Meet our conflicted stepdad (46M) who’s caught in a dilemma. He’s married to Janice (44F) and has two stepchildren, Jonas (25M) and Lucy (25F). While he’s bonded with Jonas, Lucy has been distant and cold. Now that both stepkids have graduated college, our stepdad has offered to pay off Jonas’s student debt, but refuses to do the same for Lucy. This decision has caused an uproar, with Lucy and Janice both upset. Is he being unfair? Let’s dive into the story!
The Stepfamily Background

Taking It Slow

Meeting the Stepkids

Jonas, the Friendly Stepson

Lucy, the Distant Stepdaughter

Bonding Attempts

Stepdad and Jonas’ Connection

Moving In and Visits

Lucy’s Visits Decrease

College Graduation

Stepdad’s Generous Offer

Lucy Finds Out

Family Fallout

Stepdad’s Reasoning

Stepdad’s Dilemma: Fair or Unfair? ♂️
Our stepdad’s decision to pay off Jonas’s student debt but not Lucy’s has stirred up emotions in the family. Janice and Lucy are both upset, claiming it’s unfair to treat the siblings differently. However, the stepdad feels that Lucy’s lack of interest in building a relationship with him makes her request for financial help unjustified. On the other hand, Jonas has been kind and welcoming, making the stepdad more inclined to help him. What do you think? Is the stepdad being fair or unfair? Let’s see what the internet has to say about this situation…
NTA, but short-sighted. Paying for one child’s college causes resentment.

Paying for stepson’s college creates emotional wedge, YTA.

Family drama ensues as stepdad refuses to pay for stepdaughter’s college

Offering to pay for one stepchild’s college but not the other.

Stepdad’s biased financial favoritism causes family tension. YTA

YTA for playing favorites and not considering impact on family.

Stepfather’s favoritism towards stepson causes family tension

Stepfather’s unilateral decision to pay for stepson’s college sparks family feud

YTA for making a major financial decision without your spouse’s input

Stepfather defends paying for stepson’s college, but not stepdaughter’s

Stepfather refuses to pay for stepdaughter’s college tuition. Commenters are divided.

Stepdad pays for stepson’s college, not stepdaughter. NTA vs. Lucy

YTA’s refusal to pay for stepdaughter’s college causes family tension

Stepdaughter accused of being a gold-digger. NTA.

NTA for not giving money to stepdaughter, but shortsighted decision

NTA. It’s okay to help out your friend. They’re adults.

Stepfather’s college payment causes family tension
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Commenter explains why stepfather is the a**hole in detail.
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/ba7b1902-8f0a-473f-81d2-49d03c6bf6fc.png)
Stepfather faces backlash for unequal treatment of stepchildren

Stepparent gets called out for not leaving parenting to parent

Stepfather’s unequal college funding creates family rift. YTA

The offer doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Resentment will fester

Stepfather receives mixed judgement for paying for only one stepchild’s college

Stepdaughter feels left out, but commenters support stepfather’s decision ❤️

Stepdaughter not entitled to college funds, communication is key

Building trust with stepdaughter through financial help

Stepdaughter only showed interest when she needed something

Stepfather spends money without consulting wife, ESH.

Commenter points out name error, receives polite reply.

Stepdad’s decision to pay for son’s college only could harm family

Offering to pay for one child makes you the a****e

Stepfather refuses to pay for stepdaughter’s college. YTA

Stepdaughter accused of greed, no sympathy from commenters

Stepdaughter’s bad behavior doesn’t deserve reward. NTA

User advises reconsidering paying for stepson’s college tuition only

Choosing favorites can damage relationships

Stepdad refuses to pay for stepdaughter’s college, comment supports decision
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/c4dfb36b-272b-4d5d-9f45-ec7a54ce729b.png)
Stepdad refuses to pay for stepdaughter’s college, sparks debate

Stepdaughter excluded, stepson’s college is NTA’s responsibility

Favoritism and transactional relationships. YTA

Stepdad refuses to pay for stepdaughter’s college, gets called out.

Playing favorites and wrecking relationships, ESH

Offering to pay for stepson’s college without stepdaughter’s approval – YTA

Building a positive relationship with stepdaughter or cutting her out?

Stepfather not at fault, but therapy for stepdaughter suggested

Stepfather’s conditional love for stepdaughter sparks heated debate

Stepdaughter’s behavior towards stepdad causes arguments with wife.

Stepdad offers to split payment if stepdaughter spends time with him

Stepfather not obligated to pay for stepdaughter’s college

Last Updated on June 5, 2023 by Diply Social Team