them both covered though. My guy had severe acid reflux and couldn't sleep more than 2 hours for the first 4 months

[@Iridiumdaydream]

Story 4: NTA, but I can see this going awry. If some people think the wedding is only dry because OP has an intolerance, they’re likely to bring in drinks from elsewhere. I think if OP doesn’t want to disclose the reason (given the chance the people may not respect it anyway, hard to say), the couple’s best bet is to set aside part of the budget to hire security, to make sure people don’t start bootlegging alcohol in.

[@drea4195]

I just pictured security guards posted at the entrance of the reception, frisking guests as they enter, making them pass through a TSA style scanner LOL. How would that even work?

[@DCD762]

First time parents are always hilarious at the beginning. It was a endearing story 😊

[@Weirdandwonderfull19]

Story 2. I'm not crying, you're crying 😭😂🖤💜

[@bl12]

Story 3. I find it so annoying reading new parents or parents in general talking about “no one talks about how hard xyz is” “no one told me xyz about kids” “no one told me how tired I’d be with a kid” like???? Have you never been on the internet? Have you never read a parenting book? Did you do no prep do becoming a parent at all? Like ALL I see on the internet is how hard it is raising a child, and everyone talking about it. Like this is your fault if you don’t feel prepared for being tired, lonely, sexless, etc etc.

[@dillbert4084]

It must be nice getting a birthday party every year as a kid and getting to have so much deciding power over it. Being twins and getting to have separate parties too? In my family, if anybody born in the same month or season was around, you were probably going to have to share it with all of them.

[@misskate3815]

OP in story one shouldn’t be punishing the little girl at all. SHE created an environment where Paige felt she had to lie and couldn’t honestly say that she just wanted a birthday alone.

[@phoenixsky6124]

I agree the toddler stage is the funniest about 1.5-4yrs

[@Shawtycheira]

I feel bad for the experiences some twins had here. Fortunately as a twin I got to avoid this. The last big birthday we really really got was at the age of 7 years old. Me and my sister were always fighting but we also had a bond. It was deff complicated 😂. But I can say that it was a fair thing. We had both each of our birthday cakes. Our own piñata. And we could invite our close/mutual friends. We were never treated unfairly. Gifts we shared among us and some things we had the same so that was not needed. I like to say that we had the same mindset regarding this. This is not without fighting among us two but we wouldn’t complain to much. I think we were lucky. At one point I rather just celebrated my own birthdays and she too. Our we sometimes did it with each other to split the costs. It really depended. I myself don’t put to much value on this so I had a birthday our two that I didn’t celebrate. And I don’t mind it. She on the other hand would invite me and try to include me. I guess I’m blessed to have her. She always made the effort to make me feel special even if it was not needed/wanted. But I don’t think it’s weird. I think the problem is more on favoritisme and the fact that they both are different genders. It’s easier if you have two girls or two boys.

[@AndyyWithAY]

I'd joined this Discord server and for a few days it was super fun. Then I realized I have almost nothing in common with these people. Like I'll try to make conversation and it's crickets. They're mostly nice, but these are not my people. Making friends as an adult is sooo hard!

[@Stopthisrightnow560]

You got the Tism too? Lmfao

[@AndyyWithAY]

@@Stopthisrightnow560 when I was growing up autism wasn't really well-known at all. I've never been tested, but it wouldn't surprise me at all if I were on the spectrum.

[@Stopthisrightnow560]

@andyawe13 Give a look at it. It took me til I was 28 to realise I was autistic and... MY GOD. It explains EVERYTHING. I now can only socialise with fellow neurodivergent people and have a very small group of friends. Rarely to I find anyone online that I connect with an 9 times out of 10 they're autistic or have the ADHD as well.

[@Lillireify]

I'm not on a spectrum, but I'm having a hard time making friends too :) I always had a hard time with it, then I couldn't understand how people keep in touch, NGL it's exhausting 😂 Finding my husband literally saved me, he's got a huge group of awesome people, I usually vibe with "the wives" and that's how I manage 😂😂

[@cynicalminion]

I'm an only child... I always wanted a sibling... A twin would have been amazing... Or so I've been told...

[@JadeAkelaONeal]

Story 1; YTA ABSOLUTELY 100% Treating siblings as the same person is not okay.

[@jennilynne1977]

I hope everyone is having a great day/afternoon/night! Peace ☮️, hugs 🤗 and love 😘!

[@lina9535]

Story 2: For a moment I felt like this was another pov for the story where the OP (stepmom) decided to divorce her husband after a few things following the stepdaughter having said "you're not my mom"

[@EllieC130]

Dude Story 2 was way too wholesome.

[@orchidoxs126]

Story 1: Without the update. I'm going soft yta. Purely off the fact even though paige didn't want a joint birthday and making them share is just not the way. Her lying and her blindsiding her brother is a problem. But solving that woth a "well you'll have to share with your brother" is not gonna work out. This isn't a toy. A joint party is a two yess, one no type of deal. Edit: I forgot esh was a vote. I change that to esh honestly. Except her brother.

[@wmdkitty]

No, Dylan sucks, too. He ruined Paige's party because he didn't get his way.

[@orchidoxs126]

@@wmdkitty Uh where was that in the story? Because from the story I got that Op asked him he was surprised and sad about it in small terms.

[@Justcallmeaqua420]

​@@wmdkittyyou do realize that Dylan didn't even know what happened, right?

[@Soothar]

I love the heartwarming stories 😢❤

[@ObsidianFaux]

That first story Wow 🤦‍♀️ I didn’t know the kids are making rules