AITA for telling my dad to get the f**k out of my life and go attend his precious stepdaughter’s wedding?

Family relationships can be messy, especially when past neglect and favoritism resurface during major life events. I (24F) have long struggled with feelings of abandonment by my dad—he wasn’t there for me growing up, dodging child support for the first seven years and only reaching out when it was convenient.

Over the years, as he tried to patch things up, I grew increasingly resentful when his stepdaughter and his daughters always seemed to come first. Recently, when planning my wedding, a heated family disagreement escalated to the point where I told my dad to “get the f**k out of my life” and go attend his stepdaughter’s wedding instead. Now, my family is in turmoil, and I’m left questioning if I overstepped or if my feelings are completely justified.

‘ AITA for telling my dad to get the f**k out of my life and go attend his precious stepdaughter’s wedding?’

Dr. Laura Markham, a clinical psychologist specializing in family dynamics, explains, “When a parent repeatedly neglects a child’s emotional needs, even attempts at later reconciliation can feel hollow if the past isn’t acknowledged. Expressing your anger in a moment of vulnerability, while harsh, is an understandable response to years of feeling undervalued.”

She continues, “It is important to establish boundaries in family relationships, but these boundaries must be communicated in a way that fosters healing. A one-time outburst might provide immediate relief but can also deepen long-standing wounds if not followed by sincere dialogue.”

Dr. John Gottman, a relationship expert, adds, “In blended families, favoritism and unresolved resentments can resurface during major life events like weddings. While your feelings of hurt and abandonment are valid, working through these issues via open, mediated discussions could pave the way for healthier long-term relationships. An apology isn’t necessarily about admitting fault—it can be about creating space for mutual understanding and repair.”

Both experts agree that your reaction reflects deep-seated pain, but they caution that, over time, healing might require more than an explosive statement.

Here’s the feedback from the Reddit community:

Several redditors expressed strong support for your reaction. One user commented, “After all the years of feeling neglected, you’re not the asshole for finally putting your foot down. It’s time your dad realizes he can’t always play favorites.”

Another commenter shared, “I get it. Family should be there for you, not constantly put you in the shadow of someone else. Your outburst might be harsh, but it’s a wake-up call that you deserve better.”

Ultimately, your decision to tell your dad to “get the f**k out of your life” stems from a long history of feeling neglected and undervalued. While your reaction was explosive, it reflects deep emotional wounds that have yet to be healed. This situation raises an important question: How do we balance the need to express our hurt and set boundaries with the possibility of future reconciliation in complex family relationships?

What would you do if you found yourself in a similar situation, where repeated favoritism and neglect push you to an emotional breaking point? Share your thoughts and experiences below—your insights might help others navigate these challenging family dynamics.