Man Finally Cuts Off His Ex (And Her New Boyfriend) From His Streaming Accounts, And The Reddit Community Has His Back

When this 37-year-old man ended his eight-year relationship last year, he thought he and his ex could stay friends. But somewhere between emotional boundaries and shared passwords, things got... messy.

For nearly a decade, he’d stepped up as a father figure to her three kids, even though they weren’t his biologically. He adored them like his own, and when the breakup happened, he wanted to keep things friendly — for the kids’ sake, and maybe for closure.

But friendship soon faded. The two drifted apart, communication stopped in June, and the teens — aged 15, 16, and 17 — eventually stopped reaching out too. He figured it was typical teenage detachment, not malice.

Still, one thing didn’t stop: the streaming. Despite not hearing from his ex or her kids for months, they continued happily using his Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime accounts. Even worse? His ex was ordering things on his Amazon Prime — for herself and her new boyfriend.

Yeah. You read that right.

While he admits she used her own card to pay for purchases, the situation hit differently when he noticed her new boyfriend’s name pop up on the shipping address list. That’s when the lightbulb went off — not the warm, fuzzy kind, but the “why am I still letting this happen?” kind.

At first, he hesitated. After all, the holidays were coming up, and cutting off Prime right before Christmas felt a bit… Grinch-y. He worried he’d look like the bad guy — the petty ex who stole Christmas from the kids.

But deep down, he knew this wasn’t about being vindictive. It was about boundaries, respect, and maybe a touch of self-respect too.

He explained that he didn’t want to hurt the kids — they weren’t the problem. But if he gave them the passwords, he knew his ex would get them anyway. So really, it was all or nothing.

After posting his dilemma online, the internet chimed in with near-unanimous support: change the passwords, dude. Thousands of comments reassured him he wasn’t being petty — just smart. “They’re taking advantage of your kindness,” one commenter wrote. Another added, “You’re not their free streaming service. Let their mom figure it out.”

And with that encouragement, he finally did it.

In his update, he thanked everyone for their advice and said he’d begun changing passwords and removing devices from his accounts. He didn’t offer an explanation or a warning — just quiet, decisive action.

“I still feel like a petty a**hole even though I shouldn’t,” he admitted, “but that’s just my personality.”

It wasn’t easy for him. This wasn’t about money or Netflix shows — it was about emotional ties and learning to let go of a version of family that no longer existed. After years of being a steady presence, he was finally reclaiming control over his own digital life — and, symbolically, his independence.

He also clarified that the kids hadn’t done anything wrong. They were just busy living their teenage lives, probably unaware of how their mom’s actions affected him. He still cares about them and hopes their relationship stays strong — even without shared streaming accounts binding them together.

In his mind, he wasn’t punishing anyone. He was simply stopping a situation that no longer served him. “Their mom needs to provide for them now,” he said matter-of-factly.

That simple statement — calm, reasonable, but quietly powerful — was the heart of his story.

Because at some point, every breakup reaches a moment where lingering connections become emotional clutter. Shared logins, joint Amazon lists, and half-used streaming profiles are just digital ghosts of a life that’s already gone.

By changing those passwords, this man wasn’t being cruel. He was saying, I deserve to move on too.

And if that means one less binge session for his ex and her new boyfriend? Well, as the internet would say — actions have buffering consequences.

TL;DR:

Guy breaks up with his long-term girlfriend but keeps paying for the streaming accounts she and her new man are using. Internet tells him to cut them off — and when he finally does, he realizes freedom feels even better than Prime two-day shipping.

“Their mom needs to provide for them now.”

AI-generated image

Here's the original post by Reddit user 'ckbeane'.

Hi everyone, this my first post on Reddit and want your opinions/advice.Me (37m) and my exGF (F36) ended our relationship last year. During the 8 years we were together I became a father to her kids ( not legally but they are my kids). After the break up we were friends for several months but I haven't talked to her since June, and the kids haven't really talked to me for about 2 months. The kids are teens (15/16/17) so I understand they are probably just being teens and not worried about talking to me. My ex and kids still use all my Streaming accounts and she use my Amazon Prime to buy stuff for herself and new boyfriend. I want to just remove access to all them since no one is talking to me or basically in my life, and yes I have reached out with no response. It bugs me that I am paying for these subscriptions and her and her new BF are benefiting from it, but I also don't want to take these subscriptions away from my kids. I also feel like taking away the Amazon now would make me an AH because it's Christmas time. But I balso know I need to move on and stop allowing myself to be taken advantage of. I would just let the kids have the passwords but if course she would get it some how anyway so I feel like I either remove it entirely or not at all. Would I be an AH for changing all the passwords?Update: I want to thank you all for the positive feedback and suggestions. I have begun changing passwords and removing devices from my accounts. I am not offering any explanation or giving any heads up because you guys have made me realize I don't need too. I am not going to lie, I still feel like a petty AH even though I shouldn't, but that's just my personality.To address a couple questions, she was using her own cards to buy things. I didn't really mind until she added her new BF to the address list and that's when I started this whole idea of moving on, pathetic I know.When I say the kids were being teenagers and not contact me I meant they had their own lives going on and I just am not high on their list of priorities, I believe we have a good relationship still, but their mom needs to provide them streaming since I am not involved right now.Again thank you guys for all your advice, I appreciate you guys!

Establishing Boundaries in Relationships

Setting boundaries is crucial in any relationship, especially after a breakup. Dr. Michele Weiner-Davis, a renowned marriage therapist, emphasizes that clear boundaries can prevent misunderstandings and emotional turmoil.

In her experience, individuals who communicate their needs effectively are more likely to create healthier dynamics post-breakup. She notes that sharing passwords can blur lines and create unnecessary complications, leading to resentment.

Weiner-Davis suggests engaging in open dialogues about expectations and maintaining personal space to foster respect and understanding between former partners.

Here's how the Reddit community reacted.

Reddit u/Oxfordcomma42

"Change those passwords right now."

Reddit u/stropette

Many people struggle with the emotional aftermath of a breakup, particularly when shared responsibilities linger. Relationship experts often observe that maintaining ties, like shared streaming accounts, can complicate healing.

In fact, experts suggest that couples should consider separating digital assets as part of their emotional detachment process. This can make it easier to move on and establish new relationships without the baggage of past attachments.

"She's moved on, and so should you."

Reddit u/LoveBeach8

"You don't owe them anything."

Reddit u/shyshmrk23

NTA.

Reddit u/deleted

The Impact of Digital Sharing

Sharing streaming accounts can seem harmless, but it often leads to complications in personal relationships. Tech journalist Justine Ezarik points out that digital sharing can create false intimacy, blurring the lines of emotional boundaries.

She argues that the digital landscape often mirrors real-life dynamics, where shared access can lead to misunderstandings and potential conflicts. Ezarik recommends reassessing what digital assets should be shared post-relationship to safeguard emotional well-being.

Ultimately, drawing clear lines in the digital realm can foster healthier interactions moving forward.

"Just change your passwords."

Reddit u/penguin_squeak

"You're not supposed to be sharing them anyway."

Reddit u/Jmm1272

The kids will get over it.

Reddit u/Puddin370

Recognizing the emotional significance of shared responsibilities is vital for personal growth after a breakup. Psychologists note that people often feel conflicted when they remain tied to their ex-partners through digital means.

By prioritizing self-care and setting firm boundaries, individuals can focus on their healing process. A therapist might suggest journaling about feelings associated with shared assets to better understand emotional attachments and to facilitate moving on.

"She can get her own."

Reddit u/Defiant_Ingenuity_55

"She's taking the biscuit."

Reddit u/AugustWatson01

"You are under no obligation to share your streaming services."

Reddit u/SigSauerPower320

Navigating Co-Parenting Dynamics

Co-parenting can be particularly challenging after a breakup, and setting boundaries becomes even more crucial. Family therapist Dr. William Doherty suggests that open communication is key to establishing effective co-parenting arrangements.

He emphasizes the importance of discussing roles, responsibilities, and expectations upfront to avoid conflicts later. Doherty points out that when both parties feel respected, it can lead to healthier interactions that benefit the children involved.

In his view, prioritizing the children's well-being while maintaining boundaries can foster a cooperative co-parenting relationship.

"It's your account."

Reddit u/denasher

"She's disrespectful."

Reddit u/Any_Yoghurt_2349

"You aren't hurting the kids by removing access to these accounts."

Reddit u/fred4me2

At the heart of maintaining healthy relationships post-breakup is the need for self-respect. Relationship expert Dr. Esther Perel emphasizes that acknowledging one’s feelings and needs is essential for personal growth.

She suggests that focusing on self-care and rediscovering individual interests can empower individuals to move on more effectively. This not only builds self-esteem but also paves the way for healthier future relationships.

Perel encourages individuals to see the breakup as an opportunity for personal development rather than a loss.

At the end of the day, this isn’t just a story about streaming accounts or Amazon Prime. It’s about setting boundaries, reclaiming your space, and learning that moving on sometimes means taking back what’s yours — both online and off. And if a little digital decluttering helps him do that? Well, we’re all here for it.

Expert Opinion

This situation highlights a common struggle with boundaries post-breakup. Many people find it hard to let go of connections that have become unhealthy, often out of a sense of obligation or guilt. By finally cutting off access to his accounts, this man is reclaiming his autonomy and sending a clear message that he deserves respect and a fresh start, even if it feels uncomfortable at first.

In navigating relationships post-breakup, understanding the importance of boundaries is crucial. Experts like Dr. Michele Weiner-Davis and Dr. William Doherty emphasize that clear communication can prevent misunderstandings and foster respect.

As individuals learn to prioritize their well-being, they can focus on personal growth and healthier future interactions. By establishing boundaries around digital sharing and co-parenting responsibilities, individuals can create a more supportive environment for themselves and their loved ones.

Ultimately, embracing self-respect during these transitions can lead to emotional healing and better relationships in the future.