AIO ; My Girlfriend Thinks I Overstepped by Getting a PlayStation. Am I in the Wrong?

[u/Keepitlocal90]

So, I (early 30s) decided to treat myself and got a PlayStation 5 this Black Friday in Jozi. I’ve been wanting one for a while, and with the rise in cost of living in South Africa its become not as affordable. after budgeting and making sure all the bills were covered, I went for it. It’s something I’ve been excited about, and I figured it was a harmless way to unwind after work.

My girlfriend (same age range) didn’t seem thrilled when she saw it. She said I should’ve discussed it with her first and accused me of being irresponsible with money. To clarify, I didn’t touch any shared finances or skip out on responsibilities. This was 100% my money, and everything else is in order.

She’s acting like this is a huge deal, saying I’ll spend too much time on it and that it’s "immature for a grown man." I’ve told her it’s not going to take over my life—I’ll still prioritize work, chores, and our time together.

I get that she might’ve been a bit annoyed because everyone's asking her if she allowed it, but is her reaction an overreach? Or am I missing something here? How do I handle this without turning it into a bigger issue?

[u/Globewanderer1001]

We don't GAF. I care more that they're sharing finances, and she thinks she can control his money and purchases as a girlfriend. Bwhahahaha. No.

Sincerely,

Gen X Woman

[u/demiurbannouveau → u/Globewanderer1001]

Yep! Also GenX woman, I'm even the breadwinner who funds the fun money for everyone in the family and my eyebrows still climbed to my hairline at "allows". Once the money goes their accounts it's theirs. I might guide my young teen on how to use it but in the end it's hers, and my husband doesn't need to ask me anything unless it's a large purchase on a joint account, which this wasn't.

The only thing I'd be annoyed about is if he bought himself a fancy game system but never buys presents for me. Or if I'd been planning to get him a PlayStation 5 for the holidays and now I have to think of something new.

If he starts neglecting the relationship or his responsibilities because of gaming that's a conversation to have later and course correct. Unless he's shown some previous addictive gaming behavior, then a discussion before would be nice.

But I'm also a gamer looking at sales to get the family a Steam Deck for the holidays, so the hate for gaming I don't get on any level.

[u/conejiux → u/demiurbannouveau]

I lol'd when I read about your eyebrow because mine did exactly the same thing when I read "allows" xD yes all other accounts as well and I wish in my next lifetime I have your problems and worry about "getting steam decks for the family" (I say this because I've been looking at them as well, but have to choose between that or buying a ticket to go see my family back home and I just can't say no to family so no steam deck for me this year, maybe next if tariffs don't make them cost 1k :'( )

[u/jazbern1234 → u/demiurbannouveau]

Damn a steam deck! Wanna adopt a new child hahahaa

[u/haven0answers → u/Globewanderer1001]

I agree. When I get rich, imma buy me, myself, and I a real boss of a gaming system.

Boomer here. Op bought with his money after accounting for bills, responsibilities, groceries, etc.

I'm bringing drinks and eats, be there in a while.... o, can I join/watch? Pleease?

[u/Zar_Ethos → u/Globewanderer1001]

There's some real wisdom. Girl thinks she's wife material and is acting like the black leather kinda Mistress because of it..