People Spill Their Most Mischievous 'Am I The Jerk?' Stories

"I (30F) have never really gotten along well with my uncle (married into the family), his wife is my aunt and sadly I think he's rubbed off on her and they've raised their kids with their mindset and values. Naturally. Largely this stems from his political views which are gross but, he also has this demeanor of being better than everyone and if you've been to Tenerife he's been to Elevenerife. Anyway, over the years I've had plenty of pointed remarks from my uncle about my perceived booze intake. I did party a lot during college but, having grown up whilst I still like to party I leave it to special occasions. He has implied I am a heavy drinker before. My aunt has also made pointed remarks independently. My eldest cousin from that set has made pointed remarks. He was too young to remember my college days but it appears his parents have said something. Fast forward to now, we went out for a family birthday dinner and my youngest cousin from that set said "You've always got a drink in your hand, haven't you?" To which I replied to say I only ever saw them at celebrations, we see each other less than twice a year. He then called me a heavy drinker to my face. I called him out for it and he looked mortified. He did then call me and apologize and it was a very good apology. I am not fond of this part of the family for many reasons but, having had it from all angles I am truly fed up. The fact that the two cousins are so comfortable talking about what they think I drink tells me his parents have spoken about it at home. Whilst the youngest has apologized, none of the others ever have. I had invited them to my wedding reception to keep the peace with my dad and grandparents but, they can go and whistle IMO. So, AITJ for inviting my family to my wedding?" Another User Comments: "NTJ - It's YOUR wedding, you should surround yourself with people who love and care about you and your happiness. They have made it pretty clear that they do not fall into this category, and that was their choice. You should be proud of yourself for not only recognizing that these aren't the kind of people you want around you on your special day but for actually acting on it and not having them there. Hopefully, the cousin that apologized will rub off on the rest of them. But until that happens (if it ever does) protect your peace!" cupcake-snail Another User Comments: "This holier than thou uncle sounds like a barrel of fun. Some families seem to need to demonize another family member. Do not invite them to what should be a happy day for you without any judgment. Tell them that there will be drinking at the wedding and you don’t want to make them feel uncomfortable. That they should plan another small reception for you with them at a future date where there will be no booze. I hope you have a great wedding." Shashi1066 Another User Comments: "Why should you be miserable on your wedding day?  Why should you invite people who will monitor you the entire time with snide remarks?  Why should you be doing damage control to your reputation on your wedding day?   There is no answer good enough to justify inviting those people.  If you are enough and mature enough to get married, you have the right to exert your power over who comes and doesn't come to your wedding.  If you can't do that,  you're not ready to get married. The only ones who matter are you and your fiance.  BTW....keeping the peace is always at your expense and never the person wanting you to keep the peace.    BUT... the one making the peace ALWAYS regrets it afterward. So don't do it.  Uninvite all of them.  If comfortable with the youngest who apologized,  you can let him come.  Anyone who has been giving you grief up until now,  ban from thy wedding.  NTJ" Outrageous-forest