WIBTA if I sold my friend’s concert ticket after she hasn’t paid me back?

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Friendship, Finances, and Concert Tickets: A Dilemma

When a college student buys concert tickets for a friend, the excitement quickly turns into frustration as payment delays and financial priorities clash. With grad school expenses looming, the narrator grapples with their friend’s spending habits, especially after witnessing her splurge on tattoos while neglecting her debt. This relatable scenario raises questions about friendship, responsibility, and the balance between supporting loved ones and standing up for oneself. Should loyalty come before financial fairness, or is it time to take a stand?

Conflict Over Concert Tickets: A Friend’s Dilemma

In a situation that highlights family drama and financial tensions among friends, one college student is grappling with a conflict regarding concert tickets purchased for a popular band. Here’s a breakdown of the events:

Concert Tickets Purchase: The narrator and a friend bought tickets to see My Chemical Romance (MCR) several months ago. The total cost for both tickets was $270, with the narrator covering the full amount upfront.
Payment Agreement: The friend agreed to pay back her share of $135 after her next paycheck, which was expected shortly after the tickets were purchased in November.
Delayed Payment: As of February, the friend has not repaid the narrator. Despite multiple reminders and setting deadlines, the friend continues to provide excuses, citing financial difficulties.
Observations of Spending: The narrator has noticed that the friend recently spent money on a $300 tattoo and has plans for another one soon, raising concerns about her financial priorities.
Financial Strain: The narrator, who is also a college student with upcoming grad school expenses, feels frustrated by the situation. She believes that her friend is not prioritizing the repayment of the concert ticket.
Consideration of Selling the Ticket: Faced with ongoing delays and excuses, the narrator is contemplating selling her friend’s ticket to alleviate her financial burden. She is unsure if this would be the right course of action.

This situation encapsulates the complexities of friendship, financial responsibility, and the tension that can arise when expectations are not met. The narrator is left to weigh her options for conflict resolution while navigating the emotional landscape of their friendship.

This is Original story from Reddit

Image credit: Pixabay (This is example image – Not the actual photo)

Story

My friend and I bought tickets to see MCR in a few months. I set aside money to buy both tickets and sat in the queue for them. It was about 270 for both, which means she owed me 135.

We are both college students, and I have expenses with grad school coming up, but I can afford to go to this concert, and it’s not a problem. I bought those tickets back in November, and she promised to pay me back then after her next paycheck. Lo and behold, it’s now February, and I have yet to receive the money.

I set a few deadlines, asking for it consistently, but not trying to be annoying about it. She keeps making excuses, complaining that she has no money. But at that time, I watched her get a 300 tattoo, and she’s getting another one next week.

I’m tired of being out of this kind of cash and tired of the excuses when I know she’s just not prioritizing it. She, to me, can’t afford this concert. I’m tempted to just sell her ticket.

Would that be wrong to do?

View the Original Reddit Post Here

Summary of Reddit Comments

The top Reddit comments indicate a strong consensus that the original poster (OP) is not at fault (NTA) for wanting to sell the concert ticket after their friend failed to pay them back despite multiple reminders. Many users emphasize that the friend’s spending on a tattoo demonstrates a lack of priority for repaying OP, and they suggest setting a firm deadline for payment before selling the ticket to someone else. Overall, the comments reflect a belief that OP should prioritize their own financial needs over maintaining a friendship with someone who has not respected their agreement.

Verdict: NTA

Expert Advice for Resolving the Conflict

In navigating the complexities of friendship and financial responsibility, it’s essential to approach the situation with empathy and clarity. Here are practical steps for both the narrator (OP) and the friend to consider:

For the Narrator (OP)

Communicate Openly: Reach out to your friend for a candid conversation. Express your feelings about the situation without placing blame. Use “I” statements, such as “I feel frustrated because I haven’t received the repayment we agreed upon.”
Set a Firm Deadline: Clearly communicate a deadline for repayment. For example, you might say, “I understand things can be tough, but I need to have the $135 by [specific date].” This sets clear expectations.
Consider Selling the Ticket: If the deadline passes without payment, you may proceed with selling the ticket. Before doing so, inform your friend of your decision, emphasizing that you need to prioritize your financial situation.
Reflect on the Friendship: Take time to consider the overall dynamics of your friendship. Is this a one-time issue, or is it part of a larger pattern? Understanding this can help you decide how to move forward.

For the Friend

Assess Financial Priorities: Take a moment to evaluate your spending habits. If you are unable to repay the ticket, consider whether your current expenditures align with your financial responsibilities.
Communicate Honestly: If you are genuinely struggling, share your situation with your friend. Transparency can help maintain trust and understanding in the friendship.
Propose a Payment Plan: If immediate repayment isn’t feasible, suggest a plan to pay back the amount over time. This shows your commitment to honoring the agreement.
Reflect on Friendship Values: Consider how your actions impact your friendship. Prioritizing financial commitments can strengthen trust and respect between friends.

Ultimately, both parties should strive for open communication and mutual respect. By addressing the situation thoughtfully, both the narrator and the friend can work towards a resolution that honors their friendship while also respecting financial boundaries.