A hospital nurse, Jessie, recently shared a workplace incident on AITA forum, highlighting what she called a “bizarre” request from a pregnant coworker. Jessie, who works the overnight shift, described her coworker as “nice but lazy,” and the incident occurred just as the pregnant colleague was about to go on maternity leave.
A Thoughtful Gesture Turns Uncomfortable
According to Jessie, her colleagues decided to throw a baby shower for the expectant mother as a kind gesture before her leave. The staff chipped in $30-40 each, with some contributing more, to cover decorations, food, drinks, and other party essentials. The team even went as far as decorating the break room and preparing a spread of homemade dishes and pizza, showing their support for the soon-to-be mother. Despite not being particularly close to her, Jessie noted that the event was thoughtfully organized.
However, the mood shifted a few days after the shower when the pregnant coworker approached Jessie with an unexpected request.
The Baby Registry Surprise
Jessie recounted that her coworker asked whether she had seen her baby registry on Amazon. Initially, Jessie complimented the idea, assuming it was a simple conversation. But things quickly became uncomfortable when the coworker began scrolling through her phone, showing Jessie items from the registry, including a $70 diaper bag and a $450 stroller.
“She kept asking me if I was going to buy one of them,” Jessie explained. Feeling caught off guard, she responded that while it was nice the coworker had a registry for her family, she had already contributed to the baby shower and wasn’t planning to buy anything else.
The coworker appeared offended by Jessie’s response, and the interaction left Jessie feeling uneasy. One colleague even remarked that her reply had been a bit blunt and suggested she could have been kinder, considering the woman’s pregnancy.
Diverse Reactions Among Colleagues
While some coworkers offered to browse the registry after work, Jessie stood her ground, believing she had already done her part by contributing to the shower. “I’ve already spent $40 of my own money out of the goodness of my heart,” she stated, expressing her discomfort at the additional request.
Reddit Backs Jessie’s Stance
Once Jessie posted about the incident on Reddit, she received overwhelming support from fellow users. Many commenters sided with her, asserting that no one is obligated to buy something from a registry after already contributing to a baby shower.
“You have absolutely no obligation to go and buy her a gift on that list,” one commenter wrote. Another user pointed out that pressuring others to buy items from a registry is “tacky” and oversteps boundaries, regardless of the circumstances.
One person remarked, “Pregnant or not… showing someone your registry and asking them what they’re going to buy you from it is inappropriate.” Others applauded Jessie’s bluntness, noting that direct responses often end awkward conversations quickly and effectively.
Final Thoughts
While workplace dynamics can often lead to uncomfortable situations, Jessie’s experience highlights the importance of maintaining boundaries, even in well-meaning situations like a baby shower. With Reddit commenters largely in agreement, the incident serves as a reminder that contributions to such events should be voluntary, not expected.
