Couple decided to divorce after nearly 40 years of marriage — then the husband’s sister made a baffling request no one saw coming
It’s disheartening when couples reveal they can’t be together after sharing decades of love. While the decision affects even family and loved ones, it is a duty to respect their choices and support them. A Reddit user who goes by u/littleredbird1991 shared a post on Friday, July 24, 2026, explaining that their aunt and uncle decided to get a divorce after nearly 40 years of marriage. As others prepared to accept the reality and brace for the changes that might come with it, the man’s sister reached out with a rather unusual request.
The person mentioned that the divorce process seemed to be going well, with mutual respect between both parties. The situation became absurd when the husband’s sister reached out to the sister-in-law, asking if she could return the wedding gift she had bought them in 1987. Apparently, she had given them a coffee maker, and after nearly 40 years, she expected them to give it back since they were no longer together. According to the aunt, the item had worn out long ago and was even disposed of. When she revealed this to her former sister-in-law, she made yet another bizarre ask. The woman suggested buying a new appliance to replace it.
While the aunt didn’t immediately respond to the request, she was taken aback by the reckless demand. Requesting an anniversary present back at a party or taking back a wedding gift if the bride and groom call things off is a different story altogether. Here was a relative who wanted a 39-year-old gift returned. While anyone might assume the item is long gone or worn out, she expected a new one instead.
In an update, it was revealed that the former sister-in-law would be informed that if she needed anything, she needed to contact her brother. The aunt also considered blocking her. At a point where families, relationships, and so many emotions are at stake, she was concerned about a coffee maker, and that felt disrespectful and inhuman. Even experts would be baffled by her request. According to family attorneys, Claery & Hammond LLP, wedding gifts are not conditional on the success of a marriage.
It was noted that the only exception is in the case of an annulment. The presents bought for a bride and groom should be treated no differently than gifts given for a housewarming or promotional occasion. Experts ask people to ponder whether they would ask someone to return gifts if they were to be fired or resign, or were to move houses. In the same way, a couple need not return gifts given to mark the beginning of their married lives. Commenters were furious about her heartless approach to the divorce. u/DifferentMethod8090 said, “There's petty, and then there's 40-year-old coffee maker petty.” u/chicknorris30 added, “This is hilarious. What a stupid woman.” u/selftaughtgenius added, “This is the tackiest thing I have heard in a long time.”
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