2 weeks Ago
Recently, Reddit user Silent_Marsupial3824 (or OP, for Original Poster) shared that she recently had a run-in with a mom at a restaurant, and she wanted to know, "AITAH (Am I The A-Hole) for refusing to share my table with a woman and her two children?" Commenters swiftly came to OP's defense. Even parents were on her side, declaring her, "NTA (Not The A-Hole). People with children have to wait to be seated just like everyone else.
I could see this happening at a busy mall food court, but asking at an actual restaurant is pretty entitled. I've had to wait for seating with small children at restaurants. It's part of life.
" — MarthaT001 "I have children. When they were younger, going to a cafe was often my time to get some peace by myself. The LAST thing I would've wanted was to have someone else’s kids (who I’ve never met) in my space.
" — MichaSound "It's weird that your colleague reacted that way. Maybe she's a mother herself and doesn't understand that you're not obligated to like other people's children? I understand that children are wonderful, but not everyone is required to share that enthusiasm." — Mischievous_Muse "She’s not the A-hole for asking, and you’re not the A-hole for refusing.
She’s the A-hole for not accepting your 'no.'" "Having kids doesn’t mean you can be an entitled d*ck." — autoredial "If you were sitting in your car and she opened the door and asked you to give her a ride, you would say no.
She'd complain that you have all these extra seats, and she has two small children. You'd try to explain yourself, and she'd get confrontational. When you put the same story in a different setting, you're still not at fault in any universe.
" — Queen_B84 But some commenters required more context before making a ruling. "Where did this incident take place? In some cultures, this behavior would be acceptable. In others, this wouldn't be tolerated.
" — HMS_Slartibartfast "Yep. In parts of Asia, it's normal or even expected that you'll share a table with strangers at cheap restaurants..
." — captainhornheart Others thought everyone was in the wrong. "ESH (Everyone Sucks Here).
Sharing a table doesn’t mean you have to be friends. You’re all sharing space regardless. Be kind.
" — Simple_Mix_4995 "Yes, ESH. I think the decent thing would have been to just let her sit with you. Spread kindness.
If you were in her situation, you'd want the same thing." — No-Opposite-11 Silent_Marsupial3824 later posted an update to answer some of the commenters' questions. "I don't understand what the type of restaurant has to do with the situation, but it's a regular restaurant near my work.
It's not fast food. You don't need a reservation. If tables are available, you walk in and sit down.
All the tables have four seats. When it gets full, you have to wait in line, and a waiter will tell you when there are tables available. In my case, I arrived before the busy time.
" "Secondly, I know I could have lied to the mom by saying I was sick or waiting for someone, but why should I have to lie? I decided to be honest, and I don't think I was rude when I told her I felt uncomfortable with the idea to share my space with a stranger." She continued: "No, I don't have children. I have nephews and some children in my life who I love, but that doesn't mean I like other children.
Some commenters said there are places where this behavior is normal. But in my city, it's uncommon to sit at a stranger's table, regardless of whether it's a cafeteria, McDonald's, or a food court." "Where I live (Bogota, Colombia), these situations of sharing a space like a table aren't common.
It depends on the table, of course. I know restaurants where there are long communal tables, and everyone sits at the same table. But this place didn't have a sharing policy or the spaces for that.
" So now, I'd love to know who you think is in the wrong. Did the mom with two kids overstep, or was OP out of line for denying the mother's request? H/T r/AITAH Some responses have been edited for length and clarity..
