Aita for slapping my brother after he gave away the money he promised me to his wife?
In this post, a 20-year-old sister recounts an explosive argument with her 27-year-old brother over money he promised to help pay for her college tuition. The parents had originally funded his business, and he had committed to giving her a portion of that money for her higher education.
However, he ended up using all his funds to invest in his wife’s new business instead. In the heat of the moment—and fueled by stress over her future—the sister lost her temper and slapped him, declaring she no longer needed his help. Now, she questions whether her violent reaction makes her the asshole.
‘Aita for slapping my brother after he gave away the money he promised me to his wife?’
The OP’s dropped an update on the saga—curious? Click here to check it out!
Family therapist Dr. Rebecca Lawson states, “Financial disputes in families can quickly escalate when trust is broken. While it’s understandable to feel betrayed when promises aren’t kept, resorting to physical violence is never an acceptable way to resolve conflict.”
Dr. Lawson adds, “In such situations, it’s important to establish clear communication and set boundaries regarding money. Expressing anger verbally and seeking mediation or counseling would be healthier ways to address these issues.”
She emphasizes that while emotional pain and frustration are valid, the use of violence can lead to long-lasting harm in family relationships and is counterproductive to achieving resolution.
Here’s what Redditors had to say:
Reddit responses are sharply divided, though many lean towards condemning the use of violence. A number of commenters argue that even if the sister’s frustration is understandable, slapping her brother crosses a line and only exacerbates family tensions. Others point out that financial promises within families should be handled with mature discussions rather than physical confrontations.
Some community members note that the sister’s anger might have been justified given the broken promise, but her choice to resort to assault is widely seen as unacceptable. The consensus suggests that while the underlying issue of unmet expectations is real, her method of expressing that anger is what many find problematic.
This incident forces us to consider the limits of emotional expression in family disputes. Is it ever acceptable to resort to physical violence when a promise is broken, even if the emotional stakes are high? How should we balance our genuine frustrations over financial commitments with the need to resolve conflicts peacefully?
Have any of you experienced a similar situation where emotions took over, and how did you manage to mend the relationship afterward? We invite you to share your experiences and strategies for handling family financial disputes without resorting to violence. Let’s discuss how to navigate these delicate issues while preserving trust and mutual respect.
For those who want to read the sequel: Update – Aita for slapping my brother after he gave away the money he promised me to his wife?
