As children, our experiences in the past affect our lives in the present.

This man shared how he never liked his stepfather because of how abusive he was to him.

He told the truth to his mom and said that he would never like his stepfather, but he doesn’t know if telling the truth will make a difference.

Read the full story below.

AITA for telling my mother I’ll never like my stepfather?

I (24M) recently had a conversation with my mother (49F) that’s been a long time coming.

A little background: My mom got together with my stepfather (56M) when I was 4 years old.

Since then, my relationship with him has been complicated, to say the least.

This man narrated why he dislikes his stepfather.

Growing up, he was emotionally abusive.

He would belittle me, make cruel jokes at my expense, and criticize me constantly.

These weren’t the kind of things a kid forgets easily.

His behavior planted the seeds of some of my deepest insecurities and traumas.

He said the abuse has hugely affected him.

Even though we’ve had periods where we’d get along—because I felt like I had no choice—I’ve always dreaded being around him.

The emotional abuse was never far from the surface, and it has left a lasting impact on me.

He honestly admitted this to her mom.

A few weeks ago, my mom asked me why I’ve been distant lately, and I finally told her the truth: “I’ll never like my stepfather.”

I explained how his mistreatment has affected me and that, while I’ve tried to make peace with it for her sake, I just can’t pretend anymore.

I told her I don’t want to spend time with him, and I can’t force myself to have a relationship with someone who’s caused me so much pain.

But now, he’s wondering if he should have just kept quiet about it.

Now, I’m wondering if I should have just kept my mouth shut and continued to fake it for her sake.

Maybe it would’ve been better to just keep the peace, but at the same time, I couldn’t keep lying to her.

So, AITA for telling my mom I’ll never like my stepfather?

Let’s find out what others have to say about this.

This user says his mom is a jerk.

It’s better to be honest, says this one.

Here’s a very insightful comment.

People are calling out the mother for letting it happen.

Finally, this user says he’s very brave to do what he did.

She needed to hear this.

You are never wrong for being honest about what you feel and what you’re going through.

If you enjoyed that story, read this one about a mom who was forced to bring her three kids with her to apply for government benefits, but ended up getting the job of her dreams.