Years ago, my dad bought a laptop. He thinks he knows tech. He doesn’t. The salesman at a major tech retailer took him for a ride.
“What do you need?” the guy asked.
“I need to deal with a lot of pictures in PowerPoint, so I think I need something quite powerful.” said my dad.
“Ah yes, well in that case I recommend a gaming laptop.” the salesman replied.
My dad became the owner of an expensive but completely unnecessary graphical powerhouse. I’d love such a laptop on which to shoot aliens but my dad has never even played Tetris.
He tells me this story and I consider telling him he’s been ripped off. But in the end I say nothing: the money is gone and my dad is happy. The truth will only make things worse.
A year or so later I lose my job. I decide it’s the right time to become an IT contractor, for which I need a laptop.
I had little money at the time so I ask my dad if I can borrow some. My wonderful father says “You don’t need to borrow money; I’m happy to give you the money for a laptop so you can start your new career.”
He asks me how much it would cost.
To my eternal shame I say “Well, Dad, I might need to deal with a lot of pictures in PowerPoint…”
Comments
I totally get where you’re coming from. I remember when I was younger, I convinced my parents to buy me a really expensive gadget that I didn’t even need. I was always trying to impress my friends, and I used to tell myself it was a “great investment,” but deep down I knew it was just to keep up with everyone else. After a couple of weeks, the excitement wore off and the guilt started creeping in. I realized I’d manipulated my parents, and even though they didn’t complain, I felt like I had taken advantage of their trust. That moment made me think a lot about what I was valuing and whether I was acting out of selfishness or insecurity.
As time passed, I learned that these material things weren’t the answer to feeling good about myself. It was hard to admit that I had been so focused on outward appearances and trying to “fit in.” Honestly, I think a lot of people, especially younger folks, go through phases like this where they trick themselves into thinking stuff equals happiness. But once the novelty wears off, you’re left with that sinking feeling, and that’s when the lesson hits. If you’re feeling guilty, it’s normal, but don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s part of growing up, and now you have the chance to reflect and change your mindset for the future.
Son, is thia you?
Did this break him financially? If the answer is “No”, then it’s not a big deal. I’ll wager that he’ll feel good about every last dollar he gave you.
What you owe him:
That’s it. He’ll feel great, you’ll feel less guilty, and karma will be restored to balance.
As a father, I can tell you that a father like yours is quite glad to have been able to get you something nice. Even if you had been completely honest and just said, “Well, I don’t need much, but I’d really like to have this one…” the result would likely have been the same.
That is pretty sorry to screw someone over who is actually trying to help you.
I love it when my kids try to pull this on me. It’s like they don’t know that I work in IT and am an actual engineer.
I did this like 4 times when I was a kid. I think my parents just thought a new PC cost around $4,000
Why is reddit full of stand up comedy and creative writing?
Authentic stories are the point. Now they are gone.
The most stupid things these computer companies made is to name their laptop “gaming”. For the love of god, it’s for “enhanced productivity”. Same goes to keyboards, mouses, and chairs. The more RGB, the higher quality works will be produced from that workstation.
As long as u feel guilty that should show that u are a good person
Did the same thing. I’m a broke college kid and my dad offered to go halfsies with me on a laptop when my old one died. I don’t need a gaming laptop for school, but I wanted one because I am a pretty hardcore gamer, and didn’t want to be forced to only use my console. I lied and told him I needed a gaming laptop because I need those specs for my engineering program. Very happy with my laptop
There is no job in the world that would let you complete work on your personal laptop unless by it contracting you mean setting up a weebly site for the local dog groomer.
YTA
That’s actually super funny, because my dad and I had a similar but opposite story. My dad and I are in graphic design, and we work together at the family business. Basically, he really does know tech very well, and I needed a new laptop for work. We need to be able to do Illustrator, photoshop, invoicing, all at the same time. So he goes and get an (at the time) pretty sharp gaming laptop, and ADDS ram to it. He’s like “here you go” still use it and it’s been like 7 years lol.
I convinced my parents to buy a set of encyclopedias because I was going to sit around and read them😭
Chatgpt
You have no shame.
As a dad myself, I’ve never regretted what I’ve spent on my kids, ever. Personally, I could tell my dad what I need at bare minimum (I usually do anyway) and he’ll come back with the most he could afford (well above my expectations). If the guilt bothers u, say something and apologize. And at the same time, be appreciative.
I wish I had a father or even a mother. 😭
If you ask Copilot:
What’s an example of a high-end business laptop, with price?
and
What’s an example of a high-end gaming laptop, with price?
You won’t feel so bad.