So this happened today at my neighborhood community pool. There’s a bar and restaurant area with a specific setup, there’s a cashier line where people line up to order food and drinks to-go (usually for families and bigger groups, to bring back to their lounge chairs) then there’s a small bar area with about 10 seats where you can sit, order, and get regular bar service. Simple, right?

I’d been at the pool for about 3 hours, and decided to walk over to the bar. The line for the cashier was about 20 people deep—busy Friday vibes. I noticed a single empty seat at the bar and politely asked the woman sitting next to it if it was taken. She said her husband was to come back shortly. I recognized her (community friend ) and we started chatting. She’s lovely, and when her husband came back, I paid for both of their drinks, while still sitting there he stood! In my eyes a nice neighborly gesture.

I’m sitting at the bar for maybe 20 minutes, sipping my drink, waiting for a food order I put in as well, when this random guy taps me on the shoulder. He’s like, “Excuse me, do you think you can just cut the whole line and sit down to order drinks like you own the place?”

I was taken a back. I told him, “I’m at the bar. I’m alone. Bar service is separate from the to-go line.” He starts going off about how he’s been waiting with his kids, his wife, his dad, his dog okay maybe not the dog, but the whole family and how unfair it is that I’m sitting there ordering drinks while they’re still in line.

I told him I’m not in the wrong here. I’m a single person sitting at the bar, not the to-go counter. That’s how this setup works. I also said not for nothing. I don’t have grandparents a spouse or kids. My husband died 9 months ago. I’m an alone human. (Didn’t acknowledge my loss, fine) He kept talking, saying how ridiculous it was that I could just cut everybody. Meanwhile, there’s multiple other people at the bar getting drinks and service before them besides me. ( Couples he didn’t approach) and yeah, I snapped. I caused a bit of a scene stood up & asked the people around us if they thought I was in the wrong, and everyone backed me up. He was just mad he hadn’t thought to grab a seat.

Eventually, clearly embarrassed, he puts his hand in my face and says, “I’m done with this conversation.” Although looking back, I should’ve let it go, but I was upset. I was not in the wrong. He was being a pretentious, prompous prick. His wife even asked him to stop three times.

I took off my sunglasses, looked him dead in the eye, and said, “Well I’m not, sir.” You are not going to approach me accuse me for cutting the line and then when you are in the wrong try to shut me up!! It’s unacceptable to treat people like that.

He then had the audacity to tell me to order another drink and I’m just drunk. I almost lost my mind, but I knew it wasn’t worth it so I got up and left with my drinks that turned into an all day awkwardness at the pool. I waved to him and his wife throughout the day lol. Back in the day I would’ve drowned them both, talk about growing & maturing.

So… AITA for sitting at the bar alone getting served before him, while he stood in line with his family?