So this happened last week, and my whole family is dragging me for it.
I (18F) just had my birthday. I’ve been wanting a new phone for YEARS because mine literally shuts down at 20% and the camera looks like it was made in 2009. My parents can’t really afford a new one right now, but my aunt surprised me with a brand-new phone (not like a super expensive one, but still way better than my old brick)
Anyway, as soon as I opened it, my older sister (23F) immediately got upset. She said HER phone has been acting up too and that “she needs it more” because she uses it for work. She kept hinting that I should give her the phone since I don’t “need something that nice at my age.”
I laughed it off at first because I thought she was joking, but she got dead serious. She told me I’m being selfish and that I should be “grateful I even got anything.” My mom sided with her and said that since my sister is the one who helps out with bills, I should “think of the family” and give her the phone.
My aunt flat-out told them the gift was for ME and not “community property” but now everyone except my aunt thinks I’m ungrateful and spoiled.
I told them no. It’s mine. I’m not giving up the only nice thing I’ve gotten in a long time. My sister is now giving me the silent treatment and calling me childish on Facebook.
So AITA for keeping my own birthday gift?
NTA. Your sister is the selfish one. Tell her to grow up and stop acting like a jealous child.
NTA. It’s your 18th bday and you got a nice present. It’s not your fault your sister’s life sucks. It looks like it may be your parents’ fault though.
Your sis helps with your parents’ bills and can’t afford a phone? Yeah, it’s on your parents.
NTA – it was a nice present for you for your 18th birthday – your sister is being childish
NTA can you move in with your aunt and away from these selfish people?
Your sister is the golden child and your Aunt recognises this. Could you move in with your Auntie for a while? I predict your new phone will have an unfortunate “accident” if you are not very careful
I don’t really want to bother my aunt or make her feel responsible for me. She’s been the only one on my side and if home keeps being like this, staying with her might honestly be my only choice
Maybe go over to your Aunts this evening and have a chat with her. Maybe forward this post now so she knows how you are feeling. Also are you in college? There will be councillors who could help. You do need to be proactive as this situation could quickly spiral
“She told me I’m being selfish …”
People like her always say that. Not giving them what they want is “selfish”. Utter bull. That’s projection, projection, projection, and then some.
She was fine without it, she will be fine without it. NTA.
You’re going to want to make sure your aunt got insurance on that phone because you can inevitably believe that there’s something going to happen to it…
NTA – never leave YOUR phone unattended
Your older sister is a grown ass adult who should buy her own phone rather than try to manipulate others into giving up their birthday gifts. She’s 23. Tell her it’s Christmas time and Target needs seasonal employees.
NTA
Sister’s WORK needs to give her a WORK phone.
NTA. I needed a phone for work. My employer got me a phone. Your sister needs to take her big, entitled mouth into the office and speak up to them, not you. Sheesh.
NTA- and keep that phone with you 24/7. Like sleep with it under your pillow. Your jealous sister is going to try to sabotage it.