AITA: Internet backs woman who refuses to pay for brother’s girlfriend’s gluten-free pizza

The internet supports a woman’s decision not to pay for her brother’s girlfriend’s gluten-free pizza at a wake.

The Reddit user, known as BeigeSugar, a 48-year-old, recounted her experience in the 'AITAH [Am I The A*****e]" thread, which garnered over 11,000 upvotes and ignited extensive debate.

Woman refuses to pay for extra gluten-free pizza at family gathering

In her post, the woman detailed how her family mourned the death of their 46-year-old brother and arranged a life celebration at a pub. She thoughtfully ordered 10-12 pizzas, ensuring there was a gluten-free option for her younger brother's girlfriend who was "gluten intolerant."

"Soon after, 26 [her younger brother] orders another gluten-free pizza with different toppings and tells them to put it on my bill," she wrote on Reddit. "I don't have much money and didn't think it was cool for him to add another $20 without saying something to me."

The original poster detailed her frustration with her brother and his girlfriend's behavior during another brother's hospital stay.

She observed that while the younger brother and his girlfriend frequently visited, bringing Starbucks and Culvers for certain family members, they consistently excluded his sisters. Her refusal to cover the cost of additional pizza subsequently upset her younger brother.

"I told him that the second $20 gluten-free pizza was his responsibility and asked the server to take it off my bill. He got angry, shoved me out of the way to pay, and stormed out. We haven't spoken since because he says I disrespected his girlfriend. AITAH?" she questioned.

Experts weigh in on family dispute over pizza

Braquelle Murphy, a psychotherapist and the founder of Dazed Therapy shared with Newsweek, "There can be so many complex emotions coming up in the aftermath of someone passing away. It sounded like the 48-year-old female had and knew her financial limits and wanted to have boundaries around it. We're all entitled to boundaries."

Rachel Marmor, a licensed mental health counselor and Chief Wellness Officer at the Practical Application of Intimate Relationship Skills Foundation, mentioned that the younger brother might have perceived the refusal to pay for the second pizza as a slight against his girlfriend, which could have exacerbated his frustration.

"At its core, the dispute is about more than just pizza or financial boundaries. It highlights a deeper misalignment of expectations and communication," Marmor explained.

She proposed that recognizing their common sorrow might pave the way for a tranquil dialogue centered on reciprocal comprehension.

Reddit users overwhelmingly back OP's decision to set financial boundaries

The Reddit community strongly supported the Original Poster, endorsing her choice to establish financial boundaries.

A user wrote, "NTA. i have a gluten-free diet and if i was going to an event and someone had taken the time to make sure to get me a gluten-free pizza with veggies (as im so used to people never bothering or struggling to cater for me), i would be so touched and grateful!"

Another added, "NTA. Your brother is obnoxiously entitled."

Another commented, "I’m not gluten free but this sounds about right. It’s about being grateful for what’s given. There are times you throw a fuss but this isn’t one of them."

"NTA. WTF was she doing eating two whole pizzas?" asked one.

A person asked, "Any reason why your brother wasn't splitting the full bill for the celebration of life? NTA."

One said, "NTA. lol, tell him he disrespected his girlfriend by not buying her meal."

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