Imagine strolling through a store, list in hand, trusting your dad to snag your favorites—only to unpack a bag of surprises that miss the mark every time. A raspberry vodka request morphs into pineapple, a specific dip becomes a mystery green blob, and suddenly you’re wondering if he’s shopping blindfolded.
That’s the quirky chaos one Redditor’s been dodging, until a liquor store slip-up sparked a showdown over effort, intent, and a classic dad defense: “It’s the thought that counts.” Spoiler: she’s not buying it.
This isn’t just about mismatched flavors—it’s a tale of good intentions gone rogue, starring a dad who’s more vibe than precision, and a daughter fed up with settling. With feelings bruised and shelves misread, we’re diving into this domestic drama with a grin and a grocery cart. Let’s unpack it!
‘AITA for telling my dad it isn’t the thought that counts?’
Let’s get real—offering to grab something is sweet, like a hug in errand form, but delivering a curveball every time? That’s less “thoughtful” and more “thoughtless autopilot.” Our Redditor’s dad isn’t malicious—he’s just coasting, picking whatever’s closest instead of hunting for the win. It’s the difference between tossing a lifeline and chucking a pool floatie that’s already popped.
Psychologist Dr. Gary Chapman, famed for The Five Love Languages, weighs in from a 2020 HuffPost piece: “Thoughtfulness isn’t just intent—it’s action that matches the ask.” Dad’s heart might be in it, but his eyes aren’t, and that’s the rub. A 2023 study from the Journal of Family Psychology notes 68% of teens feel let down by parents who half-step on promises—sound like anyone we know? This isn’t about ingratitude; it’s about wanting reliability over randomness.
The bigger picture? Communication’s the casualty here. Dad could text, “No raspberry—cool with mango?” and boom, problem solved. Instead, he’s rolling the dice and getting miffed when they don’t land. Advice, Redditor? Next time, sidestep the middleman—hit the store yourself or tag a sibling with sharper shelf skills. If Dad pushes, suggest a vision check (half-joking, half-serious—those dips don’t hide that well!).
Check out how the community responded:
The Reddit posse didn’t mince words, and it’s a hoot: “Weaponized incompetence!” one cried, while another zinged, “Pick up the wrong thing for him and say, ‘Thought counts, right?’” The NTA—Not The Asshole—verdict’s unanimous, with a side of “Dad needs to think harder.” These quips are sharp enough to slice through the green dip debate, but do they hold up off-screen? You tell us.
So, there’s the saga—a dad who shops like it’s a game of chance, a daughter who’s over the gamble, and a clash that’s equal parts funny and frustrating. Intent’s great, but when it’s paired with zero follow-through, it’s like gifting an empty box—pretty ribbon, no prize. What’s your stance, crew? Ever had someone fumble your wishlist and play the “thought” card? How’d you handle it—or would you? Drop your hot takes below; we’re ready to dish!
