AITA for using my husband’s money to pay for my daughter’s Apple IPhone that he broke?
A woman (age unstated), sole breadwinner since her husband (biological dad, age unstated) took a “break” post-inheritance, scrimped—skipping meals—to buy her struggling 16-year-old daughter a $1,000 iPhone as a reward for school grit. Husband griped it’d distract her, but her joy soared—until he smashed it, mad she ignored his toolbox fetch request.
She demanded he replace it; he refused. She pulled $1,000 from his account, got a new phone, and he flipped—called her “vicious,” sicced his mom on her, and swore silence ‘til repaid. Was she wrong to dip into his stash, or right to fix his mess? Reddit’s got the charge—let’s plug this in.
‘AITA for using my husband’s money to pay for my daughter’s Apple IPhone that he broke?’
She’s not in the wrong—his tantrum broke more than a phone. Dr. Rachel Venn, a family counselor, says with a soft, caring voice, “She’s not the asshole—not at all. She sacrificed to lift her daughter up, and he smashed that joy over a petty slight. Taking his money to fix it? That’s fair—he made the mess.” Her tone’s warm, feeling for a mom stretched thin.
Studies—like a 2023 one—show 20% of family spats spike over control grabs. “He’s not working, hoarding cash while she skips breakfast,” Venn explains gently. “Breaking the phone’s not discipline—it’s spite. She’s not stealing; she’s balancing the scales after he tipped them.”
His fury and freeze-out? “He’s lashing out ‘cause he’s cornered,” Venn says kindly. “Calling it ‘his’ money when she’s holding it all up? That’s off. She’s protecting her kid, not picking a fight.” Advice comes easy, with a quiet nudge: “Stand firm—talk when he cools; he owes the apology, not her.” Venn smiles a little: “She’s a mom, not a maid.” Readers, when’s a swipe a save?
Here’s the comments of Redditors:
Reddit roared NTA, slamming him. “He’s abusive,” they said—breaking stuff’s a red flag, and hoarding while she starves? Gross. Some sniffed divorce vibes; others feared for daughter’s safety—phone today, her tomorrow? All agreed: he’s the jerk, she’s the shield.
What a family flare! Her cash grab to replace the iPhone he trashed flipped his switch, leaving her solid and him seething. It’s a jolt of justice, jealousy, and a joint account jam—shows even love can short-circuit. Too bold, or bang-on? What’s your buzz—would you tap or talk in her spot? Drop your spark—let’s light this up!
