‘AITA for not letting my mom come to my wedding after she ignored me my whole life?’

Parental neglect—whether emotional or physical—can leave long-lasting effects on a child’s self-worth and mental health. Research shows that children who experience emotional neglect often struggle with trust issues, low self-esteem, and difficulty forming healthy relationships in adulthood (Perry, 2014). Your mom’s behavior—ignoring your achievements, failing to check in on you, and prioritizing another family—aligns closely with what experts call dismissive neglect, where a parent provides basic needs but fails to emotionally invest in their child.

A similar case gained attention in 2018 when a man publicly confronted his mother at his wedding after she abandoned him as a child. Like in your situation, the mother expected an invite despite years of absence. The backlash she faced was severe, as most people agreed that being a parent is about consistent effort—not just showing up for the big moments.

Additionally, your relatives urging you to invite her “to keep the peace” are prioritizing conflict avoidance over your emotional well-being. This is a common dynamic in dysfunctional families, where the scapegoat (you) is expected to tolerate mistreatment to maintain harmony. But keeping the peace at the expense of your happiness isn’t worth it.

The internet had a lot to say in response.