AITA for moving in with my boyfriend and considering a restraining order after my grandmother confronted me at my workplace?
I (18F) want to be very clear about the timeline and context.
On Saturday, I chose to leave my grandmother’s house and officially move in with my boyfriend. This happened after my grandmother became angry that I went to see my boyfriend and, during the argument, threatened to cancel my car registration and insurance. For clarity, the car was technically in her name — it was purchased as a graduation gift and kept in her name for insurance cost reasons. Even so, the threat felt overwhelming and unsafe in the moment.
I packed a small bag with clothes and a blanket and plushie that were gifts from my boyfriend and important comfort items to me, and left the house. I walked in the freezing cold to a friend’s house, and from there my boyfriend was contacted. I officially moved in with him that same day. No police were involved at this point.
For additional context, this wasn’t a sudden or impulsive decision — I had been trying to communicate my feelings and negotiate boundaries for months before this, including following guidance from my therapist, but nothing improved.
After leaving, I felt calmer and safer.
On Monday — two days later, after I was already living with my boyfriend — my grandmother came to my workplace. My manager and boss were already aware of the situation. We believe she waited in the parking lot until management left before coming inside. My workplace is normally a safe and supportive environment for me, which made this especially upsetting.
I didn’t recognize her at first (I have difficulty recognizing people if I can’t clearly see someone’s face). When I realized it was her, she began yelling at me over keys she wanted back. I told her “okay” and went to the back to get my purse, which contained the keys. While I was actively retrieving them, she called the police.
She then attempted to push past my coworker to get to me, and my coworker physically blocked her. I genuinely believe that if my coworker hadn’t intervened, the situation could have become physical.
The police arrived, told her to leave, and asked me if I wanted to pursue a restraining order. My workplace has since banned her from entering. I only began considering a restraining order because of what happened at my workplace on Monday, not because I moved out on Saturday.
Later, my mother was told a version of events that made it seem like I had refused to return the keys, which isn’t true.
I feel guilty about moving out and living with my boyfriend, but I’m also scared my grandmother may repeat this behavior or escalate further.
So, AITA for moving in with my boyfriend and considering a restraining order after my grandmother confronted me at work?
