Dad’s Vacation Betrayal: Unforgivable or Just a Mistake? ️

We all have that one moment from our childhood that sticks with us, whether it’s good or bad. For one person, it’s the vacation they never got to take with their dad when they were 13. While attending their grandma’s funeral with their mom, they discovered that their dad, stepmom, and stepsiblings had gone on the vacation of their dreams without them. The hurt and betrayal they felt in that moment still lingers, even as they’re about to graduate college. Can this relationship ever heal, or is the damage done? Let’s dive into their story.

A Dream Vacation Missed

The Unfortunate Timing

Feeling Like a Fool

Rebellion and Revenge

The Cost of Anger

A Late Surprise

Cancelled Plans and Harsh Words

Guilt and Distance

Occasional Contact

A Father’s Pride and Pain

The Pain of Being Ignored

The Unresolved Issue

Can a Broken Bond Be Mended?

The emotional scars from the missed vacation run deep, and even years later, the relationship between this father and child remains strained. While the child acknowledges their own misbehavior, they still struggle to move past the hurt and betrayal. As they prepare to graduate college, the question remains: can they find a way to mend their broken bond, or will the memory of that vacation continue to drive a wedge between them? Let’s see what the internet thinks of this situation…

Therapy recommended for OP to process trauma, not judgment on Reddit

Divided opinions on whether dad is NTA or not.

NTA comment defends low contact with dad after secret trip.

NTA for feeling insecure as a child, but talk it out

Father’s betrayal of young child on vacation: NTA comment defends.

A missed vacation led to deeper pain and broken trust.

NAH, commenter advises to consider fixing things with regretful dad ❤️

Commenter questions context of vacation and funeral decisions

ESH. Holding a grudge is unhealthy. OP also at fault.

NTA. Dad betrayed child during funeral for vacation with new family.

ESH mistake led to a nightmare situation

OP’s dad’s past actions still affecting their relationship. NTA

Commenter suggests family counseling for ESH situation

Commenter thinks OP is in the wrong.

Daughter calls out dad for missed vacation, commenters debate fairness.

NTA comment highlights broken trust and hollow apology.

Years of neglect followed by half-hearted apology. NTA

Validating a 13-year-old’s feelings after dad chooses step-family over them

Commenter accuses OP of being the a**hole for holding grudge.

Don’t forgive to feel better, forgive yourself instead.

Commenter calls out OP’s overreaction to dad’s mistake.

Betrayal by dad, unforgivable or justified? NTA’s verdict.

NTA suggests therapy and calls out AH behavior with analogy

Validating a 13-year-old’s feelings

NTA comment calls out dad’s behavior and questions his intentions

NTA’s dad betrayed them, therapy recommended for mental health

Heartbreaking story of a neglected child and absent father

Is ending a relationship over a vacation an overreaction?

Redemption or not, YTA needs to forgive and move on.

ESH, but counseling could help you move past it.

Lying dad tries to make up for vacation betrayal

Excluded stepchild shares her story, calls out dad’s behavior.

Betrayal from a parent hurts, counseling may help

Commenter calls out OP for being petty and immature.

Letting go of anger is hard, but necessary for healing ✌️

Family therapy might help fix the betrayal and hostility.

13 y/o OP not told of family trip, NTA. Therapy recommended

Commenter calls out YTA and suggests counseling

Excluded from family vacations, NTA commenter lost interest

Counseling may help address deeper issues behind vacation anger

Ex’s betrayal affects child’s perception of family. NTA. Seek therapy.

Commenter deems dad as the a**hole. Poor dad

Commenter suggests seeking therapy for deeper issues. ‍

NTA, but counseling may help you work through the resentment.

Commenter calls out OP for overreacting and being self-centered

Betrayal hurts, forgiveness is hard. NTA.

Commenter suggests therapy for both parties to work through pain.

Redemption for dad? Commenter suggests being nicer for future regrets

Therapy helped me cope with my dad’s betrayal. NTA.

Dad excluded them from dream vacation, then surprised them.

Family vacation drama: ESH, but dad’s lie is unforgivable.

Commenter calls out OP’s overreaction to dad’s mistake