AITA for selling things my ex had bought me?

Picture a young woman, fresh out of school, cruising in a sleek Corvette, her smile as bright as the car’s cherry-red paint. Behind that joy lies a gritty escape from a controlling ex, whose lavish gifts—furniture, a BMW, designer bags—once tied her to his influence. When his grip tightened, even targeting her job, she sold it all, wiping the slate clean. But his furious voicemail, dripping with insults, threatens to dim her triumph.

This Reddit tale is a rollercoaster of empowerment and backlash, where a woman’s bold move to reclaim her life stirs her ex’s rage. It’s a story that hooks you, blending the thrill of independence with the sting of harassment. Readers can’t help but ask: what’s the cost of cutting ties when the past won’t let go?

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‘AITA for selling things my ex had bought me?’

I dated an older guy when I was in school, and he bought me a bunch of stuff, furniture and a tv for my apartment, a car, designer things, etc. We had a bad breakup when I graduated and got a well paying job, it felt like he didn't like how I was not so dependant on him once I had my own income.

He started to get more and more controlling, to the point where he called my boss and tried to start an argument, which felt like he was trying to sabotage my job. I told my boss and employer to block him and not let him on the premises, saying he was someone I was once involved with who I was no longer going to be seeing.

And that I was sorry he'd crossed that line. We had a really bad breakup and I really wanted to wash my hands of everything. I sold the furniture and tv and car and handbags and jewelry, and used the money to pay down the last of my student loans and buy a convertible corvette

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I didn't tell anyone where I got the money but I did post some pictures on instagram of my new car and I guess it got back to him because he called me from someone else's cell phone and left a yelling voicemail about me being a skank and a user and also stupid for selling the bmw and getting a 'worse' car. He also called some of my friends to try and talk s**t about me to them.. AITA for selling a lot of what my ex bought me?

This woman’s choice to sell her ex’s gifts wasn’t just practical—it was a declaration of freedom. His controlling behavior, from sabotaging her job to post-breakup harassment, screams manipulation. Psychology Today notes that such tactics often escalate when a partner gains independence, as seen when her career took off.

Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist, says, “Breaking free from a controlling relationship means reclaiming your narrative.” Selling those gifts severed financial and emotional ties, a move backed by a 2020 American Psychological Association study showing autonomy boosts mental health post-toxic relationships. Her ex’s rage reflects his loss of power, not her wrongdoing.

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She should block him, document his harassment, and consider a restraining order if it persists, as The National Domestic Violence Hotline advises. Friends dismissing his behavior need to respect her boundaries. Moving forward, she can focus on her career and new ride, knowing those gifts were hers to repurpose. Empowerment, not guilt, should steer her path.

These are the responses from Reddit users:

The Reddit gang roared in like a pit crew, fueling her victory lap with cheers and sharp jabs at her ex. It’s like a car rally where everyone’s waving her flag. Here’s the unfiltered buzz from the crowd:

icecream249 − NTA he gave them to you so they're your property

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Hellsbellsbeans − NTA. When someone buys you something, it is a gift, it becomes yours. What you choose to do with that gift is up to you. They weren't items loaned to you for the duration of your relationship and to be returned afterwards, so don't worry. Block him and move on.

zachrg − What's AH-ish about it? This perfectly good stuff is supposed to go in the dumpster? Thrift shop? What did he expect after being a giant douchemonger? *surprised Pikachu*. NTA

StripeTheTomcat − NTA, obviously. He tried to sabotage your job? Wasn't happy you were becoming more independent? So many red flags. Also, once he gifted you something, it's yours to do as you please. So you can totally sell it/gift it/use it. Maybe in the future try to find partners that are closer to your age and/or in the same professional and personal stage of their lives.

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ur-humble-overlord − NTA. its yours to do what you want with it, including sell it.

Bubbly-Manufacturer − NTA you should think about getting a restraining order. It sounds like you were in a really bad relationship with a controlling and toxic man.

Tjrice23 − NTA. This goes beyond the material items. This guy is crazy. Contacting everyone you know, including your employer? This dude has serious issues. That aside, it’s not like you forced him to buy you these things. He gave them to you and you own them, you can do whatever you want with them.

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Keeping them around isn’t gonna make you feel any better, and paying off student loans is much more important. Be very clear with him that you are done and he needs to leave you alone. If he crosses any more boundaries, get a restraining order. Good luck.

MenArentThrowaway − NTA they were gifts, they belong to you, and he's trying to manipulate & control you. Don't let him.

DaniCapsFan − They were gifts. Perhaps he should date women closer to his age, but maybe they won't put up with that controlling b**lshit. After all, he seemed to get upset when you got a well-paying job and were more independent. You were right to kick him to the curb when he called your boss and tried to sabotage your job.. The stuff he bought you was yours, and you were entitled to do with it as you wished.. NTA

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[Reddit User] − I just need to know one thing. What models of BMW and Corvette are we talking about here?

Redditors hailed her as the hero, slamming her ex’s control and cheering her savvy sell-off. Some urged legal protection, while one just wanted car specs. But do these riled-up takes catch the whole vibe, or just rev the drama?

This story is a turbo-charged testament to reclaiming your life from a toxic ex, even when they try to burn rubber in your rearview. Selling those gifts was her ticket to freedom, but his harassment shows control dies hard. It’s a tale that sparks cheers and caution. Have you ever had to cut ties with a controlling ex? Share your story below—let’s keep this engine running!

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