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A woman joking around accidentally revealed too much about her friend’s living situation. She didn’t think it was a big deal, but when her friend did the same thing to her, she felt differently. Now, their friendship might be in jeopardy.
A Friendship Tested by Homeownership
The original poster (OP), Julie, has a friend, Ruth, who purchased a home last year with a little help. Ruth’s home is a two-story townhouse in a great neighborhood.
Supportive Beginnings and Shared Experiences
During the move-in process, Julie helped Ruth move in and decorate her place. Julie didn’t judge that Ruth’s parents had purchased the home for Ruth and her husband.
Understanding the Situation
With high home prices, Julie understood it was hard for most people to purchase a home, including herself. After her parents passed away, she inherited their three-bedroom house in a middle-class neighborhood.
Julie and Ruth’s Different Paths to Ownership
Both friends inherited homes in slightly different ways and supported each other along the way. However, things would soon change unexpectedly.
Appliance Shopping
One day, Julie, Julie’s boyfriend, and Ruth went shopping for house appliances. Most of Julie’s appliances were over a decade old, so she was thinking about replacing a few things.
A Surprising Revelation
As they browsed the items around the store, Julie asked a nearby employee for recommendations for smaller appliances. After the employee gathered some basic information, he asked Julie whether she had recently purchased a home or was renting.
Awkward Exchange in the Store
Julie told the employee she bought her house because it was easier than letting him know she’d inherited her parents’ home. Unexpectedly, Ruth chimed in that Julie had inherited her house.
Emotional Impact
Julie immediately stared Ruth down in frustration. Ruth then told the employee she’d recently purchased a home.
Seeking Solitude
After an awkward back and forth, Ruth told Julie, “It’s just for the record.” Angry, Julie brought up that Ruth’s parents had purchased her home.
The Weight of Words
The employee, in the middle of an awkward debate, stepped away. Ruth also stepped outside the store.
A Heated Confrontation and Hurtful Accusations
“The employee probably just wanted to know if you rent your house or own it but the way he worded the question totally merited the ‘I bought it’ answer. You didn’t want to get more personal than that, but your friend decided to start playing games.”
Analyzing Support and Empathy
“I would argue that any person that revels in pointing out your deep personal loss to one-up you to a total stranger is not your friend.”
Sympathy for Julie’s Perspective
“How on earth are your friends split 50/50 on this? What is their logic? She was being all smug and gloating about the house you just inherited after a tragic loss!”
Reflecting on the Complexity of Friendships
When Julie caught up with Ruth, Ruth told her she was a terrible person for pointing out she couldn’t afford to purchase her own home. However, Julie felt the same since her parents had also helped her buy her first home.
12 Obvious Signs You Grew Up as an Only Child
Growing up as an only child can have its unique experiences. Here, we explore a few obvious signs that indicate you’re an only child. From getting along with adults at an early age to making no announcements, these signs will resonate with many who grew up with no siblings.
12 Obvious Signs You Grew Up as an Only Child
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