AITA for refusing free dental work to my financially struggling family members?
In the quiet depths of family ties, a line was drawn—one that tested love, loyalty, and the price of success. An orthodontist, committed to fairness and integrity, faced an impossible choice when asked to bend his principles for family.
What should have been a simple request for help became a battle of values, exposing raw emotions and fractured bonds.
Caught between compa*sion and conviction, the man stood firm against accusations of greed, knowing that his refusal was not about money but about respect and equality.
Yet, as the walls of misunderstanding rose, the woman he loved was left torn, her heart aching at the crossroads of family and fairness.
This was no ordinary conflict—it was a poignant reminder that love sometimes means standing strong, even when it hurts the most.
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The original poster (OP) is facing significant conflict because they upheld a professional boundary regarding offering free orthodontic services to family, prioritizing professional fairness and consistency over familial financial need.
This stance has led to criticism from the brother-in-law and in-laws, causing emotional distress for the OP's wife who is caught between her husband's principles and her family's expectations.
Is the OP justified in maintaining a strict 'no free work' policy for professional consistency, even when facing accusations of selfishness from financially struggling relatives, or should familial obligation and financial s**bility mandate an exception to their professional practice rules?
Internet Users Didn’t Hold Back:
Users didn’t stay quiet — they showed up in full force, mixing support with sharp criticism. From calling out bad behavior to offering real talk, the comments lit up fast.