Catching up with loved ones after years apart should be a warm, welcome experience, not a social faux pas.

She had flown in to celebrate her cousin’s engagement, but by the end of the night, she started to feel like her presence was more resented than appreciated.

You’ll want to read on for this one.

AITAH for walking out of my cousin’s engagement dinner?

My cousin Leo (30M) recently got engaged to his fiancée (25F), and our family planned a dinner to celebrate.

I (27F), his cousin, was genuinely excited and flew in from another state just to be there.

I hadn’t seen most of the family in years due to school and work, so it felt nice to catch up.

As she shared more about her life with inquisitive family members, she soon realized someone was glaring at her from across the room.

At the dinner, relatives were asking me about my job, how living in Seattle was, and other life updates.

I answered politely and didn’t think much of it.

Out of nowhere, Leo pulled me aside and told me I was taking attention away from his night. He said I always outshine him and asked me to stop bragging about my career and personal life.

She was taken aback and instructed by Leo to pretty much just cut it out.

I was stunned.

I didn’t bring any of it up—people just asked.

I apologized and asked what he wanted me to do.

He told me to stop talking about myself altogether.

She decided there wasn’t much point of her staying any longer.

At that point, I felt like I wasn’t welcome, so I quietly left.

Later, my aunt and uncle (his parents) called me, upset I left.

I explained what Leo said, and now there’s drama between everyone.

The family is now divided.

Some say I ruined the night. Others are angry with Leo.

So, AITAH for leaving?

She never meant to overshadow anyone. She was simply showing up and being herself.

What did Reddit have to say?

Catching up at an event like this is more than socially acceptable in most people’s eyes.

Someone needs to apologize here, but it’s not her.

Turns out, even when she’s trying to help, she can’t win.

Leo does know people are allowed to speak about things other than him, right?

Maybe his insecurity is the real problem here.

If you enjoyed this story, check out this post about a daughter who invited herself to her parents’ 40th anniversary vacation for all the wrong reasons.