Controlling Mother Overreacts To Teen Spending $25 On A Book

"It's a book, not a bag of meth."

Stephanie

• Published in Interesting
• August 13, 2023

When you work hard to earn a living, you deserve to spend some of that hard-earned money on yourself now and then, right? But what if someone else tries to control how you choose to spend your cash?

Reddit user u/HalieHorse recently shared a story in the AITA (Am I The A**hole?) subreddit about her controlling mother. The 18-year-old explained that she is very sensible with her money, and works hard to earn a steady income at a bookstore.

The OP says 99% of her paychecks go straight into her savings account. However, she loves books, and now and then, she likes to purchase one for her collection. And most of the books she purchases are either heavily discounted or from a thrift store.

The OP says she rarely buys a book at full price, but she recently made an exception when she discovered a special edition copy of one of her favorite books on Amazon. The illustrated version of The Invisible Life of Addie Larue was just $25, so the OP was excited to order it.

When the book was shipped, the OP mentioned it to her mom, and she "went off." She told the Redditor she should know better than to waste money and that she should have asked her first.

The OP tried to explain that it was a special edition, so it was an exception, and besides, it was her money to spend. But her mother didn't want to hear it.

The OP says she feels conflicted because everyone else in her life agrees that it's strange for her mom to expect her to ask permission to spend her own money. She is an adult, after all.

Now the OP is wondering if she would be an a**hole if she told her mother to back off when it comes to her spending habits. Keep scrolling to see how people reacted.

The OP asked if she would be an a**hole if she told her mom she can buy whatever she wants.

She explained that she is 18 and feels that her mom has "gone overboard" with controlling her money.

The OP says she is responsible with money and works to earn a steady income of her own.

The Redditor says she loves to read and has a vast collection of books.

Recently, the OP purchased a new edition of one of her favorite books for $25.

When it had shipped, the OP told her mom about it and she "went off."

The OP says she feels conflicted because she is an adult and earns her own money so she should be allowed to spend it.

Now the OP is wondering if she'll be an ungrateful a**hole if she tells her mom to back off.

Here's how people reacted.

"Controlling and abnormal."

"If it's not a joke, then your mom is abusing you."

"It's a book, not a bag of meth."

"It's really not your mother's business."

"She can give advice to you, but there's no way she can control what you buy."

"It's your money."

"You bought a book, not crack."

"I don't see a problem here."

NTA.

YWNBTA.

"YTA for even asking something this ridiculous."

"Your mom sounds like a control freak."

What's your take on this situation? Do you think the OP should have to ask for her mother's permission before spending her money, or is her mom being unreasonable here?

As always, we would love to hear your opinions on this. You can share your thoughts with us in the comment section.

Stephanie