AITA for refusing to give back a birthday gift after the person who gave it to me changed their mind?
I (24F) had a birthday a few weeks ago, and one of my eldest cousin gave me a vintage film camera that used to belong to our grandfather. She told me she picked me specifically because, I’m the only person in the family who has passion for photography and she thought he would’ve liked that.
I was honestly touched. I cleaned it up, bought film for it, and even spent money getting one of the lenses repaired. I’ve already used it a few times and posted some photos online.
Last weekend, we had another family get-together, and apparently several relatives were surprised that she gave it to me due to the fact that the camera had sentimental value to multiple people. I didn’t know any of this beforehand. Nobody had ever mentioned wanting it.
Two days later, my cousin called me sounding stressed and asked if she could take the camera back temporarily because another cousin is upset and thinks it should stay on that side of the family. I asked if she meant temporarily or permanently, and she admitted she didn’t know anymore because now relatives are arguing about who “deserves” it.
I told her I didn’t think it was fair to ask for it back after gifting it to me, especially after I’d already spent money restoring it and started using it. She said she understands, but now some family members are calling me selfish and saying I’m prioritizing an object over family peace.
Whereas, if she had loaned it to me, I’d absolutely return it. But she was very clear that it was a birthday gift. I didn’t pressure her into giving it to me, and I had no idea there would be family drama attached to it afterward.
Now people are acting like, i took something sentimental away from the family, even though I literally received it as a gift in front of everyone.
AITA for refusing to give the camera back after it was already gifted to me?