u/AggressiveBed1735

I (20F) live in a small town in the South where my family is very "traditional." My cousin, "Madison" fake name haha (25F), is the golden child and is marrying into a wealthy, prominent family. Last night was their formal engagement dinner at a local country club.
I’m the outlier in my family. I work at a call center, spend my time on art, and have a style my mom calls "distressing." Specifically, I have a large tattoo of butterflies on my forearm, a small nose stud and a belly button piercing. Before the dinner, my mom called me multiple times to remind me to "dress appropriately" and even tried to force me to put on long-sleeved cardigan to cover my arm despite the heat. I refused because the tattoo is just art and I was already wearing a modest sundress.
At the dinner, Madison’s future mother-in-law noticed the butterflies and complimented them. I told her I designed the piece myself since I love drawing and designing things. Madison’s face went pale and she immediately changed the subject. Later, she cornered me in the restroom and accused me of being "attention-seeking." She said I knew her new in-laws were conservative and asked, "Could you not have just given me one night where everyone isnt all about you?"
I told her that if her in-laws are that judgmental over some butterflies, that’s their problem. I pointed out that I’m an adult with a job and I’m not playing dress-up to fit her "Southern Belle" aesthetic. Madison started crying and stayed in the bathroom for twenty minutes. My aunt and mom eventually came out and demanded I apologize for "upsetting the bride" and put on a cardigan.
I refused and told them, "I’m a person, not a blemish you can just edit out of the family photo." I paid for my drink and left before the main course was even served. Now my phone is blowing up. My mom says I was selfish and should have "kept the peace," while Madison says I don't care about "family" Half my cousins think I’m a legend, but the older half is acting like I ruined the entire wedding.
AITA for refusing to cover up and leaving?

reddit.com
u/AggressiveBed1735 — 18 days ago