Greetings, dear readers! Grab your popcorn and snuggle into your coziest blanket because today, I’m dishing out a real Reddit story that will have you riding an emotional rollercoaster. You’re stuck with me, Roger, your go-to scribe for all the juicy and controversial hot takes. Let’s get this drama party started, shall we?
We’re diving headfirst into a tale as old as time – well, not really, but let’s not get bogged down with details. This story features our protagonist, an 18-year-old female (let’s call her Jane), caught in the whirlwind of adulting, armed with nothing but her dreams and a hefty dose of parental disappointment. Jane’s grand sin? She chose college over the military. Gasp! I know, dear readers, how will society ever recover?
To set the stage: Daddy is active duty, and the GI Bill looms large over Jane’s future. Housing, tuition, the works – all could be hers if only she’d follow the plan laid out since the cradle. But here’s where Jane throws a wrench into the well-oiled machine of parental expectations: she wants the “college experience”. Imagine wanting to pursue education and personal growth over a career that doesn’t spark joy. The audacity, folks!
Now, add a boyfriend into the mix, because what’s a good story without a little romance? Jane and her beau want to save some cash by shacking up together. Enter stage left: parental outrage. The options presented to Jane? A financial ultimatum that would make even the savviest Wall Street broker sweat. And through all this, the ever-present chorus of “disappointment” and “shame” from the peanut gallery, aka Mom and Dad.
But fear not! This isn’t just a tale of woe. It’s also one of rebellion, of standing up for one’s beliefs and future, even when those closest to you don’t get it. Jane’s steadfast refusal to be pigeonholed into a future that doesn’t fit, to put her own sanity and well-being first, is the kind of plot twist we live for.
Now, dear reader, you might be wondering, where do I, your humble narrator Roger, stand in this Shakespearean tragedy? Well, here comes Roger’s Hot Take™: Jane is not the antagonist in her story. Not by a long shot. Choosing to follow a path that feels right for you, especially when it bucks tradition, isn’t just brave; it’s necessary. The real villain here? A failure to communicate and support one’s kin in their pursuit of happiness.
Living life according to someone else’s script is no way to live at all. And while parental guidance is invaluable, so too is learning to stand on your own two feet, making decisions that will shape your future, not someone else’s. This isn’t just about college versus the military; this is about autonomy, emotional well-being, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment.
So, to Jane, and to all of you facing your own crossroads, a standing ovation. The road less traveled may be fraught with “what ifs”, but it’s also where you’ll find your strength, your passion, and your unique story. And to the parents out there, remember: the greatest gift you can give your children is not a preordained future, but the freedom to create their own.
Stay sassy, my friends, and remember – in the grand theatre of life, the only role you’re guaranteed to play perfectly is your own.
Roger, out.
Original story
Hi, I’ve never posted nor used Reddit, so this will probably be the only time I’ll post something. I’ve omitted some nitty gritty things to keep things short so feel free to ask for some clarification on things.
I, 18F, am planning to attend college this year. My parents were slightly upset at this decision as I’ve told them I’d join the military. To be honest, I’ve never wanted to, always wanted to have the “college experience” and all, and frankly I’m just not fit for the military (under 100 lbs., never worked out a day in my life, easily cave under pressure, and have a lot of sensory problems). To be fair, I applied to college very last minute, so I can see why they were upset about this.
My dad is currently active duty, and plans to give me half the GI Bill to pay for my tuition and housing. Now I should say I do not have a job and don’t have a license or car yet, so I was hoping on renting an apartment I found which was a 14 min. walk from campus, came fully furnished with utilities included too.
I also have a boyfriend, 18, and was hoping to room with him to save us both some money; I’d pay for the first two years of rent with the bill and we’ll finish out the last two as by then I’ll have a job and he’s currently working. My parents weren’t happy with this idea, saying that they A) didn’t want us to move in together, B) weren’t running a charity for some boy and C) the plan wasn’t well thought out. It ultimately resulted in them saying I had two options: rent the apartment and LOSE the GI Bill entirely, or continue living with them for $1,000 and keep the bill.
My parents are still insistent on me joining the military, but I’ve already tried to explain to them multiple times that I don’t want to enlist for the reasons I’ve mentioned earlier and also it’s just not what I’m interested in.
Had my parents been more understanding and all, I could definitely hear them out, and with the way I’m describing things it seems like these interactions are somewhat okay. But ever since I’ve committed to this college, they’ve done nothing but claim how disappointed and ashamed they are, especially my mom.
My mom has made me cry over these interactions more than three times in the past two weeks alone, has yelled at me once for “crying like a little bitch”, and has more than once called me stupid over this conflict. I’ve never raised my voice at my parents, maybe once but to be able to put in some of my two cents (only to be interrupted and misinterpreted further). I’ve constantly heard “Well we’re stressed out over YOUR future”, “We wish you joined the military”, but what about what I want to do? Isn’t my future in my hands? If it ends up being hard for me then it’ll be hard for me, and it’s up to me to figure out ways around it too! They’re still upset at my decision and I honestly don’t know if I’m the bad guy for wanting to do my own thing.
So, AITA?