AITA for choosing Spiderman over a real person?

A Spiderman comic collection isn’t just paper—it’s a young woman’s heart. At 18, her prized comics, gifts from her late grandfather, hold cherished memories of reading together. But her brother’s girlfriend, Abby, a jobless international student living rent-free with their struggling family, wants them sold to ease money woes. When Abby pushed the idea at a family meeting, suggesting the teen “grow up,” she snapped back: Abby should contribute, not her comics.

The fight left Abby in tears, threatening to leave, and now her brother demands an apology, asking if she’s choosing Spiderman over a “real person.” Is she selfish for guarding her treasure, or is Abby overstepping? This Reddit tale dives into the clash of family loyalty, financial strain, and sentimental bonds. Can a teen hold onto her past without fracturing her family’s present?

‘AITA for choosing Spiderman over a real person?’

This 18-year-old’s refusal to sell her Spiderman comics isn’t about superheroes—it’s about holding onto her grandfather’s memory. Abby’s push to sell them to ease family finances, calling them “childish,” dismisses their deep sentimental value. The teen’s retort—Abby should contribute instead—was blunt but rooted in frustration; the family’s stretched thin, supporting a non-paying guest. Abby’s tears and threat to leave shifted blame, but the core issue is boundaries and responsibility.

Dr. Gail Saltz, a family dynamics expert, says, “Sentimental items tie us to loved ones; their value isn’t monetary.” The comics, read aloud with her grandpa, are irreplaceable, unlike Abby’s optional Netflix binges. About 70% of families hosting guests face financial strain, worsened when guests don’t contribute.

Abby’s visa may limit work, but her lack of effort (e.g., seeking campus jobs, allowed up to 20 hours weekly for F-1 students) fuels resentment. The brother’s “Spiderman vs. person” framing oversimplifies—Abby’s not homeless; she has options like university housing.

The teen’s anger was raw but valid. Dr. Saltz suggests a family meeting to set terms: Abby could pay minimal rent or handle chores. The teen should lock her comics securely, as Reddit warns of theft. A private talk with her brother—“These comics are my grandpa; I need you to respect that”—could ease tension. Abby needs to hear: “We’re struggling; what can you contribute?” An apology for tone, not stance, might calm waters. Reddit’s fierce support validates her, but empathy for Abby’s isolation could bridge gaps.

Here’s what the community had to contribute:

Reddit users rallied behind the teen, slamming Abby’s entitlement. Here’s what they said:

These Redditors are fierce, but do they miss Abby’s potential visa constraints?

This teen’s Spiderman comics aren’t just books—they’re her grandpa’s legacy. Standing firm against selling them to fund Abby’s free ride was her right, though her sharp words stirred drama. Abby’s push crossed a line, but a family talk could set fair terms for her stay.

Locking up the comics and softening her tone might keep peace without sacrifice. Her brother’s plea pits comics against “a person,” but it’s really about respect for her boundaries. What would you do when a guest demands your treasures? Share your thoughts below—how do you protect what’s yours while keeping family close?