College student buys PS5 instead of saving up to move out of parents' house, family accuses him of acting childish, then demands he shares the console: ‘I said no’

Author image for Bar Mor Hazut
Bar Mor Hazut • Senior Editor
Jun 19, 2026 1:45 PM EDT

How much should an adult who still lives with their parents share with the rest of the family?

We're not talking about sharing feelings; you should always share your thoughts and feelings with people you care about. We are talking about physical objects you buy for yourself, but have to keep at your parents' home because that is where you live. Some belongings can be easily stored in your room and held safely if you don't want anyone to use them, while others are more difficult to hide or prevent people from claiming ownership of.

When I briefly went back to living with my parents after college, the main person I had to worry about was my little sister.  Even though she was still in high school, we were roughly the same clothing size, so she would constantly steal my clothes and even shoes whenever I wasn't there to stop her, and it truly annoyed me greatly. There I was, working hard for my money and saving every penny I could to treat myself to a nice dress or a fancy pair of pants, while she was still living off my parents and stealing every new piece of clothing she saw on her daily raid of my closet.

The only way I got her to stop was by putting a lock on my closet and ensuring she can't get in there while I was out at work.

Clothes are not the only thing your family can claim while you're all living under the same roof. The 20-year-old college student who shared his story below is currently fighting off family members from his PS5. The funny thing is, they were all super judgmental when he announced that he intended to buy the game console, and they claimed he should use his hard-earned money on things that would better benefit the family. But as soon as the PS5 was purchased, they suddenly wanted him to put it in the living room or allow everyone to play it whenever they wanted.

What can this college student do to ward off his family from something he worked so hard to buy for himself?

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  • Young man getting ready to play video games by putting on headphones, displayed by models.
    via Jordan González

    Young man getting ready to play video games by putting on headphones, displayed by models.

  • AITA for buying PS5 even though my family called it a selfish waste of money?

    I'm 20 and still live at home with my parents, but not for free. I pay my share of the rent, buy groceries for myself and I don't take any money from them. Basically I fully live on my own expect housing.
    via AcaiMiller
  • I've wanted a PS5 for a long time. I saved up from my salary for almost a year and it was aside my main savings. To clarify more, I save money to move out, wanna do it
    via AcaiMiller
  • after I finish college or asap I have enough money for it, but as for now paying rent is too high for me.
    via AcaiMiller
  • My family tried to talk me out of purchase every time I mentioned buying ps5. Mom said it was time for me to start think about real life, not games. My sister said that if I
    via AcaiMiller
  • had extra money, I could help out with my niece's birthday party. My brother called it childish, even though he's constantly spending money on his collecting hobbies (I don't condemn it).
    via AcaiMiller
  • Still, I bought it last week. After bringing box home, everyone started acting like I'd done something shady and shameful. My mom said it was selfish. My sister
    via AcaiMiller
  • got upset because my niece saw the box and got excited, so according to her now I have to at least let her play it. My brother immediately suggested putting the PS5 in the
    via AcaiMiller
  • living room so everyone can use it. I said no and that I bought it for myself, for my room, with my own money. I don't mind letting someone else play sometimes, I will
    via AcaiMiller
  • give my niece it to play, but I don't want it to become the family console on the very first day.
    via AcaiMiller
  • Person holding a PS5 game controller while playing on a TV screen.
    via JESHOOTS.COM

    Person holding a PS5 game controller while playing on a TV screen.

  • After that, mom said the problem wasn't the purchase, but my attitude toward things. My sister said I care more about games than about the family.
    via AcaiMiller
  • Now I feel a bit bad. But for some reason, my money only becomes "family money" when I buy something for myself. Also all of our family members buy things and sometimes expensive ones, but no one got criticized.
    via AcaiMiller
  • tommior Nta. Move out asap bro. Your whole family is toxic
    via tommior
  • mike-foley It's just about time for you to move out. You are NTA. They aren't treating you like an adult. Do I think my youngest games too much? Yes. But he's
    via mike-foley
  • 21 this year, will be a junior at college and my only rule was "If I'm paying, you're getting good grades". He does other activities like plays and such. But he's an adult and he can live his life the way he sees fit.
    via mike-foley
  • WinterStrawberries6 So they said it was childish and useless but now that you have it, they want you to share? Are they also children, then?/s ΝΤΑ
    via WinterStrawberries6
  • TheSeventhBrat NTA. You spent your own money and did not short your rent or money you pay to live in your parents' house.
    via TheSeventhBrat
  • I do recommend that you make it unplayable when you're not home, like taking the power cord with you. If you have a lock for your bedroom door, use it.
    via TheSeventhBrat

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house ps5 siblings work rent family sister video games home money college college student parents
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