Reddit’s Band Of Misfits Share Tales Of How They Went From Cherished Kin To Family Outcasts
Families are supposed to be our safe haven, always there to catch us when we fall. But sometimes, you find yourself in the bizarre position of being the ‘black sheep’—an outsider in your own tribe. Nothing stings quite like the cold shoulder from the people who are supposed to love the most.
In one corner of Reddit, a group of folks with similar experiences gathered to share their tales of exile from family, and the stories were nothing short of fascinating.
Take, for instance, those who faced rejection based on income. One person found themselves on the outs for making significantly less than their family.
However, even the higher earners didn’t fare much better. Despite one Redditor’s generosity and covering more than their fair share of family-related expenses, they felt they had to "cosplay poor" to avoid being labeled a douche.
Lesson learned: making less is a problem, but somehow making more is worse. The only safe bet? Staying within the same tax bracket as your loved ones. Write that down, folks.
Interestingly, it wasn't just financial discrepancies causing rifts. Another Redditor faced rejection after clarifying a family myth about their ancestry—one everyone had been happily rolling with for centuries and embedded deep into their identity.
A 23andme result revealed they were, in fact, not Native Americans but purebred Europeans. The truth does hurt sometimes, and this user was kicked to the curb after breaking their family’s hearts with this revelation.
Then there were the childfree rebels. "Not married, childfree, almost 40," one concisely put it. Others faced the stigma of mental illness, cast out for challenges beyond their control.
Let’s dig into the details
Check out some interesting comments we've gathered from the Reddit community;
The Redditor is an unmarried, childfree individual approaching their 40s.
The Redditor lives with a mental health condition.
"As an adult I chose not to have that parent in my life"
"Wanted to (and did) move away from our small town, go out and see what the rest of the world is like"
"I made sure my Step Mother's family were all aware that my father is a pe*ophile."
The Redditor is a non-religious individual and holds liberal views.
"I don't keep quiet when someone says something I don't agree with, even if they are old"
"The only one who did not serve in the army. Funny enough my father is cool with it but my mother (who did not serve) doesn't like it"
"Born to pentecostal preachers and I don't believe in God"
"I'm that weird bro who just stands very quiet in a corner in the family party, doesn't like socializing"
So, it turns out that being the black sheep can come from many different places—income disparities, personal choices, or even facts of genetics.
But here’s a little nugget of wisdom: while you might find yourself distanced from family, there’s always a community out there ready to embrace you. Sometimes, the family you choose turns out to be more supportive than the one you’re born into.
We’d love to get your thoughts on this story. Join the conversation in the comments.
