'That was a gift': Internet backs man for cutting ties with brother-in-law after his 'despicable' demand
Users on Reddit have supported a father's decision not to associate with his brother-in-law after he demanded to be repaid for what he spent on their son’s funeral that took place 19 years ago. The Reddit user u/Same_Blacksmith9840 detailed the upsetting story under AmITheA****** (AITA) forum where he discussed his devastating loss and asked fellow netizens if he was wrong.
The man began his story by explaining that his toddler who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer died in his mother's arms on the very day he was prepped to start kindergarten. The treatment and medical bills took a toll on the parent's financial status, leaving them unable to be able to afford a funeral. This was when his wife's three older brothers stepped in and offered to pay for their nephew’s funeral. The father noted that the brothers were financially well off at that time and proposed their contribution as a "gift" from them. He added that he and his wife later expressed their gratefulness for the monetary help on several occasions.
READ MORE
'Petty at heart': Internet supports man who took revenge on boss with bizarre prank
Man slammed for feeding his dogs a better meal while serving pizza to his date
'Never paid him back for money he paid for (our son’s) funeral'
However, matters took a turn when his wife and the youngest of the three brothers got into a verbal fight at 2021 Thanksgiving. "He got into a discussion with my wife that soon escalated into an argument where he threw out that we “never paid him back for his part that he paid for (our son’s) funeral.” Everyone in earshot was in shock he brought that up. My wife, in surprise asked, if he always felt he was supposed to be paid back. He belligerently told her that was exactly what he was saying. Evidently, he had never intended to help pay for the funeral and felt forced into it by the older two brothers," the user wrote on Reddit.
'I wrote him out a check for 5K'
Soon enough, the man stepped in and wrote the BIL a $5k check. However, the brother then became defensive, declaring that he was not that serious. "That next Monday, I wrote him out a check for 5K and sent it certified mail. I wondered how long it would take him to cash it. He received it on Tuesday around noon and he cashed it that afternoon," the user wrote. Since then, the man has "refused to be around the guy or any association with him," while his wife has not cut off ties because of her nieces and nephews.
'My wife says I’m being the asshole'
While ignoring him "since 2021 hasn’t really been much of an issue," the Redditor added that his wife's family is preparing a big Easter party this weekend to which everyone is invited. "Until this week. Her family is doing a big Easter thing this weekend and wants everyone to come. And he’s going to be there. I don’t want to go. I’m not going to be social with that guy. My wife says I’m being the asshole and ruining the weekend and should let it go," he continued. "Anyway, things are a little tense between the two of us right now as she thinks I need to let it go. She’s preparing to leave out with the children on Friday, without me. AITA?" the user concluded.
'You do realize that you can just ignore her brother there though right?'
Comments under the post have supported the man's decision. "NTA he sounds despicable. That was a gift 19 years ago. I would ignore him at any gatherings," a user wrote. Netizens also advised the user to attend the gathering and ignore the brother-in-law. "Since it's not at his house just go and be the man he cannot be. Stick in larger groups and meet his insecurity with indifference. $5K was his worth whole in pride. But you can be priceless," a comment read.
"You do realize that you can just ignore her brother there though right? Your wife wants to go be with her family. Two of those brothers did help you out of the goodness of their hearts will be there from the sounds of it and so will other family members who helped you during that trying time in your lives. She wants to reconnect with them. She wants her other children to be around her family too. You are letting her brother live rent free in your head by you staying home and stewing in your anger. Just give a polite hello and and ignore him," another user said.
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.