AITA for calling out my friend after they “borrowed” my MacBook and basically never gave it back?

Imagine lending a friend your prized MacBook, trusting them with a sleek machine worth $1,200, only to be left chasing vague promises for weeks. That’s the pickle our OP landed in when a close pal borrowed their laptop for “a few days” of schoolwork, only to claim it vanished during a move. The kicker? A casual $100 tossed as “compensation” for a device that’s practically OP’s right hand. Sparks fly when OP calls foul, and mutual friends cry “petty.”

This isn’t just about a lost laptop—it’s a tale of trust betrayed and friendships tested. When does holding someone accountable tip into “valuing money over mates”? Reddit’s AITA community jumps into this digital drama, dissecting loyalty, responsibility, and the audacity of a lowball offer. Let’s boot up this saga and see where the fault lines lie in this techy tussle.

‘AITA for calling out my friend after they “borrowed” my MacBook and basically never gave it back?’

Lending a valuable item like a MacBook is a leap of faith, but when it’s “lost” with a shrug and a $100 bill, it’s no wonder OP’s fuming. This saga isn’t just about hardware—it’s about trust and accountability. The friend’s cavalier attitude and the measly compensation offer turned a favor into a feud, with mutual friends siding against OP’s “greed.”

Dr. Irene Levine, a friendship expert, notes, “Healthy friendships require mutual respect, especially when borrowing valuables” were later found sold or kept, suggesting possible deceit.

The mutual friends’ judgment—calling OP petty—ignores the principle: a loan isn’t a gift. Dr. Levine advises setting clear terms upfront, but post-loss, OP’s within rights to demand fair replacement value. The friend’s gaslighting, framing OP as greedy, flips the script on who’s wrong. Legally, small claims court could enforce repayment, as texts prove the loan .

For solutions, OP should issue a written demand for the MacBook’s replacement value ($800-$1,000) by a deadline, citing police or small claims action if unmet. They could also lock the device via iCloud , rendering it useless if sold. Mutual friends need a reality check—would they shrug off a $1,200 loss? OP should prioritize self-respect over appeasing enablers.

Take a look at the comments from fellow users:

Reddit swooped in like tech support with a vengeance, dishing out advice, outrage, and some sleuth-level tips. It’s like a group chat where everyone’s got a theory and a grudge. Here’s the unfiltered buzz from the crowd:

These Redditors backed OP’s anger, sniffed out theft, and pushed for legal action or iCloud lockdowns. Some urged a hard line—sue or report—while others suggested flipping the “petty” label back on the friend. But do these fiery takes crack the case, or are they just overheating the drama?

OP’s MacBook loan started as a kind gesture but crashed into a lesson on trust and accountability. Calling out their friend wasn’t petty—it was standing up for fairness in a friendship that failed the stress test. As OP weighs next steps, from legal moves to cutting ties, they’re asking us to chime in: What would you do if a friend “lost” your $1,200 laptop and lowballed you? Drop your thoughts below and let’s keep this digital debate humming!