AITA if I stop paying my daughter’s tuition over a disgusting comment she made towards my new girlfriend?
When family dynamics mix with financial control, things can get extremely messy. In this case, a 56-year-old man recounts why he’s decided to stop paying his 19-year-old daughter’s tuition after she made a disgusting comment toward his new girlfriend. His wife passed away years ago, and in his grief he eventually found love again.
His new girlfriend—an accomplished, kind, and amazing woman—became a key part of his healing process. However, during a family Thanksgiving dinner, his daughter, A, called his girlfriend a slur (“fat p**”) when she was reaching for mashed potatoes. Furious that his new partner was disrespected and that his daughter’s behavior, which he sees as unacceptable, jeopardized the harmony he’s worked so hard to build, he gave her a stark ultimatum: apologize to his girlfriend and have her accept the apology, or he’d cancel her tuition for next semester.
Now, his daughter is crying and begging for forgiveness, but he remains resolute. The question he poses to us is whether he’s the asshole for using his financial support as leverage after a hurtful comment—or if his actions are justified given the seriousness of the insult and his desire to protect his new relationship.
‘ AITA if I stop paying my daughter’s tuition over a disgusting comment she made towards my new girlfriend?’
Dr. Laura Markham, a clinical psychologist who specializes in family and financial boundaries, explains, “While it’s important for children to learn respect, especially in a blended family dynamic, using financial control as punishment can be a double-edged sword. It’s understandable that a parent would want to enforce consequences for hurtful behavior, but the measures must be proportional to the offense.”
Similarly, relationship expert Dr. John Gottman emphasizes, “In a situation where a parent’s financial support is used as leverage, the intent matters. If the goal is to teach accountability rather than to punish, it needs to be balanced with open dialogue. If the consequence is too severe—like cancelling tuition entirely—it may cause long-term damage to the relationship and the child’s future prospects.”
These are the responses from Reddit users:
Many redditors expressed support for holding the daughter accountable for her hateful comment, stating, “Your new partner deserves respect, and if your daughter can’t see that, then consequences are warranted.”
Others, however, argued that cancelling tuition is an extreme measure. One user commented, “Yes, her comment was awful, but cutting off your daughter’s tuition could have lasting consequences on her education and future. There might have been a way to enforce consequences without completely sabotaging her academic future.”
Ultimately, while your anger at your daughter’s disgusting comment is understandable, using your financial support to punish her by canceling her tuition might be an overreaction that could have lasting repercussions on her future. Financial boundaries are indeed important, but there’s a delicate balance between teaching accountability and potentially harming her educational prospects. Are you justified in protecting your new relationship at all costs, or might a less drastic consequence have been more appropriate?
What would you do if you were in this situation? Have you ever had to balance enforcing respect with supporting a family member’s future? Share your thoughts and experiences below—your insights might help others navigate the fine line between accountability and compassion in family relationships.