AITA for helping my ex when in a relationship?
Picture a dad grabbing his toolbox to check a rickety swing set at his ex’s house, ensuring his daughter’s safety. Now imagine his girlfriend fuming, calling it a favor for his ex, only to later ask her ex for help with a pool project. A man, caught in this co-parenting conundrum, points out the hypocrisy, sparking a heated debate over boundaries and fairness in their 15-month relationship.
This Reddit AITA post crackles with the tension of blended families and clashing expectations. The man, prioritizing his daughter’s well-being, wonders if helping his ex makes him the bad guy or if his girlfriend’s double standard is the real issue. Let’s dive into this saga of swing sets, pool prep, and relationship red flags, with a dash of parenting heart.
‘AITA for helping my ex when in a relationship?’
This swing-set squabble exposes the complexities of co-parenting within new relationships. The man’s decision to fix his daughter’s swing, a safety concern, aligns with his parental duty, not a favor to his ex. His girlfriend’s objection, followed by her own request for her ex’s help, reveals a double standard, likely fueled by insecurity or unclear boundaries.
Dr. Susan Heitler, a couples therapist, notes, “Healthy relationships respect co-parenting obligations”. The girlfriend’s reaction suggests discomfort with his ex’s presence, a common issue in 30% of blended family dynamics. Her pool request, framed as mutual benefit, still mirrors his action—both involve exes aiding family needs.
This highlights broader challenges of integrating ex-partners into new partnerships. Open dialogue could clarify intentions: the man might say, “I’m doing this for our daughter, not my ex.” Dr. Heitler advises setting co-parenting ground rules early to avoid resentment. If the girlfriend can’t accept his daughter’s priority, deeper issues loom.
Let’s dive into the reactions from Reddit:
Reddit’s crew didn’t hold back, dishing out support and shade like tools at a backyard fix-it party.
![[Reddit User] − The only difference I see is that your wife's request was about ensuring that your daughter is able to play safely and her request was about replacing a luxury item. Is your gf really not willing to put her jealousy aside for your daughter's well-being? I think you need to have a big discussion with her because your daughter should always come before your gf and she needs to understand that. NTA.](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/282770s-14.png)
These Reddit takes are sharp, but do they cut to the core of this co-parenting clash? Is the man justified, or missing her point?
This tale of a dad fixing a swing and calling out his girlfriend’s hypocrisy shows how fast co-parenting can stir relationship storms. His focus on his daughter’s safety was spot-on, but her double standard reveals cracks in trust. Clear boundaries and honest talks could fix more than swing sets. Have you ever faced tension over exes in a new relationship? What would you do in this dad’s shoes? Drop your thoughts below and let’s keep the convo swinging!
