A Reddit user shared a family situation in which her future daughter-in-law was trying to dictate the choice of dress for her upcoming wedding. The older woman, who travels for work Monday through Friday, was unable to take time off for dress shopping. Despite offering to shop for a dress on her own based on examples provided by the bride-to-be, she was met with resistance and called a jerk. The woman’s son, however, supported her decision to wear her usual blue dress and did not see it as an issue.
The post received over 8,000 reactions and more than 2,000 comments. Many users on the platform sided with the older woman, deeming her “NTA” (Not the A–hole). Dr. Kathy Wilkerson, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in relationship issues, acknowledged the difficulty of such family situations. She advised the older woman to express her willingness to make the bride happy while maintaining her work obligations. Wilkerson suggested that the bride pick out three dresses for the older woman to choose from, promoting compromise without sacrificing too much.
One Reddit comment suggested that the older woman keep her son’s room ready for him, implying that he may return due to the bride’s behavior. Another commenter criticized the bride for being unwilling to compromise and expressed concern for the son marrying someone who is difficult to deal with. The sentiment of the comments overall reflected support for the older woman and her decision to prioritize work commitments over dress shopping for the wedding. The consensus was that the bride should be more flexible and understanding of the older woman’s schedule.
The situation highlighted the challenges of balancing personal and family obligations, particularly when family members have conflicting priorities. The older woman’s refusal to take time off work for dress shopping was seen as reasonable given her work schedule. The support she received from her son and the Reddit community reinforced the importance of standing up for oneself and maintaining boundaries, even in contentious family situations. Ultimately, the advice given by Dr. Wilkerson emphasized the value of compromise and empathy in resolving conflicts within families and relationships.
