There’s a reason why someone becomes our “ex”—because only we know how they actually are, even if they charm ourfamily. Now imagine, this ex ends up marrying someone within your own family. That would definitely make things awkward, wouldn’t it?

That’s what happened with Reddit userStandard_Raccoon8402,whose ex married her brother, yet constantly brought up things about their relationship, making the whole family feel awkward. Later, he became so toxic that the original poster (OP) tried to talk to her brother about it, but he thought that she was doing it out of jealousy!

More info:Reddit

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When someone becomes our “ex,” we don’t want them close to our family, much less to marry someone within the family

Siblings sitting apart on a couch, looking upset, reflecting family tension after an ex married the brother.

Image credits:yanalya / Freepik (not the actual photo)

The poster broke up with her ex, Alex, amicably, and her family was very close to him toward the end of their relationship as he is very charming

Image credits:Standard_Raccoon8402

People outdoors enjoying a casual gathering, talking and smiling.

Image credits:freepik / Freepik (not the actual photo)

Less than a year after their breakup, Alex started dating her brother, Matt, and eventually, they got married

A woman in a red sweater looking pensive, sitting on a park bench.

Image credits:Victoria Romulo / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

Alex also dragged his in-laws into the drama, and when the poster tried to talk to Matt about how toxic things were, he brushed it off as being “jealousy”

Today, we dive into a family drama that was something quite new for netizens when they heard about it. What happened was that the poster broke up with herboyfriendof three years, Alex, amicably, but he was quite close with her family and her parents liked him as he was charming and helpful.

However, less than a year later, he started dating OP’s brother, Matt, and they eventually gotmarried. The poster mentioned that it stung her a little, and later, it got unbearable as Alex started bringing up instances from their relationship, which made things awkward for everyone.

To gain deeper insight into the matter,Bored PandacontactedTrupti Bobade, a psychologist atThe Secret Ingredient. She said that in such a situation, the poster might grapple with a sense of loss, not only of the former romantic relationship but also of the unique bond shared with the sibling.

Trupti also believes that this dual loss can intensify emotional distress, potentially leading to internal conflicts and challenges in processing these intertwined relationships. “It feels like someone took an old wound, reopened it, and then decided to put it on display in your own home,” she added.

It was expected that theirrelationshipwould turn into a “trainwreck” as per the poster. Thecoupleconstantly fights, and Alex even coaxed Matt to take out a loan, which tanked his credit. Moreover, Alex acted downright toxic at times and even joked that he “married up”. Ouch, that must have been hurtful for the poster!

Two men on a couch using a phone and laptop, conveying awkward family dynamics.

Image credits:Ron Lach / Pexels (not the actual photo)

Our expert explained, “Humor, particularly self-deprecating or dark humor, is often employed as a defense mechanism to mask underlying insecurities or to alleviate tension in awkward situations. By making light of the past, the ex-partner may be attempting to normalize the current dynamics, reduce their own discomfort, or preemptively address potential tensions.”

However, Trupti mentioned that this approach can backfire, as it might prevent genuine emotional processing and could inadvertently cause discomfort for others involved.

The poster said that she tried to stay neutral for years but she can see that it’s getting out of hand as Matt is always miserable. But, when she brings it up, he accuses her of sabotaging his marriage out of jealousy. Even theirparentsare tired of all the drama and OP feels torn because of it all.

Trupti noted that observing a sibling who remains in a relationship due to feelings of guilt, obligation, or external pressure can be challenging. “Reluctance to discuss the relationship, visible emotional distress, withdrawal from family and friends, possibly due to embarrassment or fear of judgment, all these are clear signs that the relationship is out of obligation,” she added.

Folks online felt that Alex and Matt were both being unreasonable and that the poster should keep out of it. They said that, no matter what she did, they could end up blaming her for everything, so it would be best to maintain distance from the situation. Others also claimed that Alex was still obsessed with her, causing him to make such jokes.

Reddit comment expressing frustration about a sibling dating their ex, causing family tension.

Text conversation about awkward family dynamics after brother’s ex marries his sister, causing tension.

Comment on awkward family dynamics due to sibling marriage situation.

Reddit comment discussing awkward family situation after brother remarried ex.

Comment on awkward family dynamics: “Every time he brings up your relationship I would say loudly ‘ewwwww why are you so obsessed with me?

Text conversation screenshot featuring family drama and awkward relationships.

Comment on family awkwardness involving brother and ex, suggesting to stay out and watch.

Text exchange discussing awkward family dynamics after brother’s ex married the sister’s sibling.

Comment discussing awkward family dynamics after a brother’s ex married his sibling.

Reddit comment joking about awkward family dynamics after sister’s ex married her brother.

Comment by user Background_Cry_8779, advising to “steer clear of the dumpster fire.

Comment by MasterpieceNo5217 on family awkwardness after ex married brother, humor about relationships and hand-me-downs.

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