A Generation Z individual has been backed by viewers on Reddit after sharing why they chose to confront their uncle during a family Christmas dinner.
The 22-year-old had taken to Reddit on January 8, under u/afro_samurai-7, to recount the tense encounter where they addressed their uncle's failure to repay them a loan. Their 43-year-old uncle had been boasting about his financial success and had announced an extravagant family trip shortly before, without following up on his borrowings. The post has received more than 6,800 upvotes, sparking widespread support in the comments.
"Last September, my uncle came up to me looking all stressed and asked if I could have a sit down with him as he needed a favor," the individual wrote. "He began to speak on how he was really in a rough financial spot, and he really had nowhere to turn to."
Despite not being affluent, the 22-year-old lent their uncle the requested amount, agreeing on repayment by December without interest. Trusting their uncle's promise and his repeated assurances, the poster awaited repayment. However, the repayment never materialized, nor did any updates about his financial situation. The culmination of their frustration occurred at the family Christmas dinner.
"All that time I didn't give him any reminders or a checkup," they wrote. "I assumed he was late or something and he would let me know why."
During the meal, their uncle announced his business's success and unveiled a lavish gift for his daughter, Aisha—a trip to the Maldives as a celebration of her recovery from a traumatic back injury.
"You can afford all that but not repay my debt which you haven't said anything on," the poster said over the meal.
They told Newsweek: "I admit I was kind of an a****** to Aisha at the moment."
The dinner table fell silent as the individual reminded their uncle of the exact amount owed and his failure to communicate when that would be repaid.
"I tell clients not to loan money to anyone, and if they do, consider it a gift, because, in therapy, the ratio of people getting aid back is exceedingly low, close to zero," Becky Whetstone, a therapist, told Newsweek. "Most of us have to learn this the hard way.
"The uncle is shameless; to borrow money from a family member who is not rich and then put on a show of success and generosity at the family dinner is beyond the pale."
Viewers on Reddit have overwhelmingly supported the individual's decision to call out their uncle.
"He never intended to pay you back, that's why he wanted it secret. I am sorry," one viewer said.
"I suggest a demand letter from an attorney and I doubt your relationship with him will be good after this anyway," another said. "Might as well try to get your money back, but if the letter does not work then file a small claims case against him."
Whetstone warned that the unpaid debt could cause a long-term conflict within the family
"This has the potential to cause a rift in the family that's unrepairable," she said. "The family has already made the uncle the victim."
Whetstone added that this incident serves as a harsh lesson about the risks of lending money without the expectation of repayment.
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