Father of 3 Conflicted After His Late Friend’s Daughter Asked for Help Paying for College: ‘She’s a Stranger to Me’

Man Refuses to Assist Late Friend’s Daughter with College Funds, Describing Her as a ‘Stranger’

A 54-year-old lawyer found himself in a challenging situation when the daughter of his deceased friend approached him years later, seeking assistance with her college tuition. The man declined her request, explaining that he already has three children of his own to support. However, his decision raised questions about his compassion from his wife, who believed he was too harsh in his response.

The man shared his dilemma on Reddit, seeking advice after an emotional interaction with the daughter of his late acquaintance, whom he described as a good person and a former classmate, albeit not a close friend. He mentioned that he had previously provided legal assistance to his friend at no charge, as the friend faced financial instability. Following his friend’s death, the 17-year-old daughter reached out to him on social media, expressing gratitude for his past help.

Initially, the exchange between the man and the young woman appeared friendly, with her expressing thanks for his support to her late father. However, the conversation took a turn when she requested financial aid for her college education, explaining that her mother was unable to contribute. The man declined the request, highlighting his current financial responsibilities, including putting his own children through college, and stating that he could not afford to assist a stranger.

Despite the man’s refusal, the daughter accepted his decision gracefully and did not contact him again. When he relayed the incident to his wife, she believed he had been too harsh towards the girl, suggesting that he owed her an apology. This difference in opinion left the man contemplating whether his response was indeed too severe, prompting him to seek advice from fellow Reddit users.

The majority of commenters on Reddit supported the man’s decision, deeming the request inappropriate. Many agreed that he was not obliged to provide financial assistance to someone he considered a stranger, especially given his existing obligations towards his own children. They justified his response as necessary to set boundaries and communicate that such requests were unwarranted.

The divisive reaction to the man’s actions highlighted the complexities of navigating requests for financial aid, particularly from individuals with whom one may not have a close relationship. The incident underscored the importance of personal boundaries and the challenges individuals face when balancing their altruistic instincts with practical constraints.

Overall, the man’s dilemma shed light on the nuances of generosity and the need to establish clear boundaries, even in emotionally charged situations. His introspection following the interaction with his late friend’s daughter resonated with many, sparking a broader conversation about compassion, financial responsibility, and the complexities of navigating unexpected requests for assistance.