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

Some breakups are messy, but this one came with a side of streaming subscriptions and an ex who did not exactly log off quietly. After eight years together, a 37-year-old guy lost his relationship, his routine, and basically any communication with his ex and the kids he helped raise.

Here’s the complicated part, though, his ex girlfriend and her new boyfriend kept using his streaming accounts, including Amazon Prime for purchases, even after he tried reaching out and got nothing back. He’s stuck between two bad options: cut them off and risk punishing the teens, or keep paying and watch his money fund a life he’s no longer part of.

Then he finally changes the passwords, and the Reddit thread is basically cheering for him.

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.”

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Original Post

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.

In her experience, individuals who communicate their needs effectively are more likely to create healthier dynamics post-breakup.

Here's how the Reddit community reacted.

Reddit u/Oxfordcomma42

"Change those passwords right now."

Reddit u/stropette

He’s sitting there paying for Prime and streaming while he’s getting radio silence from his ex and those teen kids, and it’s driving him nuts.

Many people struggle with the emotional aftermath of a breakup, particularly when shared responsibilities linger.

"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 moment he realizes his ex and her new boyfriend are benefiting from his accounts, the “maybe I should just let it go” idea starts to crumble.

Sharing streaming accounts can seem harmless, but it often leads to complications in personal relationships.

This is the same kind of pressure as the sister who begged for money after no-food drama.

"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

When the update hits that he’s already been changing passwords and removing devices, the whole situation flips from awkward to satisfying.

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

Co-parenting can be particularly challenging after a breakup, and setting boundaries becomes even more crucial.

"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

And even though he still worries he might be a petty AH, the Reddit community’s energy makes it clear he’s not the one breaking the rules here.

At the heart of maintaining healthy relationships post-breakup is the need for self-respect.

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.

This situation underscores the frequent challenge of establishing boundaries after a breakup.

In the aftermath of a breakup, the importance of setting boundaries becomes glaringly evident, as illustrated by the experience of the 37-year-old man who recently severed ties with his ex and her new boyfriend from his streaming accounts. This situation underscores how easily shared digital spaces can complicate emotional dynamics, especially when one party hopes to maintain a friendship post-relationship.

The man's decision to cut off access to his accounts highlights a pivotal lesson in prioritizing personal well-being. By taking this step, he not only protects his own emotional space but also establishes a necessary boundary that many find difficult to navigate. By setting these boundaries, individuals can pave the way for healthier relationships in the future, ensuring that they enter new interactions with a clearer sense of self and respect for their needs.

He finally cut the access, and it turns out freedom beats Prime two-day shipping.

He “paid off” girlfriend’s student loans, but she still walked out, read how he thought he was giving freedom.