AITAH for telling my brother he cannot stay with me over Christmas if he brings his prosthetic leg?

Family gatherings over the holidays are meant to be warm and welcoming—but sometimes, personal boundaries can turn celebration into conflict. In this story, a 32-year-old man shares a bizarre situation that arose when his younger brother, who has a prosthetic leg, wanted to spend Christmas with him.

Despite his brother having two perfectly healthy legs, he inexplicably carries around a prosthetic, a fact that the poster finds “creepy” and deeply unsettling. Determined not to let this “thing” into his home, he set a firm condition: his brother may stay only if he keeps the prosthetic securely stowed away in his luggage, and if it appears outside, he reserves the right to dispose of it.

When his brother refused this condition, he decided he’d rather spend the holiday without him. The tension in the family escalated quickly, leaving his brother at their parents’ house—where he reportedly feels miserable. Now, he’s left wondering if his decision was too extreme or if he’s justified in protecting his own space.

‘AITAH for telling my brother he cannot stay with me over Christmas if he brings his prosthetic leg?’

Dr. Laura Markham, a clinical psychologist specializing in family boundaries, explains, “When someone repeatedly violates a household’s established norms—especially during family gatherings—setting clear and non-negotiable boundaries is essential for maintaining peace. While the situation here might seem unusual, the poster’s reaction is rooted in a desire to control his environment and prevent discomfort.”

Dr. Markham further states, “Although it may seem extreme to outsiders to condition a family member’s stay on something as personal as a prosthetic leg, the core issue is about the perception of one’s personal space. If an individual feels that an unusual behavior undermines their sense of safety or comfort, asserting boundaries—even harsh ones—can be a healthy coping mechanism.”

Similarly, relationship expert Dr. John Gottman notes, “In any family setting, especially during the holidays when emotions are high, it is important to communicate clearly about what is acceptable. Even if the condition appears arbitrary—such as a requirement regarding a prosthetic—the underlying message is about mutual respect for shared space. If one party feels threatened or uneasy by something, it’s not necessarily irrational, though it might need further exploration in therapy.”

Both experts agree that while the poster’s condition may seem overblown, it highlights the importance of maintaining a personal environment free from elements that cause distress. They suggest that open dialogue and possibly counseling could help the brother understand the impact of his behavior, though ultimately, personal boundaries must be respected.

Here’s the feedback from the Reddit community:

Several redditors sided with the poster, commenting, “If someone’s behavior makes you uncomfortable in your own home, you have every right to set firm rules. It might seem petty, but your home is your sanctuary.”

Another group shared similar experiences, with one user stating, “Family quirks can be weird, and if you’ve tried explaining your discomfort and nothing changes, then you’re justified in enforcing boundaries—even if they seem extreme to others.”

Ultimately, while your demand regarding your brother’s prosthetic leg might seem unusual to some, your reaction is rooted in a deep need to maintain control over your personal space during the holidays. The question remains: Is it fair to set such a specific condition, or should you consider a compromise that respects both your comfort and your brother’s choices?

This situation invites us to reflect on the nature of personal boundaries—how far are we willing to go to protect our sanctuary, and what are the costs of doing so in a family setting?

What would you do if you faced a similar situation with a family member’s unusual habit? Have you ever had to enforce strict rules in your own home? Share your thoughts and experiences below—your insights might help others navigate the delicate balance between personal comfort and familial relationships.