Ex Wants Expensive Earrings Back After Breakup – Right or Wrong?

Breakups are tough, and dividing up possessions can be even tougher. One recently heartbroken man found himself in a moral dilemma after realizing his ex-girlfriend still had the expensive earrings he gifted her for their anniversary. As they prepared to exchange their belongings, he wondered if it would be wrong to ask for the earrings back. Would he be crossing a line, or is it fair game to reclaim the pricey gift? Read on to find out!

The Breakup Box Exchange

Keeping it Civil and Organized

The Missing Earrings

To Ask or Not to Ask?

The Earrings’ Worth

Edit: Reconsidering the Request

Comparing to Other Breakup Protocols

Grateful for the Advice

Edit 2: Clarifying the Nude Comparison

Respecting Consent

Apology and Understanding

The Verdict: Let the Earrings Go ️

After much consideration and advice from others, our conflicted ex-boyfriend realized that asking for the expensive earrings back would be an a**hole move. He learned that, unlike deleting intimate photos after a breakup, it’s not standard protocol to give back gifts. With a newfound understanding, he decided to let the earrings go and avoid causing further damage to their already strained relationship. What do you think? Was this the right decision? Let’s check out some of the top responses from the internet!

Don’t be petty, asking for gifts back is never cool

Kudos to OP for being open to advice and growth.

Comparing earrings to nudes is creepy and a violation. YTA

Don’t be the a**hole who asks for gifts back

Keep the gifts she gave you. Gifts are gifts.

Gifts are gifts, YWBTA if you demand them back

Deleting nudes vs. expensive earrings – YTA for comparison.

Ex learns the hard way: a gift means it’s hers

Gifts are gifts, asking for them back is a**hole move

Clear explanation of possession vs gifts in a breakup.

Don’t be the a**hole, gifts are not conditional

Returning a gift from an ex: YTA or NTA?

Engagement rings vs other jewelry – different promises, different rules

Don’t try to get back expensive gifts after a breakup

Gifts with strings attached, not earrings. YTA, move on.

Gifts are property of the receiver, engagement rings are not

Keep the gift, YTA if you demand expensive earrings back.

Gifts are gifts. Demanding them back is a dick move.

Returning gifts after a breakup – YTA or NTA?

Gifts belong to the recipient. YTA for demanding the earrings back

A gift is a gift. YTA if you ask for it back

Gifts should be given freely, not with strings attached

Humble acceptance of judgement, wishing luck

Don’t be a YTA by asking for gifts back after breakup

Gift or loan? Commenter debates returning expensive earrings after breakup.

Gifts are not obligations. NTA to ask, YTA to expect.

Breakups can be tough, but losing sentimental items hurts too

Gifts should not have strings attached.

Gifts are gifts, not loans. YWBTA if you ask back.

Gifts should have no strings attached. Once you give them you should not ask for them back. You are not obligated to return gifts she gave you either (except that you already sent her a picture so you probably need to now)

Deleting nudes and returning gifts are not comparable, dudes

Ex’s expensive earrings: YTA says keep them, even wear ex’s shirts.

Don’t be TA. Gifts are gifts, even after a breakup.

Returning gifts is polite, but asking for them back is a**hole-ish

Gifts are gifts, asking for them back is tacky. YTA

Don’t be the a**hole, let her keep the earrings

Maturity wins! OP takes advice and avoids being an a**hole

Nudes and gifts aren’t comparable. YTA for asking back.

Gifts should be given with no strings attached

A thoughtful comment on future partner’s perception of ex’s gift

Once given, gifts don’t have to be returned.

Gifts are not meant to be returned. YWBTA if you insist.

Hilarious comment section with great sassy responses.

Return the earrings, gifts are gifts. YWBTA if you don’t.

Gifts are given without the expectation of return

Choosing your battles wisely can save you a lot of grief

Petty ex returns gifts, sparks debate on breakup etiquette

Don’t be an a**hole, gifts are gifts even after breakups

No takesy-backsies on gifts. YWBTA.

Gifts are gifts. Asking for them back is a d**k move

Gifts given are no longer yours. YWBTA if you ask.

User defends OP asking if they would be the a**hole for wanting to keep a gift from their ex

Defending OP from unnecessary insults.

NTA for keeping relationship gift, confusion with engagement rings.

Deleting nudes doesn’t equate to returning gifts. No refunds.

Returning a gift after a breakup: YTA or NTA?

Positive comment and compliment on communication skills.

Gifts are gifts, not loans. No obligation to return them.

Once a gift is given, it’s no longer your property

Gifts are gifts, asking for them back is a**hole-ish

Is it ever okay to ask for gifts back?

Learning from a breakup: YWBTA but good on you

Is it ever okay to demand a gift back?

Returning a gift with conditions isn’t really a gift

User asks for more information before giving judgment on situation.

Ex demands earrings back, suspicious of intentions.

Returning gifts after a breakup: NTA or YTA?

Understanding the protocol: engagement rings vs earrings debate.

Returning gifts after a breakup: YWBTA according to commenter.

Is it fair to ask for gifts back after a breakup?