Partner Promises To Clean House If Wife Lets Their 9 Y.O. Watch Horror Movie, Bribe Hilariously Backfires
“A deal is a deal.”
So, here's a fun little tale of a family movie night gone awry, with a sprinkle of drama and a dash of humor. Our story kicks off with the classic parental dilemma: should a 9-year-old, who often gets spooked by PG movies, be allowed to watch a PG-13 scary film?
The answer, for one responsible parent, was a resounding no. But don’t underestimate the persuasive power of a determined kiddo and an even more determined partner.
Our narrator (Original Poster) warned that their child didn’t have the stomach for it, but her partner wouldn’t budge. The kiddo’s puppy dog eyes and playful begging almost did the trick, but it was her partner’s promise of a sparkling clean house that finally tipped the scales in their favor.
The deal was struck, but with one important condition: if their child got scared and wanted to leave, it was game over—no questions asked.
Fast forward to the big night. Popcorn in hand, they settled into their seats, ready for some spooky fun. As OP predicted, the horror was a bit too much for the little one. Just twenty minutes in, the kiddo was ready to bail.
The family made a swift exit, and just like that, movie night was over—but the drama had only just begun. The next day, OP’s partner gave her the ol' side-eye and suggested she help clean the house. Cue the confusion.
"Wait, what? We had a deal," OP reminded him while lounging on the couch. This led to a bit of a spat, with her partner feeling the deal was unfair since they didn't even get to finish the movie.
Was OP the AH for insisting they stick to their agreement? Or was her partner right in calling her out on a technicality?
Let’s dig into the details
Reddit.comOP’s partner wanted to take their son to watch a scary movie, which she refused. However, her partner promised to clean the house if she allowed them to go, so she agreed.
Reddit.comThe Psychology of Bargaining
Dr. Peter Johnson, a psychologist at Duke University, explains that bargaining can often lead to unexpected outcomes in family dynamics.
His research indicates that making deals, especially with children, can sometimes backfire when expectations aren’t clearly communicated.
This often leads to misunderstandings and can negatively affect the parent-child relationship.
OP hinted that if their child got scared watching the movie, they would leave, to which they agreed and shook on it. A little while into the movie, they had to leave because the kid got scared.
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OP’s partner wants her to clean the house, but she reminds him of their deal. This made him upset and hinted that they did not watch the movie.
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According to studies in Behavioral Psychology, children are particularly adept at negotiating favorable terms when they see an opportunity.
When parents establish conditions for rewards, it can lead to children testing boundaries, which may create unintentional power struggles.
Understanding these dynamics is crucial for parents to maintain authority while fostering cooperation.
OP wants to know if she did wrong for not wanting to clean the house.
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Check out the highest upvoted comments from the Reddit community
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The Importance of Clear Communication
Research highlights the significance of clear communication in preventing misinterpretations in family agreements.
When parents and children discuss expectations openly, it reduces the likelihood of conflict arising from unmet conditions.
Encouraging an environment where children feel safe to express their thoughts can lead to more productive family interactions.
“He needs to get those rubber gloves on & put some elbow grease in.”
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“Remind him to lift with his knees when he needs to clean under anything.”
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Experts recommend that parents engage in collaborative problem-solving with their children rather than unilateral decision-making.
This approach fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility in children, reducing resistance.
By involving children in the process, parents can create a more harmonious family dynamic.
“He made the deal and he lost; he needs to man up and take the loss like a good sport.”
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“Parents need to be realistic about what their kids can handle content-wise, and it sounds like your partner selfishly ignored that.”
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Redditors agreed that OP was definitely NTA. The deal was clear: if the kiddo got scared, they'd leave, and her partner would clean the house regardless. It was never about finishing the movie.
The community was a bit concerned that the partner couldn’t grasp the concept of sticking to his word, especially when it involved genuine commitments. Well, he’d better prepare those brooms and mop buckets because Reddit has decided.
Do you agree with the commenters? Share your thoughts with us.
“Time to pay up, buddy! Also, his word is not any good if he doesn't keep it.”
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“You fulfilled your end of the deal. There were no exceptions that said he doesn't have to clean if the kid got scared.”
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Understanding the Consequences of Bargaining
Engaging in bargaining can lead to unintended consequences if not managed carefully.
Research from the Journal of Family Psychology shows that children may feel empowered by negotiation but can also develop a sense of entitlement if boundaries aren’t set.
Recognizing this balance is key in fostering healthy family relationships.
“He's just pissed that his mouth wrote a check that his a** couldn't cash, and he's actually having to follow through with the consequence of losing the bet.”
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Psychological Analysis
This situation showcases how bargaining can sometimes lead to unexpected outcomes in family dynamics. When expectations aren't clearly communicated, it can create confusion and conflict. Parents should strive for clear agreements and collaborative problem-solving to foster cooperation.
Analysis generated by AI
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
In conclusion, bargaining within families can lead to complex dynamics that require careful navigation.
Clear communication, collaborative problem-solving, and regular check-ins are essential for fostering healthy relationships.
By understanding the psychological intricacies of these interactions, families can cultivate a more supportive and cooperative environment.
Encouraging flexibility in agreements can also help accommodate changing needs within the family.
Experts suggest that families establish regular check-ins to discuss evolving expectations and make necessary adjustments.
Such practices can enhance communication and ensure everyone’s needs are being met.
