What would be the moral decision in this family problem?

Question

my parents are flying back from america to the uk tonight. their flight was delayed, and they said that they cant go on the coach so asked if i could pick them up. i said i would. anyway now my sister told me that theres a coach that leaves 50 minutes after they land, which they can catch, so after checking out of the flight, they would only be waiting 25 mins or so to get the coach. in contrast, it would take me around 4hrs (maybe more) to pick them up. as soon as my sister told them that they could get a later coach, they asked to speak to me, and they told me if i didnt pick them up they would have to get a taxi.

so im annoyed that they lied to me about having to take a taxi, and they want me to spend at least 4 hours to save them about 25 minutes of waiting.

so im wondering if i should just not pick them up, and let them get the coach. im 20 yrs old and dont really know my way around that well, and my car is pretty slow, so it might not even end up being slower on the coach.

i want to do the right thing, but i dont want people to use me and

take advantage of me.

(there is also an issue that they owe me some money, and i dont want to jeopardise that!)

what do you think?

thanks

Answer 1

my smart young boy! are your kidding thinking in that way about your parents???? what are you talking about? just assume your son ask you to pick you up from anywhere in the world. just imagine that he estimates the way or "someone using me"! tell me the answer but tell you the true first!

Answer 2

Like a lot of us ,when we are young we have no idea what our parents have done for us since we were born. For a female I'm sure the realization will  'strike' them when they start their own family.

    SO go on pick 'em up.              

Answer 3

i think you should pick them up, but tell them how hard it is to get there on the way back. then if they come again, they might take the bus so they dont feel guilty. hope i helped :)

Answer 4

Be the bigger person and pick them up.  They did bring you into this world after all.  Also, sometimes it just feels good to do something for someone that you really didn't have to do.

Answer 5

maybe they just want to see you.

so youve never lied to them? they owe you money?

theyve never put themselves out for you?

youd make them get a coach after flying home?

stop being a whiney ingrate and pick your mum and dad up. if seeing them smile just to see you isnt reward enough, then you dont deserve them. go listen to tammy wynettes 'no charge'

Answer 6

They may owe you money, and they may have lied, but the fact remains that you are their son and they're expecting you to come pick them up.

If you just don't show up, it will greatly ruin your relationship with them.  

I suggest going and picking them up but make sure you mention to them about the coach and see if they were lying or not.

If they were lying and took advantage of you, then you know better to trust them next time, but at least you were the bigger person and showed you're dependable and then only they have something to be ashamed of.

Answer 7

but i dont want people to use me and

take advantage of me.

These are the people that brought you into the world and nurtured and nourished you and kept a roof over your head.

there is also an issue that they owe me some money, and i dont want to jeopardise that!)

I'm sure you've made them so proud!

Answer 8

Blimey matey deflate one of your tyres and claim your delayed and unable to help ...bet they wait for the coach.

Answer 9

You told your parents that you would pick they up.

You could have checked everything out prior to saying that you would transport them but you did not choose to do so.

You knew what condition your auto was in before you said you would provide transportation.

You did not make you offer contingent on the condition of your auto.

You knew approximately how long it would take you to provide transportation and you did not make your offer contingent on that either.

You made an offer and are now bound by your word and your honor.

Are you saying that you, a twenty year old with a crappy car has given to your parents more money than they have given and spent on you so that they now owe you money?

Are you saying that your parents are so immoral that they would refuse to repay a debt they freely incurred because you choose not to assist them with transportation?

Are you saying that the respect you have for your parents is only one of hoped for material gain?

Your family sounds as though they may be in a "moral" dilemma of having none.....

May it be well with you.

Answer 10

sounds like they are taking advantage of your good nature.dont let them.

Answer 11

Are you sure you are referring to your parents?

After all they done for me I would go to the ends of the Earth for mine, I'd count the minutes to be reunited with them.

And how can your parents owe you money.  What about all the money they spent on you?

If you even need to ask I'd say your moral compass is slightly askew.

Answer 12

Go pick them up! Im 20 also and I wouldn't give 2 thoughts if my parents asked me that! They have done plenty for you in your lifetime! You're old enough to make the right decisions.

Answer 13

Go and pick up your parents.  You said you would, so you should.  And they're tired and jet-lagged, they just want to sit in a warm car and tell their son all about their holiday, and maybe fall asleep in the car - not take a long, horrible coach journey!  (coachs always make me travelsick)

Answer 14

go pick up your parents! you're lucky to have parents!  and once you've done it, trust me, you'll feel a lot better!  

Answer 15

WoW! Do you believe they lied to you, or just found out about the coach after speaking with you? Either way, I think the simplest answer is when you give your word to someone, you should keep it.Agreeing to do something for someone, then backing out because it is inconvenient for you is a bad habit to begin! Hope your car gets you there and back safely!!