For the past three years, I've had no contact with my mother due to several deep-seated issues between us. The situation escalated when I discovered she had misappropriated $15,000 from me and incurred over $45,000 in debts under my name using my social security number. Throughout my life, she was emotionally manipulative, and she even attempted to sabotage my relationship with my now-husband before our marriage. For these reasons, among others, I made the decision not to invite her to my destination wedding.

The wedding day arrived, and about an hour before the ceremony, my maid of honor informed me that my mother had unexpectedly appeared, having travelled all the way across the country to attend without an invitation. I asked my maid of honor to escort her to my bridal suite so I could speak with her privately. During our conversation, I firmly explained that she would need to leave or I would cause a scene and embarrass her in front of the entire family. Despite her tearful pleas and attempts to manipulate the conversation, she ultimately agreed to leave.

Following the ceremony, several relatives approached me, expressing their displeasure over my actions. They argued that I should have allowed her to stay, claiming that she only wanted to witness her first daughter's marriage. I knew better; her presence was merely an attempt to regain control over my life. Since then, her side of the family has bombarded my phone with messages declaring that my husband and I are in the wrong and demanding an apology from us.

If this tense and emotional scenario were to unfold on a reality show, I can only imagine the heightened drama and public opinion that would surround it. Cameras capturing every tear and harsh word would likely polarize viewers, some sympathizing with my need to protect my peace on my wedding day, and others vilifying me for rejecting a parent, regardless of our fraught history. The heated discussions it would provoke among the fanbase could very well dominate social media, with team hashtags and all sort of debates.

Am I really so unreasonable as my family claims?

Should I have allowed my estranged mother to attend my wedding?

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