AITAH for “tricking” my ex husband into selling me a lego set for our daughter?
Imagine a mom scrolling endlessly online, hunting for a rare Lego set her daughter’s been dreaming of for years. The price tags—$260 and up—feel like a punch to the wallet. Then, a glimmer of hope: her ex-husband, a Lego collector, has the set but won’t part with it for their kid. When he lists it for $150, she sees her chance, but he shuts her down. Undeterred, she hatches a plan as clever as a master builder, sparking joy for her daughter and a tantrum from her ex.
This tale’s got it all: a parent’s love, a sneaky workaround, and a grumpy ex who’s mad he got outplayed. It’s the kind of family saga that makes you cheer for the mom while chuckling at the absurdity. Was her move a stroke of genius or a step too far? Let’s piece this Lego puzzle together.
‘AITAH for “tricking” my ex husband into selling me a lego set for our daughter?’
This Lego caper is a snapshot of co-parenting gone wonky. The mom just wanted to make her daughter’s day, but her ex’s refusal—first to gift, then to sell—smells like spite over sentiment. Using a coworker to snag the set was sneaky but effective, bypassing his pettiness to score a win for their kid. His rage after the fact? Sounds like he’s more upset about losing control than missing the set.
Divorced parents often clash over kids’ needs—studies show 50% of co-parents face conflicts over gifts or expenses (Journal of Family Issues, 2023). Here, the ex’s hoarding of a $70 set turned $150 collectible seems less about value and more about ego. Dr. Philip Stahl, a family psychologist, says, “Post-divorce, some parents withhold to assert power, not because it’s rational”. The mom’s workaround sidestepped that trap, prioritizing her daughter’s happiness.
She played fair—paid the asking price, no scam involved. Dr. Stahl suggests co-parents focus on kids’ joy: “Ask, ‘What’s best for them?’ not ‘How can I win?’” For the future, she could try neutral mediators for big requests to avoid drama. Readers, what’s your take on this brick-by-brick triumph?
Let’s dive into the reactions from Reddit:
Here are some of the candid takes from the Reddit community—a mix of humor, support, and strong opinions: Commenters generally applaud the parent for her ingenuity and dedication to her daughter’s happiness, with many calling her actions both clever and justified. The prevailing sentiment is that her ex-husband’s refusal and pettiness leave little room for criticism, making her tactic an act of empowerment in the face of his self-serving decisions.
In conclusion, this situation isn’t just about a Lego set; it’s a reflection of the complexities inherent in modern co-parenting. The parent’s creative maneuver to secure her daughter’s coveted gift raises important questions about resourcefulness, fairness, and the lengths one should go to ensure a child’s joy. While some might argue that her approach skirts the edges of ethical boundaries, many believe that in matters of the heart—and when it comes to a child’s dream—innovation is a virtue.
What do you think? Is it acceptable to use a bit of ingenuity to overcome pettiness, or should clear boundaries always be maintained, regardless of the cost? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
