Thanksgiving is a time for family, but what happens when a family reunion turns sour? One man (30M) found himself in the middle of a power struggle when he visited his mother for the holiday. His mother’s boyfriend, who happens to be his ex-stepfather, made a surprise appearance and reignited old conflicts. With tensions running high, would he stay or would he go?
Surprise, Surprise!

The Unwelcome Reunion

Mother’s Loneliness

Work Interrupted ⚠️

Just a Few Minutes, Please

Power Move

Confrontation Ensues

His House, His Rules?

Taking a Stand ✊

Leaving Early

Self-Care Time

Ruined Time Off

Love for Mom, But… ❤️

A Thanksgiving to Remember… or Forget?
Caught between his love for his mother and his resentment for her controlling boyfriend, our protagonist made the difficult decision to leave Thanksgiving early. After a heated confrontation over his abruptly shut-down laptop, he put his foot down and demanded to be treated like an adult. Now, he’s left wondering if he made the right choice, and if the holiday season will bring more drama or a chance for reconciliation. Let’s see what the internet thinks of this situation… ️♂️
Stand up to bullies. NTA. Consider hotel if visiting.

Ex-stepfather sabotages laptop, NTA. Plan Orphan’s Christmas with friends.

Commenters agree that OP is NTA and the mom’s boyfriend is an a**hole.

OP handled the situation like a boss ♂️. Skip toxic holidays until respected. NTA

NTA for leaving Thanksgiving after mom’s boyfriend sabotaged laptop

Don’t let mom’s boyfriend ruin your holiday season. NTA.

NTA. Going no contact seems like the best option

Setting boundaries is important for mental health

Mom’s boyfriend sabotages laptop while OP works. NTA!

Don’t let a controlling a**hole ruin your holiday. Stand firm!

Controlling boyfriend sabotages laptop, NTA stands up for himself.

Setting boundaries with a controlling stepfather. Good for you!

Skip Christmas with toxic mom’s boyfriend. NTA-approved

Protect yourself from bullies. Control your environment. Good luck

Standing up to ex-stepfather, but checking on mom’s well-being

Protect your mental health. Have an honest conversation with mom
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Stand up for yourself and don’t tolerate abuse.

Mom’s boyfriend sabotages laptop, NTA for leaving Thanksgiving early

Set boundaries with toxic family members for your own well-being.

Mom’s boyfriend ruins Thanksgiving and laptop, NTA leaves early

Mom’s boyfriend crosses the line, commenter says NTA

Protecting your self-care is important . NTA for leaving early.

Toxic mom’s boyfriend ruins Thanksgiving, NTA leaves early.

Mom’s boyfriend sabotages laptop, commenter calls him a**hole. NTA.

Setting boundaries with toxic family members. Good for you!

NTA. Commenter calls out OP for considering a weak apology.

NTA. Standing up for yourself and leaving was the right move

Standing up to abuse is never easy, but you did it.

Avoid toxic ex-stepdad and mom this Christmas. NTA.

NTA comment receives no replies.

Mom’s boyfriend sabotages laptop, NTA leaves. Mom needs boundaries.

Mom’s boyfriend messes with laptop, gets called out.

Mom’s boyfriend sabotaged laptop, commenter supports OP and condemns bully.

Skipping Christmas after laptop sabotage.

Mother’s boyfriend sabotages laptop, NTA for leaving. Sad situation

Spend Christmas with friends, not toxic family.

Respect personal boundaries. Turning off someone’s computer is serious

Siblings unite! Start a new Christmas tradition without the abuser

Setting boundaries with toxic family members

Commenter sympathizes with OP and suggests taking a break from family.

Power tripping mom’s boyfriend gets what he deserves. NTA!

Avoiding toxic family members on holidays

Mom’s boyfriend sabotages laptop, NTA for leaving Thanksgiving early

Commenter suggests helping mom leave boyfriend, gets pessimistic response.

NTA and staying calm despite torment? Impressive

Stand up for yourself and set boundaries with mom’s boyfriend

NTA for leaving early due to mom’s boyfriend’s destructive behavior
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Don’t let age stop you from standing up for yourself

Avoiding violence and standing up for yourself. NTA

Cutting off toxic family members NTA

Mom’s boyfriend is a control freak. You’re NTA.

Respect your boundaries and cut out toxic people

Mom’s boyfriend sabotages laptop, commenter advises therapy. NTA

Cutting ties with toxic family members is sometimes necessary

Commenter suggests physical retaliation against laptop saboteur.

Escape toxicity this Christmas, you’re NTA

Don’t let toxic family members ruin your holidays. NTA

Commenter believes OP is not the a**hole.

Respect for personal property is a must. NTA for reacting.

Commenter believes OP is not the a**hole in situation.

Avoiding toxic family members is sometimes the best option

Standing up for yourself is always the right thing

Mom’s boyfriend crosses the line, commenter agrees

Mom’s boyfriend sabotages laptop, commenter supports leaving toxic environment.

Commenter believes OP is not at fault

Son stands up to mom’s boyfriend’s laptop sabotage

Leaving Thanksgiving early was the right move. NTA

Tough love from a commenter, prioritizing relationships.

Agreed! NTA and that guy is a total .

Commenter believes OP is not the a**hole
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Agreeing with NTA verdict and condemning mom’s boyfriend

Stand up for yourself and set boundaries with toxic family members.

Avoid toxic family members during the holidays

Don’t mess with someone’s work! NTA comment section agrees.

Comment suggests mom settle for better options than toxic boyfriend.
