Being independent is better than being stuck chasing unrealistic goals.

If you were paying for your own college tuition, would you be honest about it when a family member asked?

This young lady grew up with a very strict father.

His unreasonable rules and temper made school an exhausting experience for her, so she decided to fund her own education.

When she casually mentioned this in front of the family, it caused sudden tension.

Read the full story below to find out more.

AITA for “announcing” that my dad’s not paying my college tuition

My aunt and uncle are paying for my cousin’s college.

My dad had a college fund for me, but he had stipulations.

He wanted nothing below a B for grades and to pre-approve any classes I took. He wanted weekly meetings to discuss grades and a bunch of other stuff.

This would be fine if you have a normal dad. Mine isn’t.

This young lady was being pressured too much by her dad.

My dad has a temper.

I spent 6th to 12th grade stressed out about grades.

I was being screamed at or grounded over things that sometimes weren’t even my fault.

A teacher might not update online grading, and an assignment would be marked “missing” because of it.

She decided to pay for her school to avoid her dad’s unreasonable demands.

He would also randomly search my backpack and locker for no reason besides “to make sure I’m not hiding anything.”

I decided to pay for school myself because I didn’t want to be stressed over getting screamed at.

I also didn’t feel like constantly worrying that he’d disapprove of a class or a grade and decide not to pay. I could totally see him doing that.

I’d rather be in debt than controlled for four more years.

Her uncle asked how much her dad was paying for her school.

I just finished my first year.

Well, my family got together on the 4th and… well, sometimes, they’re nosey.

They were talking about my cousin’s school.

My uncle looked at my dad and said, “Well, how much is [my name]’s school costing you?”

She answered honestly, and her dad got mad at her.

I said, “What are you asking him for? I’m the one paying for it.”

Later on, my dad was annoyed and said that it was out of line to say that and that I embarrassed him.

I didn’t do it to embarrass him. I was just being honest. He doesn’t even know how much tuition is, so he was the wrong person to ask.

AITA?

Her dad may be embarrassed, but that’s not her fault.

Let’s find out what others have to say about this on Reddit.

This person makes a valid point.

He should be embarrassed, says this person.

This user shares their personal thoughts.

Finally, short and simple.

The truth only hurts when it shatters the image you’re trying to protect.

If you liked that story, read this one about grandparents who set up a college fund for their grandkid because his parents won’t, but then his parents want to use the money to cover sibling’s medical expenses.