Family traditions can sometimes come with unexpected expectations.

The following story is about a man who recently proposed to his long-time partner.

Before popping the question, he asked his girlfriend’s father for his blessing, but her mother felt left out.

This caused unexpected tension within the family, affecting their relationship and even the wedding planning process.

Yikes! Was the mother’s reaction justified? Let’s take a closer look!

AITA for not asking my future mother in-law for her blessing

My fiancé (32F) and I (33M) have been together 10 years.

We just recently got engaged.

Her mother knew this was coming.

We were having the ring custom made. When the ring was finally made and I picked it up, the first thing I did was ask her father for her blessing.

Other than that, no one else knew. Her family is not able to keep a secret.

This man noticed that his future mother-in-law got upset.

After everything was said and done, her mother got really upset I never came to her about the proposal.

Since then, she has been cold towards me and my fiancé.

She doesn’t want to talk. She doesn’t want to have anything to do with the wedding plans.

She seems to be taking little things out on me or my fiancé.

Now, he’s wondering if he should have asked for her blessing as well.

Every time my fiancé talks to her, she finds a way to start a problem.

She says she doesn’t want to talk about wedding planning even though it wasn’t brought up.

I always had the idea that you get the father’s blessing. That’s about it.

AITA for not asking for her blessing as well?

This sounds like a clash between tradition and personal expectations.

OP followed what he believed was the standard, but the mother may have wanted to feel included, too.

I think having open communication with the mother can smooth things out before the wedding.

Let’s check out the comments of other people on Reddit to this story.

This user shares their personal thoughts.

Here’s a valid point.

Another honest opinion.

If you enjoyed this story, check out this post about a sister with a bad history who found herself staying in a hotel instead of with family.

Short and sensible.

Finally, here’s some sound advice.

Some proposals are more complicated than the usual “Will you marry me” question.