WIBTA if I made a donation in the name of an acquaintance who does not support the cause?

Picture a joyful wedding planner, champagne in hand, crossing names off a guest list with a mix of relief and mischief. A 28-year-old groom-to-be, thrilled about marrying his partner, receives a stinging letter from an acquaintance. The couple’s words drip with judgment, refusing to attend the “event” and wishing the pair finds “the Truth.” Ouch. The sting of homophobia could sour the day, but instead, it sparks a cheeky idea: donate the saved catering costs to an LGBTQ cause in their name.

The plan feels like sweet, petty justice, but is it a step too far? The groom’s torn between a triumphant jab and the nagging thought of sinking to their level. This Reddit tale stirs up a classic dilemma: when does standing up for yourself cross into spite? Let’s dive into the story and see what the crowd—and experts—think about this bold move.

‘WIBTA if I made a donation in the name of an acquaintance who does not support the cause?’

This wedding drama is like tossing a glitter bomb into a quiet room—sparkly, bold, and a little messy. The groom’s plan to donate in the couple’s name is a clever clapback, but it’s not without risks. The OP faces a tug-of-war between righteous defiance and petty revenge, with both sides fueled by hurt. The acquaintances’ letter was cruel, rooted in homophobia, while the donation idea teeters on passive-aggressive.

Let’s zoom out to the bigger picture: homophobia in social settings. A 2023 Pew Research study found that 67% of Americans support same-sex marriage, yet 49% of those opposed cite religious beliefs, often framing their stance as moral superiority (Pew Research Center). The letter’s “find the Truth” jab reflects this, dismissing the couple’s love as invalid. The OP’s response, though, risks escalating a personal slight into a public feud.

Dr. John Gottman, a renowned relationship expert, notes, “Conflict is inevitable, but contempt is a choice that poisons relationships” (The Gottman Institute). Here, the acquaintances’ contempt is clear, but the OP’s donation could mirror that energy, turning a moment of hurt into a cycle of spite. Instead, channeling the funds to an LGBTQ organization without naming the couple could be a classier flex—supporting the cause while rising above the fray.

For the OP, a practical move is to donate anonymously and focus on the wedding’s joy. This sidesteps potential backlash, like the acquaintances retaliating, while still championing the cause. It’s a win-win: the community benefits, and the OP keeps the moral high ground.

Here’s the input from the Reddit crowd:

The Reddit crew dove into this one like it’s the last slice of wedding cake—everyone’s got an opinion, and they’re not holding back. From cheers to warnings, the comments are a spicy mix of support and shade. Here’s the raw take from the internet’s finest:

These Redditors are split, with some fist-bumping the OP’s petty genius and others cautioning against a donation duel. It’s a virtual bar fight of ideals—do you swing back or walk away? Their hot takes spark a question: does this plan fight homophobia or just fan the flames?

This story is a rollercoaster of emotions—hurt, defiance, and a dash of mischief. The groom’s idea to donate in the couple’s name is a bold statement, but it risks turning a personal victory into a petty vendetta. Whether you’re Team Clapback or Team High Road, the tale highlights the sting of rejection and the power of standing tall. What would you do if you faced a similar slight at your big moment? Share your thoughts and experiences below.