So for some background context. I’m (18F) a full time freshman college student, living out of state. My parents have been helping me with college for now in addition to loans. I’m not working, but I’ve made some money doing art comms! And am doing good!
My parents knew that I offically hit $200 in earnings from my comms. Which was exciting. But I came home for spring break, and they told me that I’m getting a gift of a new laptop. My current laptop is old, but working just fine. I was happy about this… until they informed me that I have to pay around $800 of it. Including the money I’ve made so far. I have about six months to pay it off, and I can use it in the interim. But I don’t need a new computer. I had something I wanted for the money I’ve been making.
My parents say that I’m ungrateful for not accepting the gift, because they are paying around $400. But it still feels like less of a gift, and more of making me buy something. Also, my dad will get my current computer. Thoughts?
NTA. That’s not really a gift if you’re being required to pay $800 for it, especially when you didn’t ask for a new laptop in the first place. A gift is something freely given not something someone decides you need and then hands you the bill for.
NTA…a gift is something that has no strings attached given at no cost to you.
Your parents don’t understand the definition of a gift. NTA
NTA. Show them this post and explain your point of view
Nta I did and said the same thing. That its not a gift if I have to pay for it and didn’t even get to pick it out and that I wasn’t saving up my money just to blow it irresponsibly on a random $800 laptop.
Told them to take it back. They let me keep it, no repayment required.
Tell your father that he can have the new laptop, and that you will be keeping your old one – and the 200 dollar that you earned.
It’s not a gift if you have to pay for it. Wnbta
Your dad is getting a gift, you aren’t.
Not to mention your old laptop is probably worth around $100, so they are stealing your laptop, lumping you with unwanted debt and putting a bow on it.
NTA
NTA – It’s not a gift if they expect payment for it, and you didn’t ask for it.
NTA ~ Is this the first time your parents have given you a gift with “strings attached”? If your dad wants your old one, then *why* doesn’t he just keep the new one?
It also seems, that they want to get a hold of that $200. you earned on your own.
NTA – A gift you have to pay for is not a gift. Your parents want a computer and are willing to take a used computer, so they are trying to force you to pay for a new computer.
NTA I wouldn’t call it a gift if you’re paying for part of it
NTA if someone gives you a “gift” with an $800 bill attached, that’s not a present, that’s financing.