A man recently found support online after revealing that his retired parents were pressuring him to join them on a costly $12,000 vacation. He shared his story on the ‘BoomersBeingFools’ subreddit under the username u/me315, expressing his frustration over their demands and guilt tactics.
The post explained that his parents, now enjoying retirement, planned a two-week family getaway to Hawaii during Thanksgiving. However, the excessive cost was not something he could manage.
“My boomer parents are upset because we ‘don’t want to spend time with them,’ simply because we can’t afford $12,000 for a vacation,” the original poster wrote. “That covers the airfare for five of us and half the condo cost, excluding meals or activities.”
Balancing work and family responsibilities, u/me315 pointed out that his kids could not miss a week and a half of school, and taking off two weeks for work wasn’t an option either.
Despite explaining the financial strain and logistical difficulties, the parents resorted to guilt-inducing phrases like, “you only live once” and “make memories with your kids while they’re young.”
“I told them outright that we just can’t afford it, but they’re still trying to manipulate me,” he added. “I suggested they cover our airfare, and we’d pitch in for the condo. Naturally, they said that was too expensive for them.”
The post has garnered over 8,500 upvotes and notable support from Reddit users, many of whom shared similar experiences with their own parents failing to comprehend today’s economic challenges.
One commenter noted that the attempt at manipulation after u/me315 explained the situation was classic “boomer” behavior, stating, “You’d gladly spend time with them if it weren’t for the $12k cost. They’re the ones unwilling to compromise, focusing on their own desires rather than understanding your situation.”
Others agreed that asking for $12,000 on short notice was unreasonable, with some speculating that the parents were looking to finance their trip through their child.
“They’re upset not because they want memories, but because they need financial support from OP,” another Redditor commented.
Many explained that the boomer generation, having grown up in a different economic context, often forgets the mounting financial pressures faced by younger families today. This creates a disconnect known as “gramnesia,” where older generations overlook the realities of current parenting and financial hurdles.
In the end, u/me315 felt relieved to decline the trip, saying, “Honestly, I’m glad we won’t go. Now, we can enjoy a peaceful Thanksgiving at home without the pressure of guilt.”