Man’s Mistake Costs Him His Marriage As Wife Takes His Theft Seriously

You should be able to trust your partner more than anyone else on the planet. No matter how tough things get, they should always have your back, and you should never have to question how much they love you. Because if they do happen to betray you, it may be impossible for your relationship to recover from that.

One woman reached out to Reddit for advice after her marriage blew up almost overnight. Below, you’ll find all of the details she shared about why she suddenly wants a divorce, as well as some of the replies invested readers left her. 

This woman loved throwing tea parties with her grandmother’s tea set

Porcelain tea set with blue floral patterns displayed on a table amid green plants in a cozy setting.

Image credits: Maria Lupan (not the actual photo)

But when it suddenly vanished, she realized that her husband had betrayed her

Text excerpt about a woman’s tea set with sentimental value causing marital conflict after husband steals it and gives to niece.

Text describing a family tea party including a tea set, highlighting conflict from stealing the wife’s tea set.

Woman upset after discovering her stolen tea set, highlighting marital issues caused by giving it to his niece.

Wife upset after husband steals her tea set and gives it to his niece, damaging their marriage trust.

Text showing a wife overhearing her husband discussing hiding the stolen tea set he gave to his niece, causing marital conflict.

Woman packing tea set into a box near luggage, symbolizing conflict involving a stolen tea set and ruined marriage.

Image credits: milanzeremski (not the actual photo)

Text excerpt showing a heated family argument about a stolen tea set given to a niece, causing marriage issues.

Text excerpt about a man causing marital issues by stealing his wife’s tea set and giving it away, highlighting emotional conflict.

Woman reports theft of tea set affecting her marriage, involving husband, brother, and niece in family dispute.

Text about a man stealing his wife’s tea set, causing trust issues and damaging their marriage relationship.

Text excerpt about moving belongings after a man ruins his marriage by stealing his wife’s tea set and giving it away.

Image credits: OkPrestigiousGuest

The author later replied to several readers and provided more details about her situation

Reddit discussion about a man stealing his wife’s antique tea set and giving it to his niece causing marriage issues.

Conversation about man ruining marriage by stealing wife's tea set and giving it to niece, highlighting betrayal and family conflict.

Screenshot of a Reddit conversation about a man ruining his marriage by stealing his wife’s tea set.

Reddit user discusses marriage ruined over stealing wife’s tea set and gifting it to niece, highlighting disrespect and theft.

Reddit conversation about a man stealing his wife’s tea set and giving it to his niece causing marriage issues.

Screenshot of an online comment discussing the importance of heirloom tea sets and family legacy in a marriage conflict.

Comment explaining how man ruins marriage by stealing sentimental tea set and betraying trust, causing divorce and pain.

Screenshot of a conversation about a man stealing his wife’s tea set and giving it to his niece, impacting his marriage.

Screenshot of an online discussion about a man ruining his marriage by stealing his wife’s tea set and giving it to his niece.

Reddit discussion about tea set care and concerns after man ruins marriage by stealing wife’s tea set and giving it to niece.

Man ruins marriage by stealing wife's tea set and giving it to niece, causing conflict and relationship breakdown.

Comment discussing how a man ruined his marriage by stealing his wife’s tea set, causing deep emotional pain.

Man stealing wife’s tea set causing marriage problems, giving tea set to niece, leading to family conflict and relationship strain.

Reddit user discusses man ruining marriage by stealing wife’s tea set and giving it to his niece, questioning its material value.

Man regrets stealing wife’s tea set and giving it to niece, causing marriage problems and trust issues.

Screenshot of a forum comment urging divorce over a husband stealing his wife’s tea set and giving it to his niece.

Readers assured the woman that she wasn’t being overdramatic, and many encouraged her to end her marriage

Screenshot of a forum comment discussing a man ruining his marriage by stealing his wife’s tea set and giving it away.

Comment criticizing a husband for stealing his wife’s tea set and causing marital issues by giving it to his niece.

Man ruins marriage by stealing wife’s tea set, giving it to niece, causing conflict and emotional distress in family.

Comment discussing a man ruining his marriage by stealing his wife's tea set and giving it to his niece.

Screenshot of an online comment discussing a man stealing his wife’s tea set and causing marriage problems.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing a man ruining his marriage by stealing his wife’s tea set and giving it to his niece.

Comment advising to photograph home interiors for proof in case items are missing, relating to marriage and tea set conflict.

Screenshot of a comment discussing a man ruining his marriage by stealing his wife’s tea set and giving it away.

Reddit comment warning about husband who ruins his marriage by stealing wife’s tea set and giving it to his niece.

Comment expressing support for woman whose husband ruined marriage by stealing wife’s tea set and giving it to niece.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing a man stealing his wife’s tea set and damaging their marriage.

Comment expressing strong disapproval of a man stealing his wife’s tea set and giving it to his niece, hoping for divorce.

Silhouetted woman holding head in frustration outdoors, symbolizing relationship trouble and loss over stolen tea set.

Image credits: Austin Guevara (not the actual photo)

Later, the author shared an update on her living situation

Man moves out with help from family after marital issues involving stolen tea set and relationship fallout.

Text excerpt discussing a man’s plan derailed after his brother revealed info about the tea set, causing suspicion around the situation.

Text excerpt about brothers' suspicions and avoiding jail, related to a man stealing his wife’s tea set and affecting his marriage.

Text excerpt about a man dealing with divorce lawyer and saving messages after stealing wife's tea set and giving it to niece.

Man upset after stealing wife's tea set and giving it to niece, causing marriage problems and emotional conflict.

Image credits: OkPrestigiousGuest

She also responded to several comments and provided a few more details

Reddit conversation discussing a man stealing his wife’s tea set and giving it to his niece, causing marriage issues.

Reddit comments discussing a man stealing his wife’s tea set and the impact on his marriage and family trust.

Screenshot of a Reddit conversation about a man ruining his marriage by stealing his wife’s tea set and giving it to his niece.

Reddit conversation with a user confused about missing items and another confirming yes, related to stolen tea set incident.

Screenshot of a forum discussion about a tea set condition linked to a man ruining his marriage by stealing it for his niece.

Screenshot of an online discussion about a man ruining his marriage by stealing his wife’s tea set and giving it away.

Man discussing how he ruined his marriage by stealing his wife’s tea set and giving it to his niece.

Reddit conversation about man ruining marriage by stealing wife's tea set and giving it to his niece, discussing threats and hostility.

Honesty is an extremely important aspect of any relationship

Your spouse is probably the last person that you would ever expect to steal from you. You probably follow the “what’s mine is yours” rule when it comes to most things. And as for possessions that only one of you owns, your partner should respect you enough to leave those things be. 

Now, a tea set probably isn’t the most common item for someone to steal from their partner, but because of its sentimental value, this should be taken just as seriously as if money had been stolen. And according to Adam Kol, The Couples Financial Coach, this type of theft might even be a form of infidelity.

When it happens, it’s important to remain calm and gather the facts. Address the issue with your partner, and ask them for honesty and accountability. Meanwhile, take steps to ensure that this doesn’t happen again in the future. If that means changing passwords, PIN codes, getting a new safe, etc., that might be necessary. And don’t hesitate to set new boundaries for your relationship.

You might even seek out professional counseling for your marriage. Or if it’s too late, it might be time to contact a divorce attorney. Some people might also be interested in suing their spouse for theft, which is certainly possible, but it won’t always be easy. HG.org notes that a successful case will depend on a variety of factors.

But another important aspect of this particular story is the fact that this woman’s husband lied right to her face. Is it possible to ever trust someone again after they’ve done that? Brandon Coussens, LMFT, says that there are steps that both partners will need to take if they’re committed to repairing the relationship.

Couple holding hands outdoors with tension, illustrating man ruins marriage by stealing wife's tea set and giving it away.

Image credits: Mikhail Nilov (not the actual photo)

Rebuilding trust after it’s been broken is never easy

As for the person who broke their spouse’s trust, it’s crucial that they really understand where their dishonest behavior is coming from and sincerely apologize for it. They must know what their partner is looking for from them and commit to making things right. 

Meanwhile, the spouse who was hurt must make the effort to understand their partner’s reasons for lying. They should set firm yet loving boundaries, and they must commit to moving forward. They have to be able to forgive their spouse, as dwelling on the past or harboring resentment will stop them from ever healing their relationship.

Unfortunately, many couples won’t be able to recover from lies like this. Darlene Lancer, LMFT, warns in a piece for Psychology Today that holding onto secrets and lies prevents partners from having true intimacy. Lying also often has a snowball effect, which leads to cover-up lies and omissions that can start to spiral out of control.          

Whether they’re conscious of it or not, the person lying will start to feel guilty, which might manifest in them becoming avoidant or detached from their relationship. Meanwhile, their partner might begin to feel insecure and confused about why something feels off. And, of course, this inner turmoil can take a toll on a person’s mental health and in turn, start to erode their relationship.

We would love to hear your thoughts on this situation in the comments below, pandas. Do you think this woman made the right choice by ending her marriage over this tea set drama? Feel free to weigh in. Then, you can find another Bored Panda article discussing similar marital issues right here.  

Man and woman sit apart outside, showing tension after man ruins marriage by stealing wife’s tea set for niece.

Image credits: Odonata Wellnesscenter (not the actual photo)

Readers were thrilled that the woman stood up for herself and applauded her family for helping her out

Comment on social media discussing a man ruining his marriage by stealing his wife’s tea set and giving it away.

Screenshot of an online comment about using a police report in court after a man steals his wife’s tea set and gives it to his niece.

Man upset after stealing wife’s tea set and giving it to niece, causing family conflict and marriage trouble.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing emotional healing after relationship issues involving a stolen tea set and family drama.

Comment praising family for safety advice amid man ruining marriage by stealing wife's tea set and giving it to niece.

Screenshot of a comment on social media discussing a man ruining his marriage by stealing his wife’s tea set.

Comment praising family support and discussing smart plans after man ruins marriage by stealing wife’s tea set.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment saying good luck and expressing that the situation is for the best, related to tea set theft.

Comment discussing a man ruining his marriage by stealing his wife’s tea set and giving it to his niece.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing a man ruining his marriage by stealing his wife’s tea set and giving it to his niece.

Comment about stealing precious possessions causing family conflict and divorce during a difficult transition period.

Screenshot of an online comment reacting negatively to a man who ruined his marriage by stealing his wife’s tea set.

Screenshot of an online comment thread discussing a man stealing his wife’s tea set and causing marriage issues.

Reddit comment discussing a man ruining his marriage by stealing his wife's tea set and giving it to his niece.

Comment recommending family members return stolen tea set before filing theft charges, discussing legal implications.

Commenter advising caution about sharing updates online to avoid legal issues after man ruins his marriage by stealing wife’s tea set.

Comment discussing a man ruining his marriage by stealing his wife’s tea set and giving it to his niece.

Comment discussing a woman’s strength and referencing domestic violence in a relationship conflict.

Screenshot of a user comment expressing relief after a man ruins his marriage by stealing his wife’s tea set and giving it to his niece.

Comment expressing dislike for thieves and cheaters, showing support and happiness for the recipient.

Man upset after stealing wife’s tea set and giving it to niece, causing family conflict and marriage troubles.

Poll Question

Total votes ·

Thanks! Check out the results:

Total votes ·

Newsletter

Subscribe to Access
Exclusive Polls

Subscribe

By entering your email and clicking Subscribe, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Privacy Policy.

Thank you! You've successfully subscribed to newsletters!

Anyone can write on Bored Panda. Start writing!

Follow Bored Panda on Google News!

Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda!