AITA for not sharing my lottery win with my family after they told me I’d “never make it”?

Oh, the sweet taste of vindication! Today's AITA story brings us a tale where dreams clash with discouraging words, and a sudden twist of fate puts everything into sharp, high-definition focus. We've all heard the phrase 'money changes everything,' but what happens when that money arrives after years of dismissive judgment from the very people now asking for a piece of the pie?

This scenario is a classic 'rags-to-riches' tale, albeit one with a very pointed ethical dilemma at its heart. Our storyteller, fresh off a life-altering lottery win, is grappling with the sudden attention of family members who previously offered little but negativity. It raises crucial questions about loyalty, past grievances, and whether financial success obligates us to those who doubted us most. Let's dive in!

"AITA for not sharing my lottery win with my family after they told me I’d “never make it”?"

This story hits on a common and emotionally charged theme: the intersection of family expectations, past grievances, and sudden financial windfalls. On one hand, the poster's family spent years undermining their professional choices and personal aspirations. This consistent pattern of negative reinforcement can be incredibly damaging to one's self-esteem and creates a deep well of resentment.

Therefore, it's entirely understandable why the poster feels a sense of vindication and a strong desire to protect their newfound wealth from those who offered only doubt. They worked hard, struggled, and achieved this success *despite* their family's lack of support. The idea that these same people now feel entitled to a share, without acknowledging their past behavior, is a significant emotional hurdle.

However, family dynamics are rarely black and white. There might be an argument that regardless of past slights, a lottery win of this magnitude could be an opportunity to rise above the old animosities and foster a new, more positive relationship. Generosity, even when undeserved, can sometimes mend fractured bonds, though it's a risky strategy.

Ultimately, the poster has no legal or moral obligation to share their personal lottery winnings, especially when the requests are exorbitant and lack any genuine apology. The family's immediate demands and accusations of selfishness only reinforce the poster's decision, proving that their motivation is rooted in entitlement rather than true familial connection or concern.

The internet weighs in: Is 'blood' thicker than past insults?

The comments section on this one exploded, as you can imagine! The overwhelming sentiment leans heavily towards NTA, with many users empathizing deeply with the poster's years of being undermined. The common thread is that financial success doesn't erase past emotional neglect, and the family's immediate shift from disdain to entitlement is a huge red flag. Many pointed out that true support is shown long before money enters the equation.

However, there were a few YTA and ESH opinions, primarily arguing that while the family was undoubtedly hurtful, cutting them off entirely might be too harsh. Some suggested a smaller, symbolic gesture of generosity to keep the peace, or at least a more diplomatic way of declining. But even these commenters generally agreed the family's demands were out of line.

This AITA story is a powerful reminder that while family ties can be strong, they are not a blank check for poor behavior or financial entitlement. Our poster's decision to withhold their winnings, at least until a genuine apology is offered, speaks volumes about self-worth and setting boundaries. It highlights the importance of recognizing who truly supports us, regardless of our financial standing. The sweet taste of success is all the more satisfying when it proves the doubters wrong, and sometimes, that's enough of a reward in itself.