AITA for acting upset in front of my family because my dad got me a $460 bottle of cologne for my birthday?
A college student struggling financially received a $460 bottle of cologne from their dad for their birthday, even though they’ve never expressed interest in cologne. The gift felt frustrating because they could have used the money toward essential items, like a new laptop or other school necessities.
During the celebration, the student’s annoyance became obvious, and they voiced their thoughts about needing practical things instead. Their mom called them ungrateful and is now upset. Read the original story below…
‘ AITA for acting upset in front of my family because my dad got me a $460 bottle of cologne for my birthday?’
I’m halfway through my first semester of college and I’m struggling a lot financially. I have a very old cheap laptop that is dying on me and little money for stuff I need. Yesterday was my birthday and I met my family to celebrate at my parent’s house.
My dad gave me a bottle of cologne and kept saying that he paid a lot for it and encouraged me to look it up. Sure enough it is $460 per bottle. Don’t get me wrong I am grateful to get anything at all especially since he paid a lot of money, but I couldn’t help but imagine how many other gifts at that price would actually really help me out.
I’ve never even expressed interest in cologne. My family noticed I was annoyed by it and I did start talking about other stuff I might need. My mom called me ungrateful and is now mad at me.
Check out how the community responded:
Spiraling_Swordfish − Unless you threw a fit and/or said something genuinely hurtful, NTA. I’m guessing your dad was gifted this somehow and is re-gifting it to you. Is it possible your parents are struggling a bit for money too?
In any case he should know, if he doesn’t, that this was not a thoughtful way to be kind to you on your birthday. You would not be the a**hole at all if you sold the cologne and put the proceeds toward things you actually need.
TemptingPenguin369 − NTA. Based on your father repeatedly telling you he paid a lot for it and telling you to look up the price, I believe he did NOT pay $460 for your gift. I think he bought a knockoff or counterfeit and is trying to make himself look like a big shot by pretending to throw money around. Weird gift for a college kid who’s never expressed interest in scent.
hubertburnette − INFO: are you *sure* he paid for it? Or was it a gift to him? Or is it a knockoff?
rememberimapersontoo − eh NTA but honestly just sell it and get what you need for yourself
Travelgrrl − He found an inexpensive, unused bottle at a thrift shop and tried to pass it off as an expensive gift? If so, it’s not like he could have handed you $450.
Morngwilwileth − Info: did you ask for other helpful gifts prior to your birthday? Do you have a wishlist with items you like or need?
cheesecheeseonbread − *kept saying that he paid a lot for it and encouraged me to look it up.*. How tacky. NTA
pl487 − It’s f**e.
Significant_Ruin4870 − Did you communicate to your parents in advance of your birthday that your laptop is failing and you don’t have the money to replace it? I don’t mean hints. I mean a purposeful discussion about your struggles with a goal of finding solutions.
If you didn’t then it’s unreasonable to expect them to deliver what you want and also unreasonable to complain after the fact. Talk to them calmly instead of pouting. Perhaps hey can return the fragrance and divert the funds to a pressing need.
Far_Neighborhood_488 − encourages you to look up how much it cost? hmmm.’
Was it reasonable for the student to feel frustrated by the expensive yet impractical gift? Or should they have hidden their disappointment and expressed gratitude, given the intention behind it? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments!
