To confirm, he texted the kids, assuring them he’d handle any hunger concerns. Their response revealed that while food was available, it required preparation. “Both of them also said that if I was willing to spare some of the elk and hog roasts they would take them.
I laughed and said I would take them over later,” explained OP. Despite his genuine effort to assist, OP found himself at the center of controversy. His ex-wife, painting a different narrative, accused him of attempting to manipulate her into a “housewife” role while allegedly neglecting their kids’ food needs.
The fallout escalated with some siding against him, criticizing him for not providing the help she sought. Amid the uproar, OP, standing firm in his conviction, questioned if there was a perspective he might be overlooking. OP’s story garnered substantial attention on the internet, with most commenters deeming him “NTA.”
One user wrote, “Definitely NTA- there’s no reason to be giving her money.
She asked for help with food you were readily willing to give her some of your food! But she doesn’t want/need help with food.” “She wants/needs money. With 50/50 custody you shouldn’t have to give her any money.
If she absolutely needs it she will have to apply for government benefits. She’s being ridiculous,” concluded the user. “NTA.
You used the same approach I use with panhandlers. I will buy food for them and give them the food, but I will not give them money. And it’s quite disappointing how few people will let me buy them a sandwich or a meal when they want money,” added another commenter.
“NTA, I’m confused on why she thinks preparing food for her kids is being manipulated into being a housewife… it’s called being a normal parent. Clearly, she’s nobody’s housewife anyways,” another user expressed. In your opinion, was OP right in refusing to give money to his ex-wife?
What would you do if you were in OP’s place?
