WIBTA if I sold my friend’s concert ticket after she hasn’t paid me back?
Money matters can put even the best of friendships to the test—especially when concert tickets and college budgets are involved. In this story, a college student finds himself stuck between loyalty and practicality. He fronted the cash for two tickets to see MCR, expecting his friend to reimburse him her half. Months have passed, and despite multiple deadlines and gentle reminders, the money is still outstanding.
What started as a promise made in November has now become a point of frustration, particularly when he witnessed his friend splurging on a $300 tattoo. Faced with his own rising expenses as grad school looms, he’s wondering if selling her ticket might finally balance the scales.
In a situation where friendship, money, and missed deadlines collide, the tension isn’t just about concert tickets—it’s about respect, accountability, and financial boundaries. Is it fair to reclaim what’s rightfully his when promises aren’t kept? Or does selling her ticket risk crossing an unspoken line in their friendship? Let’s dig into the nuances of this dilemma.
‘WIBTA if I sold my friend’s concert ticket after she hasn’t paid me back?’
When personal finances mix with friendship, the stakes are always high. Financial expert Dave Ramsey has often emphasized that “if you have to lend money to a friend, make sure you’re prepared for the possibility of not getting it back,” highlighting the importance of clear boundaries. In this case, our poster paid for two concert tickets at a total cost of about $270, with the expectation that his friend would cover half.
Despite setting deadlines and following up politely, her repeated excuses and questionable spending choices—such as splurging on a tattoo—suggest a lack of financial responsibility on her part. This situation isn’t just about a concert ticket; it’s about accountability and respect in a friendship. Money matters, especially for college students juggling tight budgets and looming expenses like grad school fees, can significantly impact personal stability.
By not honoring her commitment, the friend is not only straining her own financial credibility but also undermining the trust essential to any relationship. Experts argue that if one party consistently fails to meet their financial obligations, it is reasonable—and sometimes necessary—to take steps to reclaim lost funds. This could mean offering a final deadline or, ultimately, selling the ticket if the money isn’t repaid.
Such actions are not just about recouping cash but also about setting clear expectations for future interactions. Financial boundaries in friendships are crucial for long-term harmony. Transparent communication and clear terms—ideally in writing—can prevent misunderstandings and resentment. When those boundaries are breached repeatedly, as appears to be the case here, it may be time to assert one’s financial rights.
This is not about abandoning the friendship entirely but rather ensuring that fairness prevails. If left unchecked, these habits could lead to deeper rifts down the line, affecting not only financial transactions but the overall trust that underpins the relationship.
Check out how the community responded:
The Reddit community largely sides with our poster. Many users argue that since he fronted the entire cost and the tickets are his until paid for, he’s well within his rights to sell one if his friend fails to reimburse him by a set deadline.
Commenters emphasize that financial responsibility shouldn’t be compromised in a friendship—especially when clear deadlines have been ignored. Overall, the consensus is that protecting one’s own financial wellbeing is not only justified but necessary, and that setting firm boundaries can prevent future misunderstandings.
At the end of the day, blending friendship with financial obligations can lead to tricky situations. While our poster’s approach might seem harsh to some, it ultimately comes down to accountability and mutual respect. Should you always let a friendship override financial fairness, or is it acceptable to reclaim what you’re owed when promises aren’t kept? Share your thoughts—have you ever navigated a similar situation, and how did you balance friendship with financial responsibility?
