Brother Made My Life Hell, Then Got My Wife Pregnant. Now He... - Best Reddit
TLDRThe narrator details a tumultuous family history marked by his brother David's bullying and eventual affair with his wife, Karen, resulting in a child of uncertain paternity. After enduring years of abuse and betrayal, he confronts David, who is disowned by their parents. The narrator, having divorced Karen and embraced independence, grapples with the revelation that his 'son' is actually David's, leading to a complex emotional journey and a firm decision to cut ties with his brother and wife.
Takeaways
- π‘ The narrator's brother, David, has always been the favored child and has shown deep resentment towards the narrator, despite not being the one to be envious.
- π¨βπ¦ The family dynamic was skewed, with the mother indulging David while the narrator was expected to assist without receiving the same consideration.
- π€ The narrator's straightforwardness may have led to a negative perception by the mother, further exacerbating the favoritism towards David.
- π₯ David's behavior escalated to bullying and even physical harm, with the parents often dismissing the severity of his actions.
- π The narrator was subjected to various forms of bullying at school, which David not only failed to support but actively encouraged.
- π₯ The narrator's life changed after learning MMA, which gave him the confidence to stand up to David and bullies.
- π The narrator discovered his wife Karen's infidelity, including a long-term affair with his brother David, which led to a deep sense of betrayal.
- π The revelation that the narrator's son might be David's child caused a significant emotional upheaval and the eventual end of his marriage.
- π David's actions led to him being cut off from the family, including financial support, after the truth was exposed by the narrator.
- πΌ The narrator's father decided to leave the majority of his estate to the narrator, with only $1 for David, as a consequence of David's betrayal.
- π« The narrator has severed ties with David, refusing to mediate or support him after being cut off by their parents.
Q & A
Why did the narrator's brother, David, harbor resentment towards him despite being the favored child?
-The script does not provide a clear reason for David's resentment, but it mentions that he was the 'Golden Child' of the family and was indulged by their mother, which might have contributed to his sense of entitlement and the desire to assert dominance over his brother.
What was the turning point for the narrator's relationship with his father regarding David's behavior?
-The turning point occurred when David attempted to set the narrator's hair on fire. The father finally sided with the narrator, threatening to call the police on David, and made it clear that David needed to start respecting his older brother.
How did the narrator's father support him after the incident with David and the fire?
-The father had a conversation with the narrator, validating his experiences and enrolling him in MMA classes at a local gym to help him stand up to bullies and build his confidence.
What was the nature of the relationship between the narrator's wife, Karen, and his brother, David?
-Karen and David had a long-term affair that started before the narrator and Karen were married and continued even after their marriage. Karen eventually revealed that their son might be David's child.
How did the narrator find out about Karen's affair with David?
-Karen confessed to the affair herself, revealing that she and David had been seeing each other secretly for years and that their son might be David's child.
What actions did the narrator take after discovering Karen's affair with David?
-The narrator confronted his parents with the truth, leading to a confrontation with David over the phone. He then divorced Karen, conducted a paternity test, and moved into his own place.
What was the outcome of the paternity test regarding the narrator's son?
-The paternity test confirmed that David was the biological father of the child.
How did the narrator's parents react to the revelation of David's affair with Karen?
-The parents were shocked and disappointed. The father decided to cut David off financially and from the family's inheritance, leaving him only $1.
What was the narrator's father's decision regarding his will after the incident with David?
-The father decided to leave almost his entire estate, amounting to nearly $2 million, to the narrator and only $1 to David.
How did the narrator feel after moving out and living alone post-divorce?
-The narrator felt a sense of freedom and enjoyed his new independent lifestyle, despite the initial surreal feeling of living alone.
What was the final outcome for David after being cut off from his family's financial support?
-David had to drop out of college due to financial difficulties, started working part-time as a mechanic, and began raising the child with Karen.
Outlines
π Brother's Betrayal and Family Favoritism
The narrator describes a troubled relationship with his younger brother, David, who was the favored child in their family despite the narrator's independent nature. David's bullying and cruel actions, including an attempt to set the narrator's hair on fire, are detailed. The family's reaction to these events is also discussed, with the father eventually siding with the narrator and enrolling him in MMA classes. This leads to a pivotal moment where the narrator stands up to David, physically asserting himself for the first time.
π Escalating Hostility and University Liberation
The hostility between the narrator and David escalates over time, with David resorting to verbal insults and the family dynamics becoming increasingly strained. The narrator eventually leaves for university, where he experiences a newfound sense of freedom and peace. It is during his time at university that he meets his wife, Karen, and they marry after discovering she is pregnant. However, the narrator's world is shattered when he discovers Karen's infidelity with David, leading to a profound sense of betrayal and the revelation that his son might not be his own.
π‘ Uncovering the Affair and Family Confrontation
The narrator confronts the reality of his wife's affair with his brother and the possibility that his son is not his biological child. He faces the painful truth and decides to leave Karen, seeking support from his parents. A dramatic confrontation ensues, with the narrator exposing David's actions to their parents, leading to a significant shift in family dynamics. The father's disappointment and decision to cut David off financially highlight the severity of David's betrayal.
π€ Divorce, Paternity, and David's Downfall
The narrator goes through a divorce with Karen, who tries to fight for alimony but is unsuccessful due to her infidelity. A paternity test confirms that David is the father of the child. The narrator experiences a mix of emotions, including anger and relief, as he moves into his own place and begins to live independently. David's attempts to reconcile are met with rejection, and the family's decision to cut him off is solidified.
π€ Reflecting on Family Dynamics and Moving Forward
The narrator reflects on the changes in his relationship with his parents, particularly his father, who has become more like a friend. His mother, despite missing David, respects the family's decision to cut him off. The narrator learns that David has been struggling financially and has had to drop out of college, now working as a mechanic and living with Karen. The narrator himself is doing well, having been promoted at work and focusing on healing and personal growth.
Mindmap
Keywords
Resentment
Favoritism
Bullying
Inheritance
Affair
Paternity
Divorce
Vindication
Independence
Loyalty
Consequences
Highlights
Brother's deep-seated resentment and bullying behavior towards the narrator since childhood.
Narrator's acceptance of his brother's actions due to his independent nature.
The family's favoritism towards the brother, which led to the narrator being overlooked.
Brother's attempt to set the narrator's hair on fire and the father's intervention.
Narrator's enrollment in MMA classes to stand up against bullies.
First incident of infidelity by the narrator's wife, Karen, with her co-worker.
Discovery that the narrator's son might be fathered by his brother, David.
Narrator's confrontation with his wife about her affair and the child's paternity.
Narrator's decision to divorce Karen after the truth is revealed.
Father's decision to cut David out of the inheritance due to his actions.
Narrator's vindication as the truth about David's betrayal is exposed to the family.
David's attempt to reconcile with the family after being cut off financially.
Narrator's refusal to help David and his decision to cut ties with him.
Narrator's emotional struggle with the fact that his son is actually David's.
Mother's attempt to mediate between the brothers and father's firm stance against David.
Narrator's update on his life after the divorce and David's current situation.