Groom-To-Be Stirs Up Family Feud By Picking Brother’s School Bully Over Him As Bestman

“It’s been fifteen years - People change!”

Jesse

• Published in Interesting
• November 8, 2023

In the small town where our narrator (Original Poster) grew up, a story of redemption and unlikely friendship unfolded. It all began in a middle school plagued by a notorious bully named Max.

The narrator's younger brother was one of Max's unfortunate targets. School authorities seemed indifferent to the problem, so OP’s brother was left to fend for himself - he ended up living out his middle school years in torment.  

OP, who was four years older, had dreams of attending college - but unfortunately, not the funds. So he rolled up his sleeves and saved every penny, and finally, the day came when he could attend a community college.

But here’s where things get spicy; of all people to run into in college, it was none other than his brothers bully Max! They even ran track together, so OP begrudgingly worked with him sometimes.

However, everything changed when OP suddenly lost his grandfather. His family kept this painful secret from him until the day of the funeral - which worsened the blow. 

During his grief, an unexpected source of solace emerged—Max. Their shared experience during this challenging time drew them closer, and Max pledged to make amends for his past bullying.

OP’s younger brother immediately rejected Max's apology. OP acknowledged it was his right, but that didn’t stop their friendship from blossoming.

At 34, OP announced Max would be his best man at his wedding. His brother threw a fit and vowed not to attend – how could OP choose his former bully over his own kin?

It’d been fifteen years, and Max was now a dear friend. Was he making a huge mistake?

Let’s dig into the details

A little background

OP’s brother has made it clear that he won’t be attending the wedding if Max is on the guest list

Important edit

Here’s how the Reddit community reacted to the story:

“To me YTA, you don't get to decide when someone gets over being bullied.”

“YTA. I think you are ignoring what actually happened, because you already made up your mind.”

“Unfortunately you aren't entitled to your brothers presence, nor is this other person entitled to forgiveness.“

“You are the AH for picking someone who bullied your brother. Also, that bully didn't even apologize until you said something.”

“I see nothing wrong with you moving on here and not directing your life to accommodate a hurt that your brother has carried for two decades.”

“In this situation if i was your brother wouldnt go to the wedding and i would keep a distance from you.”

“Your brother is hurt you are choosing the person who made his life hell as a kid over him.”

In a candid heart-to-heart, OP uncovered a surprising truth: the conflict wasn't solely about Max. It boiled down to his brother's desire to be the best man. When he learned who was chosen over him, it stung even more.

OP made him realize their distant relationship was the core issue; he wasn’t even on his younger brother’s wedding party as well.

Anyway, they reconciled with laughter and hugs, and his brother will attend his wedding- cue the fireworks!

What do you think about this story? Let us know in the comments. 

Jesse