Tim promised his 10-year-old niece, Megan, he’d buy her wedding dress someday. After her parents died, he stepped up to help raise her. Years later, now a mom of three, Megan reminded him of that promise with high expectations—a dress costing up to $7,500.

Tim offered $1,500, hoping to shop together for something beautiful. Megan was visibly disappointed. Days later, Tim overheard her telling her fiancé, “Uncle Tim’s going to give us the money… we’ll sell the dress and use it for the wedding—and your car repairs.” She had already spent her parents’ trust fund.

Hurt and betrayed, Tim confronted her. “You were going to take my money… And you spent your parents’ trust fund on Tyler’s car?” Megan apologized, but the damage was done. Tim withdrew his support entirely.

Weeks later, he learned they had a small courthouse wedding. He wasn’t invited. “I still care about her,” he said, “but the trust is gone.” A powerful reminder: generosity must come with boundaries—even with family.