AITA for not giving my dad’s gf my change?

A routine Walmart run turned into a coin-toss showdown for a 17-year-old visiting his dad. Clutching a freshly bought movie, paid for with his hard-earned cash, he faced an unexpected demand from his dad’s girlfriend, Tessa: hand over his change for her laundry quarters. His polite refusal sparked a lecture from his dad about being “stingy” and snide comments from Tessa about sharing. Suddenly, a few coins felt like a battle over respect.

The teen, used to saving his change in a jar at his mom’s, stood his ground, sensing this could set a precedent for every visit. But with Tessa’s passive-aggressive jabs and his dad’s disappointment, he’s left wondering if keeping his 75 cents was selfish or a fair boundary. Was he wrong to hold onto his coins, or was Tessa out of line asking a teen for money?

‘AITA for not giving my dad’s gf my change?’

A few quarters shouldn’t spark a family feud, but Tessa’s request and subsequent shade reveal a deeper issue: entitlement. The teen’s refusal to hand over his change wasn’t about greed—it was about asserting autonomy over his earnings. Tessa’s demand, paired with her snarky comments about “sharing,” puts unfair pressure on a minor, while the dad’s push to “be the bigger person” dismisses the teen’s valid discomfort.

This taps into a broader issue: boundaries in blended families. A 2022 study by the Journal of Family Issues found 45% of teens in stepfamily dynamics feel pressured to meet adults’ expectations, often at the cost of their own agency (source). Tessa’s laundry excuse doesn’t justify bypassing respect for the teen’s property.

Family therapist Dr. John Gottman notes, “Respecting a child’s boundaries builds trust in blended families” (source). Tessa’s failure to offer payment or use the laundromat’s change machine shows a lack of consideration. The dad should have backed his son, not guilt-tripped him.

The teen should calmly explain his need for clear boundaries, perhaps suggesting Tessa ask his dad for help. Family discussions could clarify expectations.

Here’s what Redditors had to say:

Reddit brought the heat, tossing coins of wisdom and shade at Tessa’s audacity. Here’s a handful of their spicy takes, served with a side of snark:

These Redditors aren’t buying Tessa’s laundry sob story, but do their cheers for the teen’s stance hold up? Or is there a middle ground in this change-fueled drama?

This tale of quarters and quips shows how small requests can spark big boundary battles. The teen’s stand to keep his change was less about money and more about respect, but Tessa’s jabs and dad’s guilt trip muddied the waters. Should he stick to his guns or toss her some coins for peace? What would you do if someone felt entitled to your pocket change? Share your thoughts below!