Aaron and his twin brother Dylan used to be very close, despite having different personalities. After college, Aaron moved far away and built a life in Portland, while Dylan stayed in Arizona. When Dylan got engaged, Aaron was excited and wanted to attend the engagement party. However, he was never invited and was given excuses that it was a small family dinner.
Later, Aaron discovered through their aunt that Dylan had actually rented a whole restaurant and invited many people—everyone except Aaron. Dylan and their parents avoided explaining the exclusion.
Aaron suspected jealousy or insecurity from Dylan, recalling how Dylan’s fiancée once confused him for Dylan.
At family gatherings, Aaron felt alienated. His sister Jamie even told him he felt like “not really family anymore” because he lived far away.
At the wedding, Aaron wasn’t included in the wedding party or given a plus-one for his girlfriend Megan. When he didn’t show up, family members tried to contact him last minute, but he refused to come, telling his mother he felt unwelcome and unacknowledged.
Though the situation hurt deeply, Aaron has started accepting that some family members have distanced themselves. He values those who genuinely want him around—like Megan—and is moving forward focusing on those relationships.
