Welcome to “Jealous or Justified,” Beautiful Machine Magazine’s monthly advice column where readers ask for honest opinions about real life situations. In this column, “jealous” does not always mean envy. Sometimes it simply means you believe the person is wrong, overreacting, unfair, or out of line. “Justified” means you understand and support their actions or feelings. Each month, we let our readers decide.

Jealous or Justified,

My Fiancé Got a DUI and I Called Off the Wedding

I really need some honest advice because my family and friends are split on this situation. I’ve been with my fiancée for almost eight years. We met in college, built our careers together, and were supposed to get married in three months. On paper, everything looked perfect. We both have successful careers and big dreams for the future.

The problem is that throughout our relationship, I’ve constantly had to talk to her about risky behavior, especially drinking and driving. I’ve warned her at least ten times over the years not to do it. Every time I brought it up, she would laugh it off and say I was too serious, old fashioned, or overly concerned. But I was raised differently. My father taught me that your reputation, your discipline, and your decision making matter. I’ve spent years carefully building my future because I aspire to become a successful attorney and maybe even mayor of my city one day.

Well, last week, my worst fear happened. She got arrested for DUI.

I know people make mistakes, but for me this feels bigger than one bad decision. I feel like it shows she doesn’t listen to me when something serious is at stake. It makes me question whether she values her future the same way I value mine. If she ignores something this important, what happens later with marriage, children, finances, or other responsibilities?

I decided to call off the wedding and end the relationship. Some people are calling me harsh and saying I’m overreacting over “just a DUI.” Others say I’m justified for protecting my future.

So tell me honestly… am I jealous or justified?