Copyright walesonline
A couple who won big on the lottery have said it "ruined" many aspects of their lives, and they now wish they could return to "the life they had before they won". Lots of people dream about scooping a life-changing jackpot on the lottery and all the benefits it might deliver . From clearing the mortgage and embarking on a round the world trip in luxury, to splashing cash on fancy purchases and undertaking major home renovations - plus, the contentment that comes from no longer having to worry about household bills; wealth provides security, independence and freedom. However, one couple learned the hard way that it brings certain drawbacks as well. A former school friend of the couple's children revealed the disadvantages of striking it rich, and announcing it publicly . Responding on Reddit to a question asking lottery winners about their genuine experiences, they said: "Someone from my school's mum and dad won, they told everyone. Got a new house, a new car, new toys, fancy clothes. "However their downfall was telling everyone - all of a sudden friends and family are hammering their door down for hand outs at all hours of the day and being pretty nasty when they didn't hand out money to every Tom, Dick and Harry." The harassment persisted for months, prompting the couple to take extreme measures. The childhood acquaintance added: "They ended up moving away for six months for a break from it all and not telling anyone where they had gone. "They did come back but it ruined many family relationships and friendships for them." The Reddit user then shared the couple wished "they could go back to the life they had before they won". The post sparked a flurry of responses from other Reddit users, with opinions varying on the matter. One person commented: "If I ever won big I'd get my brother, daughter and her mum and move far away and not talk to my family again, they're already money hungry. I dread to think how entitled they'd be if I won the jackpot on the lottery". Another user shared: "I don't know... this is the kind of 'life ruining' situation I'd love to be dealing with, I'm so tired of being poor. I think my family and friends are decent enough not to expect handouts but people do get crazy where money is concerned." They added: "I'd probably lie and say I'd won less than I really had because I would want to give some money to my parents, a few family members, and some friends but you kind of have to explain where you got it from. "If you win millions, it could be a risk sharing the exact amount - people talk and I wouldn't want to be bothered by those I barely know expecting a handout." A different user noted: "It's weird how lots of people can't help themselves telling everyone they won a lot of money, little to zero benefits to it other than s****y clout".
