AITA: Internet divided as woman calls off Thanksgiving with mom after 'hurtful' remark about stepdaughter

Thanksgiving is supposed to be a time for gratitude, togetherness, and maybe a second helping of pie. But for one Reddit user, it turned into a full-blown family drama that had the internet divided.

A woman took to the platform to ask whether she was wrong for canceling her mother’s Thanksgiving invite after an emotionally charged exchange about her stepdaughter—and let’s just say it wasn't your typical turkey-day spat.

The comment that lit the fuse

In her post, the woman shared that she’s been a devoted stepmother for over 20 years, raising her stepdaughters as her own. So, when her mother made a comment suggesting her nephew might have a crush on the woman’s teenage step-granddaughter, it set off alarm bells.

“I have a teenage granddaughter (via stepdaughter). My mom texted me saying that she thinks my brother's son has a crush on my granddaughter," she began.

“I am a very involved stepmother, have been for 20 years and raised my stepdaughters in my home. I don't ever call them stepdaughters, and am only using the term for the sake of the story,” she added.

The woman explained to her mother that the nephew and her step-granddaughter are related. Her mother's response was: “They’re not really related.”

For a mother who’s made snide comments about her stepdaughters not being “real” family over the years, this wasn’t just a casual observation—it felt like another jab.

Rather than let the comment slide, the poster decided to stand her ground. “I responded that it was offensive to say my granddaughter is not really related and that I do not want my mother to come for the holiday,” she revealed.

The woman also shared some backstory. “She has a long history of textbook narcissistic parenting behavior, and this happened right after a major family event,” she explained, adding “She usually creates issues around positive family events.”

“She has made little comments about my daughters not being ‘real’ over the years. She is not close to my nephew: her comment was not based on something she heard, it was based on watching them interact at the event," she continued.

Redditors are divided on the situation

Redditors came out in full force and opinions were as divided as a Thanksgiving pie chart. Some felt the woman overreacted and misunderstood her mother’s intent.

“She wasn't suggesting your [stepdaughter] isn't family. She was simply clarifying that the teenagers aren’t blood relatives, so their relationship wouldn’t be incestuous,” one wrote, adding “It sounds like this is a sensitive topic for you and you misinterpreted her comment in the most negative way.”

“Your mother is correct. Of COURSE your stepdaughters and step-grandchildren are your 'real' family, but you are not biologically related. And THAT is what your mother was addressing," another added. 

"You are overreacting. They are not blood-related.  I am not suggesting they should get together, but you are really overreacting to a true statement from your mom.  Which makes me wonder if she is really a narcissist, or do you just constantly get upset over true statements," read a comment.

On the other side, plenty of users supported the woman’s decision, believing her mother's comment was intentionally hurtful.

“It seems like your mom is trying to stir up drama for no good reason. Also, you are the host—if you don't feel comfortable with a guest's behavior, it is your right to uninvite them,” someone else wrote.

Another went even further, "NTA - but just pull the plug and be done with it. You know she only texted you to stir you up, why bother wasting any more of your time on someone who gets pleasure from hurting those she ‘loves.' If she spent your entire marriage dismissing your daughters as yours, then you probably should have done this years ago."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.