AITA for cutting access to my gaming library for an autistic family member?

In a world where gaming consoles hum like cozy campfires, one woman’s digital treasure trove became the center of a family storm. Two years after a messy divorce, a 28-year-old gamer found herself tangled in an unexpected drama with her ex’s autistic nephew, Adam, and his parents. Her once-generous gesture of sharing her prized gaming library turned sour when boundaries blurred, and old family ties frayed. The question lingers: was she wrong to pull the plug?

This tale of pixels and principles dives into the messy aftermath of a breakup, where personal property and family expectations collide. With emotions running high and keyboards clacking with heated messages, readers are drawn into a relatable saga of standing one’s ground. The story unfolds with a vivid clash of loyalty, entitlement, and the struggle to reclaim one’s space after a split.

‘AITA for cutting access to my gaming library for an autistic family member?’

Cutting ties with a gaming library might seem trivial, but it’s a window into the larger issue of setting boundaries post-breakup. Dr. John Gottman, a renowned relationship expert, notes in his work with the Gottman Institute that “clear boundaries are essential for healthy relationships, even after they end.” This story highlights the tension between generosity and self-preservation. The OP, after sharing her library with Adam, faced demands from his parents despite no longer being family. Their entitlement, paired with criticism over game choices, ignored her initial warnings about monitoring Adam’s play.

The OP’s decision to revoke access reflects a need to reclaim personal control. Family dynamics often blur lines, especially when children are involved. According to a 2023 study from Family Psychology, post-divorce conflicts often stem from unclear expectations between ex-family members. Here, the aunt and uncle’s reliance on the OP’s generosity post-split created friction, as they failed to respect her autonomy.

Dr. Gottman’s advice on boundary-setting applies directly: “Respecting someone’s limits fosters mutual trust.” The OP’s choice to cut access wasn’t spiteful but a reclaiming of her resources. For Adam’s parents, the solution lies in taking responsibility—purchasing age-appropriate games for him. This situation underscores a broader issue: entitlement can strain even well-meaning connections. The OP can move forward by calmly reinforcing her stance, perhaps suggesting resources like Steam’s family sharing guide to help Adam’s parents set up their own library. Maintaining firm boundaries while staying civil can prevent further drama.

Take a look at the comments from fellow users:

The Reddit crew didn’t hold back, serving up a spicy mix of support and shade for the OP’s dilemma. It’s like a virtual tavern where everyone’s got an opinion and a keyboard to share it. Here’s what the community had to say:

These Redditors rallied behind the OP, calling out the aunt and uncle’s entitlement with a side of wit. Many saw their demands as a classic case of taking freebies for granted, while others questioned why Adam’s parents didn’t step up sooner. But do these fiery takes capture the full picture, or are they just adding fuel to the drama?

This story of a gaming library lockdown reveals the messy dance of family, breakups, and personal boundaries. The OP’s choice to cut access wasn’t just about games—it was about reclaiming her space in a world where ex-family ties can overstay their welcome. With Adam’s parents pushing back, the saga highlights how entitlement can sour even small acts of kindness. What would you do if you found yourself in a similar situation? Share your thoughts and experiences below!