My car needs a service that’s around $700 NZD. My dad offered to pay for it, and because of that, I went out and bought him an additional $600–$700 worth of Christmas presents. I only spent that much because I thought, “Okay, he’s helping me out, I’ll do something really nice in return.”
Fast-forward to yesterday: I forgot to take the bins out. A normal, everyday mistake. Instead of just doing it or reminding me, my dad literally sat outside my room waiting for me to wake up, apparently stewing in rage. The second I got up, he snapped. He got extremely angry, started insulting me, and told me that his girlfriend’s kids are “better” than me.
Then he hits me with, “I’m not paying for your car anymore.”
So now I’m stuck with a $700 bill I only budgeted around because he told me he’d cover it, and I’ve already dropped nearly the same amount on gifts for him.
So yes, I’m returning the presents to pay for my car. I’m not going into debt just because my dad had a meltdown over rubbish day.
AITA?
Info: how exactly is it beneficial to go out and buy the exact amount in presents that your dad would have been paying a bill for? Also why would you be an asshole for returning it? Did you *tell him* you got him that much in presents?
I don’t know if this silly drama makes you the AH, but it does make your behavior look really childish. Yes, take all those expensive presents back, pay for your own car repairs, and get normal presents. You should have done that to begin with because that’s what grown-ups do. If you are “stuck” in any way, it’s your own doing.
And take out the bins without needing anyone to stand over you. I don’t believe that you just “forgot” once.
YTA. Why would you spend the same amount on him he was going to give you. That makes no sense.
People are absolute clowns when it comes to money management. It’s super sad.
Yep. Fix your car. His girlfriend’s kids can get him something
Return the stuff, get your dad a normal priced gift. Get your car fixed.
looks like you have the money. move out bro
NTA. This is exactly how parents alienate their children and can’t figure out why they never hear from them later in life.
If you cant pay on your own 700 for car repair then why you buy gifts for 700 too?
Definitely return and instead buy something less pricey. Personally I think you should also think about managing your finances properly.
NTA
WHATTTTT? This makes no sense.
I’m having trouble wrapping my head around a situation where you both budget for a car repair and then decide to blow all that money on gifts instead. Either 700 is a big expense you save for, or 700 is something you spend on one person for one day, not both.
Is that your dad is really wealthy and gives you money?