Girlfriend Annoyed When Man Decides to Gift Lottery Winnings to His Ex-Wife
There is no denying the thrill and excitement of winning the lottery, especially if a significant amount of money is won. But, one thing that many winners struggle with is knowing how to split and share their winnings. Some people share their unexpected windfall with family and friends, helping out those in need, whilst others choose to keep everything to themselves, possibly even keeping their win a complete secret. For many people, sharing their wealth is the obvious and fair choice, but there is no guarantee that a partner will support that decision.
In this blog, Go Gambling has taken a look at recent lottery winner’s struggles and the problems that arise when someone decides to share their winnings with an ex-partner and co-parent, and their current partner disagrees. With 5,400 comments and 45k reactions, it’s a topic that people had strong opinions on.
Background Story
After a big lottery win, a man took to the Am I The A-hole Subreddit to ask others, AITA, for giving my ex-wife a large amount of money I won despite my girlfriend's anger. He disclosed that he had recently secured a substantial lottery win, describing it as a life-altering amount that went into the millions. While choosing not to reveal the exact figure, the man acknowledged the transformative impact it could have on his life and his family.
The lottery winner then explains that his ex-wife, who he shares two children with, is an admirable woman, having endured the pain of their divorce six years ago due to an affair on his part. Despite the emotional turmoil, she exhibited remarkable generosity, ensuring that their divorce was as simple as possible and enabling him to maintain a connection with his children. Despite the amicable relationship, the ex-wife refrains from engaging with the winner's current girlfriend.
Upon winning the lottery, the man immediately contacted his ex-wife, who responded with genuine happiness and playful suggestions about taking the kids on a world trip. This prompted him to contemplate giving her a significant financial amount as a way to express gratitude and care. As he says, she is the mother of his children after all.
Currently, his ex-wife works in a modest paying job at a public library, and she could benefit from the money. It would enable her to pursue her hobbies and provide a better life for their children. Though he hasn't discussed this with his ex-wife yet, he floated the idea past his parents and lawyer, who agreed that it was a good idea. 'She deserves to know that I care despite my mistakes', the man says.
However, his current girlfriend is less supportive. When he shared this plan with her, she reacted with anger and accusations, viewing the gesture as disrespectful and questioning the nature of his relationship with his ex-wife. Despite clarifying that their relationship with the ex-wife has evolved, the current girlfriend threatens to end it.
Despite facing this ultimatum, the winner remains firm on his decision and plans to give his ex-wife some of his winnings. The winner took to Reddit to see what everyone else would do to ensure he was doing the right thing. Is he in the wrong for intending to share his lottery winnings with his ex-wife, or is this a reasonable and considerate gesture given the circumstances?
What Everyone Else Had to Say
Unsurprisingly, there were a lot of mixed opinions on the matter. Some Redditors agreed with the man, believing that by giving the money to his ex-wife, the man could provide a better life for his two children. Even when spending time with their mum, they wouldn’t struggle or rely on the ex-wife’s limited income. However, others sided with the girlfriend, understanding why she would be annoyed and implying that it could suggest deeper feelings between the two.
Strivingtosucceed sided with the man, saying: “Give her the money you were planning to give, give her double even. But your GF is a witch if she can't understand that you have kids that deserve to partake of their father's wealth.”
Popletti agreed, explaining: “I think your gf is being irrational and entitled, especially considering that it’s your money, not yours and hers. You can do whatever you want with it. Your ex-wife sounds like a saint for how well she dealt with the fallout of your marriage, she deserves the money.”
Of course, some Redditors held the opposite opinion, sympathising with the girlfriend.
Aitathroawayx commented: “While I don’t like that your GF doesn’t want you to give your ex-wife any money, I’m not surprised by her insecurity about it and about how you still feel about your ex-wife.”
GKShatiShaman commented: “It would make anyone jealous. The fact that you called your wife FIRST outside of your parents is terrible for your GF to know. I wouldn't want to date someone that did that to me.”
Some Redditors' opinions fell somewhere in the middle, seeing both sides of the argument. They agree with the man’s intention to help the mother of his children whilst also understanding why the current girlfriend could feel uneasy about the gesture.
FlyOnDreamWings commented: “I can understand the GF fearing that you are giving your ex money means you still feel for her. I also can understand that you feel giving your ex this money would improve your kids' lives.”
Finn_Finite commented: “Yes, she absolutely should not scream but any girl would have issues with how much you obviously adore your ex.“
Though there are very different opinions on the man’s decision, most people agreed with FlyOnDreamWings, realising that there are many nuances to consider. Though sharing his wealth to benefit his children is admirable, there’s a clear understanding of why the current girlfriend would have an issue with him doing so.
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