AITAH for telling parents that I am not coming back and I don’t need the inheritance?

When family expectations clash with the life you build for yourself, the result can be as bitter as it is liberating. In this story, a 30-year-old man from India reveals how choosing to live his truth by staying in the USA with his husband cost him a massive inheritance.

Despite being born into wealth and having an inheritance valued at eight figures in American dollars, he refused to sacrifice his identity and the support system he’s built over the years. His parents demanded he drop everything—including his husband—and return home, threatening to cut him off from the family fortune if he didn’t comply.

For him, success isn’t measured solely in money; it’s measured in love, self-respect, and the freedom to be authentic. Having cleared the USMLE, moved to the USA for a residency in anesthesia, and found his partner shortly after, he now stands firm in his decision. Was he wrong for choosing his husband and the life he’s built over a life-altering inheritance?

‘ AITAH for telling parents that I am not coming back and I don’t need the inheritance?’

Expert Opinion:

Dr. Laura Markham, a clinical psychologist specializing in family dynamics and identity, explains, “Choosing to live authentically is one of the most courageous acts, especially when it means going against deeply ingrained family traditions. When a person’s identity is at stake, material wealth cannot compensate for the loss of self.” Dr. Markham’s insight is vital in understanding that our writer’s decision was about preserving his integrity rather than rejecting his family outright.

Dr. Markham further states, “It’s important for individuals to build a support system that affirms who they are. When family pressures demand conformity at the cost of personal happiness, the psychological toll can be immense. In such cases, severing ties with outdated expectations is necessary for long-term well-being.”

Relationship expert Dr. John Gottman adds, “In modern relationships, particularly within non-traditional families, establishing clear boundaries is essential. When financial security is pitted against emotional fulfillment and authenticity, the decision to prioritize personal happiness is not only justified but also vital.” Gottman explains that while the inheritance may be substantial, the emotional and psychological value of living truthfully cannot be measured in dollars.

He continues, “Our society often undervalues the importance of being true to oneself. When a person chooses a life partner who supports their identity, it sends a powerful message about the kind of future they want to create—a future based on mutual respect and genuine love, not on material wealth.”

Together, these experts affirm that while the writer’s decision might seem radical to his traditional family, it is a necessary step toward a fulfilling, authentic life. His choice reflects years of personal struggle and eventual triumph in embracing who he truly is.

Here’s what people had to say to OP:

Several redditors expressed overwhelming support for the writer’s decision, with one user stating, “You have every right to choose your own happiness over outdated family expectations. Living authentically is priceless, and no inheritance is worth sacrificing who you are.”

Another group shared personal experiences of breaking away from traditional family pressures. One commenter mentioned, “I left a toxic environment to live my truth, and it changed my life. Your story is inspiring—money is important, but your identity and love are irreplaceable.”