Have you ever been on vacation, just trying to relax and treat yourself to a nice glass of wine or a cold beer with dinner? If so, you’re definitely not alone. For many people, having a drink while on holiday is just part of winding down. But for one woman on a solo trip, a simple glass of wine turned into a surprising conflict that has sparked a wide conversation online.

The incident was shared on Reddit by user nurseB89 in the popular subreddit “Am I the Asshole?”—a place where people post real-life situations and ask the community to weigh in on whether they were in the wrong. The subreddit has grown massively, with more than 24 million posts and countless debates on everything from family disputes to everyday awkward encounters. A week ago, nurseB89 added her own experience to the mix, and it didn’t take long for it to blow up.

According to her post, she was enjoying a solo vacation in Tenerife, Spain. Wanting to keep things simple and stress-free, she booked an all-inclusive package, so she wouldn’t have to hunt down restaurants or navigate dining alone. All-inclusive trips often appeal to solo travelers for that very reason—they allow people to relax, meet new faces, and focus on enjoying themselves.

That evening, like many people on vacation, she ordered a glass of wine with her meal. The restaurant had what she described as “club-style” seating, where guests are placed at large tables to encourage socializing. She was seated first at a table that could seat eight, and not long after, a family of five—two parents and three children—joined her.

Then things took an unexpected turn. As the family sat down, the mother looked at nurseB89 and said, “We do not wish to expose our children to women drinking alcohol.” Trying to remain polite, nurseB89 smiled and suggested that if it was a problem, they were welcome to request a different table. She also made it clear that she planned to continue enjoying her glass of wine. But instead of letting it go, the family began making passive-aggressive comments, apparently bothered by the fact that she was alone and drinking.

Later, when she went to the buffet to get food, the situation escalated. When she returned to her seat, she noticed that her wine was gone. Confused, she looked around and was then approached by a waiter who asked to see her wristband—used to verify all-inclusive guests. The waiter explained that the family had told him she was underage and had likely snuck away from her parents. He was very apologetic once he realized it wasn’t true and promptly returned with a fresh glass of wine, just as the family returned to the table with their food.

Frustrated but not shaken, nurseB89 decided to take things a step further. She asked the waiter to bring her the full bottle of wine—and, for good measure, a couple of shots of vodka. When the shots arrived and she began to drink them, the family quickly stormed out of the restaurant.

At the end of her post, she asked the Reddit community whether she had gone too far by escalating the situation. Responses poured in, and most readers were firmly on her side. One user replied, “Then don’t take your kids to places where alcohol is served,” while another added, “So a woman drinking in front of their kids is bad, but lying to staff and making false accusations is okay? That’s quite a moral compass they’ve got.”

The story sparked plenty of strong opinions. Some commenters pointed out that the family’s decision to shame a stranger—and then attempt to get her in trouble—was far more harmful than a woman quietly enjoying a drink at dinner. Others highlighted the absurdity of trying to control someone else’s behavior in a public space. As one Redditor wrote, “Expecting people to cater to your personal preferences in a shared environment is actual insanity.”

Another user raised a simple but important point: “You were seated first. If they had an issue with alcohol, they could’ve easily asked to be placed elsewhere.”

Interestingly, many solo travelers chimed in with messages of support. One commenter, also a woman on a solo vacation, wrote, “I’m currently in Egypt on my own, enjoying a glass of wine at an all-inclusive. I just want to say—I’m applauding your pettiness.”

The post resonated with many who have found themselves in awkward or judgmental situations simply for existing in a way someone else didn’t approve of. It also sparked debate about parenting, public etiquette, and the double standards women often face when drinking.

So what do you think? Was nurseB89 out of line for ordering more alcohol after the family had her wine taken away? Or was she well within her rights to push back in her own way? Should parents expect others to change their behavior just because children are present, or should they take responsibility for managing their own family’s experience in public?

This story raises important questions about boundaries, respect, and how we interact with strangers in shared spaces. It’s also a reminder that while we all have different values and beliefs, forcing those views onto someone else—especially in a dishonest or judgmental way—can do more harm than good.

If you’ve ever been in a similar situation or have strong thoughts on the matter, we’d love to hear your perspective. Share this article with your friends and family, and let us know what you think in the comments.