AITA for taking full ownership of our house after my ex walked away over my period?
Oh, folks, do we have a doozy for you today! Imagine pouring your heart, soul, and significant savings into buying a home with someone you love, only for that dream to shatter into a million pieces over something as utterly normal and natural as a menstrual cycle. It sounds like a plot twist from a darkly comedic movie, but sadly, it's the very real dilemma our OP faced, leaving us all scratching our heads and wondering: really, over *that*?\nThis story isn't just about a broken engagement; it's about the shocking realization of how quickly a partner can abandon not just a relationship, but also their financial and moral responsibilities. Our OP found herself not only heartbroken but also holding the bag, quite literally, for an entire house. Was she wrong for taking full ownership when her ex-fiancé utterly checked out? Let's dive in.
"AITA for taking full ownership of our house after my ex walked away over my period?"
Let's be unequivocally clear: the reason Mark left this relationship is baffling, immature, and frankly, deeply concerning. To abandon a partner and a shared home over a natural bodily function speaks volumes about his lack of empathy, understanding, and basic respect. This isn't just a minor disagreement; it's a fundamental failure to treat a partner with dignity and to accept the realities of human biology.\nBeyond the emotional abandonment, Mark's complete cessation of financial responsibility is a critical factor here. For three months, he left OP to shoulder the entire mortgage, utilities, and all other household expenses for a property they co-owned. This constitutes a severe dereliction of duty and placed an immense, unfair burden on OP. She was not only dealing with a breakup but also significant financial stress.\nThe advice OP received from her lawyer was sound. When one party abandons their legal and financial obligations to a shared asset, the other party is often left with little recourse but to take full control to protect themselves from further debt and credit damage. Mark's refusal to engage, communicate, or contribute demonstrates his clear intention to wash his hands of the entire situation, including any potential claim to equity.\nTherefore, OP taking full ownership appears to be a practical and necessary step rather than a manipulative move. She didn't force him to walk away or stop paying; he chose that path. His subsequent willingness to sign the quitclaim deed further cements his desire to be free of the obligation. To suggest she's a "gold digger" when she was left holding the bag financially for months seems entirely misplaced.
The Verdict Is In: Was OP Justified Or A 'Gold Digger'?
The comments section for this story was, predictably, a resounding chorus of 'NTA!' Readers were overwhelmingly supportive of OP, recognizing the extreme immaturity and irresponsibility displayed by her ex. Many pointed out that Mark's actions weren't just a breakup, but a full-blown financial abandonment, leaving OP with no choice but to protect herself and her assets. The sheer absurdity of his reason for leaving resonated strongly with everyone.\nThere was a powerful collective agreement that Mark forfeited any claim to the house the moment he stopped paying and refused communication. Several commenters highlighted that OP actually did him a favor by taking the house off his hands, saving him from potential foreclosure or a worse credit hit down the line. The mutual friend's "gold digger" accusation was widely dismissed as ignorant and unfair.
In conclusion, it's clear from both an ethical and practical standpoint that OP is absolutely Not The Asshole here. Her ex-fiancé's decision to abandon his home, his partner, and his financial obligations over a natural bodily function was not only childish but grossly irresponsible. OP was left with a significant financial burden and acted responsibly to mitigate her losses and protect her future. She didn't manipulate; she survived and thrived. This house is now a testament to her resilience, not his foolishness.
