A woman went viral on social media for sharing her story about asking her parents to pay back her college tuition fees if they wanted to have a relationship.
Old Traditional Family
The original poster (OP) was raised in an environment with strict gender roles, where her father was to provide, and her mother was to stay home with the children.
As the only daughter in a family of three brothers, her parents never valued her education or encouraged anything besides domestic skills.
She Didn’t Have The Same Opportunities
OP’s brother’s college tuition was fully covered by her parents, while she wasn’t even allowed to apply. She decided to do so in secret and managed to get accepted with a partial scholarship.
She Worked Tirelessly To Achieve Her Goals
She didn’t tell her parents about college until one week before the move. With few possessions other than those provided by her friends, OP studied engineering and worked hard to support herself while taking on debt.
It Destroyed Their Relationship
OP and her parents “barely spoke” for years. After getting married and expecting her first child, her parents asked to meet up and offered apologies for any pain they caused.
They Wanted to Apologize
However, OP wasn’t ready to forgive them so quickly. They refused to elaborate when she asked them what they were sorry for.
In response, she asked for her $100K college tuition to be paid back – just as it was for her brothers – in order to prove their apology.
Was She Wrong?
Her mother burst into tears, and her father accused her of not being serious, so she left the meeting. Her brothers had since called and accused her of acting immaturely. Now OP wants to know if she was wrong.
Reactions from Social Media
People on social media commented that OP’s response was very reasonable and appropriate. They suggested that if one’s parents had truly changed, they would be eager to repay her tuition without hesitation.
They Haven’t Changed
One person from a similar family background could relate to OP’s issues and said her answer was “perfect” and “fair.”
Unfortunately, the parents have failed in this case: “If they had fixed their appalling bigotry issues, they would be falling all over themselves, begging you to take the money,” they said. “Since they clearly have not fixed their bigotry, you don’t want them around your child.”
They Want to Meet Their Grandchild
Many also noted that the apology seemed insincere as the parents only wanted to reconnect for the sake of seeing their grandchild.
“That’s a generic ‘sorry you’re upset’ non-apology. They are just around now because they want to influence the baby. The $100k ask is fair if they have the means to pay it.” one person stated.
“Exactly, they aren’t sorry for how they treated OP; they just want to have access to their grandkid,” another added.
Social Media Congratulated Her For Her Success
The commenters highlighted that her brothers had been given a massive advantage in life that she had not received.
“Being singled out like that because you are a woman is gross, and it’s terribly unfair that your brothers got a free ride and you didn’t ask for that one fact. Good on you, though, for making your own way in spite of them.” one person said.
You Worked Hard To Get To Where You Are Today
The commenters applauded OP. “I’m proud of you, by the way. Despite your upbringing, you persevered. Keep staying strong and standing your ground.”
The Advice
The commenters advised OP to only accept an apology from her parents with the repayment of her college tuition if they truly wanted a relationship with her. They also told her to reprimand her brothers for their interference.
“Don’t allow them back into your life without a sincere apology on their end and the money for your education. This will almost certainly never happen, though. Also, tell your brothers to butt off. They got a huge advantage in life that you didn’t get,” one person stated.
Read More: The Worst Things Teachers Have Confiscated
Teachers have seen it all. So we asked them: what was the worst thing they had ever confiscated from a student?
Their answers would be enough to put you off the teaching career for life.
Read Now: The 20 Worst Things Teachers Have Confiscated From Students
Read More: Dad Let His Son Take “Toy” To Show and Tell, Not Knowing What It Really Was
When Mom’s away, Dad and son will play.
Read More: Dad Let His Son Take “Toy” To Show and Tell, Not Knowing What It Really Was
Read More: Teaching or Chatting?
Did you know that up to 45% of all Americans have a side gig? Do you?
We found probably one of the most enjoyable, rewarding ways to earn money by teaching (chatting) with those who want to learn English online. Log in any time you want, 24/7, and get paid weekly for the hours you put in.
Learn More: Cambly 2023 Review, Requirements & Pay For Tutors (Beginner Friendly)
Read More: She Didn’t Want Her Son To Sleep At His Girlfriend’s Because “Something Felt Very Off”— And She Was Right
To a child, parents’ rules and restrictions may seem arbitrary and controlling. While the occasional rule might be strict, hindsight usually reveals that—more often than not—a parent’s intuition was right.
Read More: Transgender Man Wants To Use The Male Toilets But Feels Uncomfortable— Seeks Advice on Social Media
Do men care who’s in the restroom with them? The debate over gender-neutral bathrooms has usually centered around women’s restrooms. As the conversation continues, trans men have also begun to voice their concerns.
Read Now: Transgender Man Wants To Use The Male Toilets But Feels Uncomfortable— Seeks Advice on Social Media
TPR Teaching produced and syndicated the article: She Told Her Parents To Pay Back Her College Tuition if They Wanted a Relationship. Reddit Source.
Caitriona Maria is an education writer and founder of TPR Teaching, crafting inspiring pieces that promote the importance of developing new skills. For 7 years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.
