Not sure if this is right place but here is my issue. My dad has a habit where he likes to criticize everything I purchase even if it is completely reasonable. I make completely reasonable money as someone who graduated college not that long ago and work as an accountant and now that I have some of my own money I decided to purchase some things that I wanted/needed, yet my dad still makes it a big deal for everything I buy down to the littlest things like paying an extra 60 cents for the more premium cheese I like.
Some major purchases that I have made over the past 12 months
Honda HRV with a sunroof ~$23,000
iPhone 12 $800
PS5 with games $700
Watch for graduating college $3,700 (Tudor Black Bay)
Printer $150
Wireless router & modem $200
All this is are things I paid for out of pocket with my own money. I am in no debt other than my car and a credit card bill which I pay off completely each month that I use for gas, groceries, streaming services, etc. I also contribute to my 401K and save money each month month for whatever. He has made it a big deal about all the things I have purchased above and more even when they are items everyday people buy.
What broke the straw today was when he came over and saw that I got a new printer I spent $150 because I wanted a wireless one and one with a scanner which I think is reasonable. My dad came over and saw it in my living room and asked me about and how much it cost. I tell him and he then tells me that "I could have used my fancy new iPhone that you spent so much money on to scan documents with a $2 app. It would be a better purchase than that watch you bought."
I was so upset with that comment that he made that I canceled lunch with him and told him to leave after that. It made me want to almost cry because of how he said it. I am sure he just wants me to be careful with my money and understand that, but it is because of things like this that really put me down and make me regret simple choices I make in life that don't matter like what cheese or printer I buy.
I have tried to talk about it and each time he just brings up the whole point of being careful and tries to make seem like he is correct about everything.
Is there something I am doing wrong or is he just being unreasonable?
TLDR: Dad makes me feel bad about buying things like a $150 printer because I need them and it is destroying my self-esteem and relationship with him. Need advice.
May 07, 2021 at 09:39PM