{"id":98,"date":"2026-07-21T03:01:31","date_gmt":"2026-07-21T03:01:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/topstoryusa.store\/?p=98"},"modified":"2026-07-21T03:01:31","modified_gmt":"2026-07-21T03:01:31","slug":"aita-for-breaking-up-with-my-boyfriend-after-a-failed-marriage-proposal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/topstoryusa.store\/?p=98","title":{"rendered":"AITA for breaking up with my boyfriend after a failed marriage proposal?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/ad_featured_3546_1782198478-768x403.webp\" alt=\"AITAH for Being the Reason Someone Got an Abortion?\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"\/\"><\/a><a href=\"\/\"> <\/a><a href=\"\/\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Setting boundaries is essential in any relationship, yet some partners disregard them entirely. A 44-year-old woman, a 38-year-old man for just over a year, faced this issue when her boyfriend pressured her into a proposal she did not want. Having been twice before, she had made it clear from the start that she had no intention of marrying again. Despite this, her boyfriend repeatedly referred to her as the mother of his children and fianc\u00e9e, and even tried to force her into selecting a ring while shopping at Walmart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This escalation brought up past trauma and abuse, leaving her feeling cornered and unsafe. Despite his protests and attempts to rationalize his actions, she chose to end the relationship. The story illustrates how clearly stated boundaries must be respected, or trust and safety are compromised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/697158-2.webp\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This image is not real, it was generated by AI to depict the situation of the story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wp-editor-1762585195998-1.webp\" alt=\"'AITA for breaking up with my boyfriend after a failed marriage proposal?'\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Boundaries repeatedly ignored from the start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wp-editor-1762585394052-1.webp\" alt=\"I am 44 have been dating my boyfriend m 38, for a little over a year. Background, we discussed what we both wanted in life before we got serious. I've...\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wp-editor-1762585395080-2.webp\" alt=\"He's been married once before and it ended badly for him. I have 3 kid, 2 of them are grown adults and live on their own with their partners. I...\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wp-editor-1762585396102-3.webp\" alt=\"Now I had no problem meeting his kids and being a friend to them. But he started referring to me as their mom. I told him he shouldn't say things...\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wp-editor-1762585397119-4.webp\" alt=\"Again I told him not to say this. In all the time we have been together he has only been to my house about 4 times. He always has an...\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wp-editor-1762585398139-5.webp\" alt=\"So I would go to his house which is about 40 minutes away. Any time we went anywhere we always took my car because he would say he doesn't have...\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A shocking proposal escalated the situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wp-editor-1762585384140-1.webp\" alt=\"So last week we were shopping in Walmart for a few things I needed for my house. When he pullse over to the jewelry counter, he pins me up against...\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wp-editor-1762585385207-2.webp\" alt=\"I finished getting what I needed check out and leave. When we get to his house I tell him I have to leave. The whole thing just brings up all...\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Firmly ending the relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wp-editor-1762585379935-1.webp\" alt=\"He threatened to come to my house but of he didn't because he never comes over. So I flat out tell him I can not marry you. He replied why...\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wp-editor-1762585380971-2.webp\" alt=\"He claims he doesn't remember this and say he can wait, like I'm going to change my mind. All the whole say how much I'm hurting him and hard this...\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Red flags ignored repeatedly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wp-editor-1762585374525-1.webp\" alt=\"So again I remind him I don't want to get married and after the stunt he pulled in the store in front of his daughter, I have nothing more to...\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Clear communication and respect for boundaries are fundamental to healthy relationships. According to Dr. John Gottman, \u201cDisregarding your partner\u2019s expressed limits consistently can erode trust and emotional safety, often more than overt conflict\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this case, the poster had explicitly communicated her unwillingness to remarry. Her boyfriend repeatedly ignored these boundaries, tried to force a marriage proposal in public, and pressured her emotionally. Experts note that coercive or manipulative behavior, even without physical harm, constitutes emotional abuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Additionally, forcing a partner into a parental role for one\u2019s children, or disregarding their autonomy regarding caregiving, can create long-term resentment and psychological strain. Legal or therapeutic guidance is recommended when partners continue to ignore boundaries, as the poster\u2019s choice to end the relationship demonstrates proactive self-protection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Here\u2019s what people had to say to OP:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many users supported the poster, validating her decision to break up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wp-editor-1762585358259-1.webp\" alt=\"Laiko_Kairen \u2212 Yeah, he is looking for a mother to his kids. Who you are and what you want is a distant second place to his search for a live...\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wp-editor-1762585359192-2.webp\" alt=\"[Reddit User] \u2212 Yup run. And change your locks and passcodes just in case.\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wp-editor-1762585360027-3.webp\" alt=\"Dachshundmom5 \u2212 I told him I had no intention of ever getting married again. he started referring to me as their mom. he kept saying he was going to marry...\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wp-editor-1762585361033-4.webp\" alt=\"Any time we went anywhere we always took my car he pins me up against the counter and tells me to pick one. We go back and forth and I...\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wp-editor-1762585362050-5.webp\" alt=\"He claims he doesn't remember this and say he can wait, like I'm going to change my mind. All the whole say how much I'm hurting him and hard this...\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wp-editor-1762585362956-6.webp\" alt=\"the stunt he pulled in the store in front of his daughter The whole thing just brings up all the abuse from previous relationships You are NTA.\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wp-editor-1762585363925-7.webp\" alt=\"However, why on earth have you stayed with Mr Red Flag for a year? Have you ever gotten counseling regarding the abuse?\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wp-editor-1762585365004-8.webp\" alt=\"lipgloss_addict \u2212 Yipes. You were going to be a mommy to this guy and his kids. Pinning you against the counter? Yeah he is a creep. I'm glad you got...\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wp-editor-1762585365926-9.webp\" alt=\"Dipshitistan \u2212 This dude is having a buy one, get one free sale on red flags.\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wp-editor-1762585366764-10.webp\" alt=\"Dragon1Heat \u2212 He doesn't want a partner he wants a mother.\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wp-editor-1762585367586-11.webp\" alt=\"SamuraiMarvin \u2212 NTA you set your boundaries clearly in the beginning and he chose to ignore them (or didn\u2019t pay enough attention to remember them). You\u2019ve lived your life and...\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wp-editor-1762585368612-12.webp\" alt=\"He\u2019s looking for a person to raise his, and considering he was going to propose so soon and was pushing you so urgently, I say you made the right decision....\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wp-editor-1762585369594-13.webp\" alt=\"facinationstreet \u2212 You have recognized all of the red flags for over a year with this guy and you continued to date him. You allowed his lack of participation as...\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wp-editor-1762585370577-14.webp\" alt=\"(never coming to your place\/never driving), you allowed him to continually break your boundaries (referring to you as mom to his kids, gaslighting you). Of course you aren't TA.\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wp-editor-1762585371534-15.webp\" alt=\"*However*, maybe it is time to not date for a year or more and work on healing from past relationship, learning how to set and keep boundaries, how to advocate...\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Other commenters emphasized the lack of respect and autonomy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wp-editor-1762585345665-1.webp\" alt=\"ConsistentRough4128 \u2212 NTA, this ridiculous notion that a woman's biggest dream is to marry has made some men believe that they're some sort of superhero for going through with this...\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wp-editor-1762585346652-2.webp\" alt=\"(as statistics state, married men are happier while married women, often not). His constant lack of care for what you want, won't go away and will only get worse as...\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wp-editor-1762585347637-3.webp\" alt=\"DisneyBuckeye \u2212 I was completely ready to yell at you based on the title, but after reading the post, girl run away NOW. He is ignoring your boundaries, taking advantage...\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wp-editor-1762585348625-4.webp\" alt=\"I will say, he probably hasn't figured out that you ended the relationship, he sounds like the kind of person who only hears what they want to hear. So you...\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wp-editor-1762585349617-5.webp\" alt=\"coralcoast21 \u2212 Walmart? For an engagement ring? Thanks, but no. Next he'll be wanting OP to fund basics for his kids.\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wp-editor-1762585350517-6.webp\" alt=\"BeardManMichael \u2212 Sounds like he's a man child. If you got with him, you'd have to deal with his children and his own childish stupidity. Don't go anywhere near that....\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wp-editor-1762585351476-7.webp\" alt=\"[Reddit User] \u2212 A marriage proposal is a crossroads in my mind. Either you get married or you break up. It's the big decision moment.\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Humorous and candid comments added perspective on the absurdity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wp-editor-1762585333185-1.webp\" alt=\"SockMaster9273 \u2212 NTA He was looking for someone who can work for him not someone to love him. He makes more money than you but has to live with his...\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wp-editor-1762585334569-2.webp\" alt=\"He is trying to get his kids to call you mom when you tell him that is not what you want. You have told him what sounds like multiple times...\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wp-editor-1762585336231-3.webp\" alt=\"He pins you up to a counter, in front of his daughter to force you to pick out a ring which makes you fight against him which is basically showing...\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wp-editor-1762585338211-4.webp\" alt=\"I feel bad for his kids and you but no remorse for him. He was a bad partner to you and you deserve someone who understands marriage is not what...\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wp-editor-1762585339211-5.webp\" alt=\"Pugooki \u2212 NTA. He knows your boundaries. He just needs to dismiss them and get you capitulate, so you can be his new cash cow and bang maid. He is...\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en.aubtu.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/wp-editor-1762585341264-6.webp\" alt=\"That is pathetic. He is not right for you. He doesn't respect your autonomy. Anyone pushing his victimhood for you to take him back should be discarded with him. They...\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This story highlights the importance of boundaries, autonomy, and respecting past experiences in relationships. The poster clearly communicated her unwillingness to remarry, yet her partner repeatedly ignored her limits, escalating to coercive behavior in public. Ending the relationship was a necessary step for personal safety and emotional well-being. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Readers can reflect on how to recognize red flags and enforce boundaries early in relationships. What constitutes emotional coercion or abuse? How can partners respect autonomy while navigating blended families? Sharing experiences and strategies can help others identify unhealthy dynamics and prioritize self-respect in complex dating situations. Share this post <a href=\"\/\"><\/a><a href=\"\/\"> <\/a><a href=\"\/\"><\/a><a href=\"\/\"> <\/a><a href=\"\/\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Setting boundaries is essential in any relationship, yet some partners disregard them entirely. A 44-year-old woman, a 38-year-old man for just over a year, faced this issue when her boyfriend &hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":99,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-98","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-life-style"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/topstoryusa.store\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/98","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/topstoryusa.store\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/topstoryusa.store\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/topstoryusa.store\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/topstoryusa.store\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=98"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/topstoryusa.store\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/98\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":100,"href":"https:\/\/topstoryusa.store\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/98\/revisions\/100"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/topstoryusa.store\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/99"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/topstoryusa.store\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=98"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/topstoryusa.store\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=98"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/topstoryusa.store\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=98"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}