Mom Plans To Buy $ 34K Car For Son, Declines Ex's And His Sister's $160 Pledge So They Can Claim They Helped Pay For The Vehicle

"They're saying to be vague about the amounts contributed, be a good sport, and let him and his dad have a moment."

Chelsi

• Published in Interesting
• December 11, 2023

A single mom's generous gift to her son became a point of contention with her ex-boyfriend and his sister. OP was 16 years old when she gave birth to her son.

She and her son's father broke up when he moved away for college. He put his parental duties on the back burner and was barely present in their son's life during his summer vacations.

OP agreed to share custody when her ex-boyfriend graduated and became a more active parent to their son. OP wasn't idle during those years.

She graduated from community college and finished sonography school. She started her career as an obstetric sonographer and turned their life around.

Around that time, it was revealed that her ex-boyfriend faked getting his degree. He was also buried in gambling debt, which was what he did while he was supposedly studying.

Their son is now 17 years old. OP wanted to buy him a car as a birthday present just in time for his senior year in high school.

OP also knew the make and model of the car her son wanted. He told her that he wanted a 2023 Camry when OP asked him.

He had no idea that OP planned to buy the car for him. OP happened to share her plans with her ex-boyfriend's sister.

She was excited for OP at first but said it would make her brother look bad. She said the knowledge that his son had a brand new, fully paid-for car while he barely made ends meet would crush her brother.

OP told her ex's sister that his financial struggles weren't her problem.

It wasn't her fault that he tried to game the system by only staying during orientation and quitting as soon as he could.

Their son told OP how his father spent two months watching Home Depot orientation videos, only to quit after a week on the sales floor.

A few days later, her ex's sister called to share the "compromise" she brokered. She informed her brother of OP's plan. He agreed to share $80, which she planned to match.

That way they could say that mom and dad bought the car for their son. OP would pay $33,840 while they chipped in $160 for equal credit.

OP declined their offer. Her ex's sister called OP a selfish a**hole for refusing the opportunity to strengthen the relationship between father and son, but OP refused to change her mind.

If he wants to feel like an equal contributor, shouldn't he shoulder the monthly insurance + maintenance?

I wonder how he feels about his daily, long-term obligation as a father.

Probably not. Too much of a monthly obligation to get tied down with.

He knows what kind of money his dad makes versus the lifestyle OP provides for him. He is not a child that can be tricked easily.

It is not up to OP to improve the relationship between her ex and their son. He is responsible for that.

Where did she get the guts to make this suggestion?

It's insulting to the years of hard work OP put in to provide a comfortable life for her son.

They can call OP a selfish a**hole when they can share a fair amount of money for the car.

They want bragging rights so they can say they all bought the brand new car for the teenager when they barely contributed. Its ridiculous.

There is no reason for OP to lose sleep over her ex-boyfriend's and his sister's feelings. Their overreaction should help OP feel better about her decision.

If she agreed, she would have been forced to lie to her son. OP can enjoy this achievement by doing what she has always done — think of what is best for her son.

Chelsi