A young man whose family tried to coerce him into shouldering a huge restaurant bill has spoken out and asked for advice.
Known under the username u/XIANGHO on Reddit, the 23-year-old man in question revealed he just graduated and landed his first job when his family from his mother’s side invited him out for dinner.
Though the relatives chose an expensive place for their outing, the new graduate agreed thinking they just wanted to celebrate and spend some time with him after his latest achievement.
While dinner was going as planned and everyone was “having a pretty good time,” the man was in for a huge surprise when his relatives told him to foot the bill for 17 people even though he and his grandfather arrived alone at the gathering.
Surprised by his relatives’ demands, the 23-year-old said he couldn’t pay for the bill alone because it was “in the thousands” and because that wasn’t part of their agreement.
“I am the only member of my mum’s side of the family who went and graduated from college. So family was using the excuse ‘We threw you a surprise party so the least you could do is pay,’” the man wrote.
“Grandfather was confused and told them no. I am fine with paying for a bill that’s in my budget range. I would have paid for everyone otherwise, but the bill was in the thousands. My family did not even look through the prices before ordering. Grandfather tried explaining that it was their problem.”
The relatives, however, refused to budge and went on to pressure the young man into thinking that he was “selfish” and that he was “turning against them” after graduating and securing a job.
“I called the waiter, paid for mine and my grandfather’s meal, and left with him. But I left them $200 to help cover,” the 23-year-old concluded.
“Instead of using it towards the bill, my aunt pocketed it and spent it on alcohol and cigarettes after leaving. Most of them brought their own money so they could pay. I was getting angry calls and visits saying I should have just been a man and paid.”
After asking Reddit for advice, the young man quickly received lots of support from people who suggested his relatives are leeches who just wanted to use his recent achievement as an excuse to get free food.
“First, they invited you. Second, it was your graduation, so they should be celebrating and treating you, not the other way around,” someone pointed out.
Another said: “Props to your grandfather for calling out bull c***. The rest of the family tricked you under the pretense of a surprise party for you when they actually wanted to put a fast one on you. Never accept their invitation again.”
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