AITA for gifting daughter presents meant for husband’s side piece.
Infidelity is already a messy, painful ordeal. But what happens when the cheating partner’s “secret” gifts resurface years later—just in time for Christmas?
OP had long suspected her husband (Joe) of having an affair, but it wasn’t until she found incriminating texts and a suspicious set of bracelets in his bag that she confirmed it. Fast forward to their amicable divorce, and OP stumbled across the hidden jewelry again. Instead of tossing them, she regifted the bracelets to their teenage daughter—her favorite color and style, no less!
But was OP just making the best out of a bad situation, or was this an underhanded act of revenge against her ex? Let’s break it down.
‘AITA for gifting daughter presents meant for husband’s side piece.’
Expert Opinion:
The Psychology of Revenge in Relationships
Revenge is a natural impulse—especially after betrayal. Dr. Michael McCullough, a psychologist specializing in forgiveness and revenge, explains that humans are wired to seek justice when wronged. However, revenge often provides short-term satisfaction rather than long-term resolution.
In OP’s case, repurposing the jewelry wasn’t just practical—it was also a symbolic mic drop. The question is: Was this an act of justified karma, or did it cross into unhealthy territory?
Did This Unintentionally Drag Their Daughter Into the Drama?
One concern is whether OP’s choice put her daughter in the middle of her and Joe’s past conflict. According to Dr. Joshua Coleman, an expert on co-parenting after divorce, children should be shielded from parental disputes whenever possible. If the daughter were to discover the true origins of the gift, it could cause discomfort.
However, there’s a key factor here: The daughter had no idea. She received a meaningful, beautiful gift that she genuinely loved. If Joe hadn’t reacted so dramatically, OP’s daughter would likely never suspect anything was amiss.
Lessons Learned: Is It Okay to Be Petty If No One Gets Hurt?
This situation highlights a few important takeaways:
- Petty can be justified—but don’t let it impact your kids – OP’s choice was clever, but if her daughter ever finds out, it could put her in an awkward emotional position.
- Divorced parents should aim for neutrality – If co-parenting is already civil, adding subtle digs at an ex might not be worth the risk.
- Karma works in funny ways – OP didn’t steal the bracelets. She simply repurposed them. Joe’s reaction confirmed his guilt, and that’s on him.
Here’s what Redditors had to say:
Most Redditors agree—OP’s move was a chef’s kiss of poetic justice. Joe’s reaction only proved that the bracelets weren’t meant for OP in the first place, and their daughter received a gift she genuinely loved.
However, some argued that using a child (unknowingly) in an act of revenge could backfire in the future. If OP’s daughter ever finds out, it could cause unnecessary hurt.
What do you think? Was OP simply making the best of a bad situation, or was this a step too far? Share your thoughts below!