WIBTA if I don’t apologize for asking my girlfriend’s friend if she was single?

A sharp-tongued retort sets off a firestorm when a man, fed up with his girlfriend’s friend’s relentless jabs, asks if she’s single after she calls him “disgusting.” Her barbed comments about his relationship—think “you don’t deserve her”—finally push him to snap back, only for her to run crying to his girlfriend, demanding an apology he’s not keen to give.

This isn’t just a petty spat—it’s a showdown over boundaries and respect. The friend’s hurt feelings clash with his frustration, while his girlfriend’s stuck in the middle, urging peace. Reddit’s got his back, roasting the friend’s audacity. The tale unfolds like a campus drama, revealing how words can sting and loyalty gets tested when egos collide.

‘WIBTA if I don’t apologize for asking my girlfriend’s friend if she was single?’

The man’s quip about the friend’s single status was a defensive jab, sparked by her unprovoked insults about his worthiness as a partner. While sharp, it aimed to deflect her hostility, though it escalated tensions. The friend’s overstep—offering harsh, unsolicited criticism—crossed a boundary, and his girlfriend’s push for an apology overlooks this.

A 2021 study from the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found that 68% of relationship conflicts involve third-party interference, often worsening disputes (JSPR, 2021). Dr. Terri Orbuch, a relationship therapist, says, “Friends should support, not sabotage, a partner’s relationship unless there’s clear harm” (The Love Doctor). The friend’s attacks suggest personal bias, not concern, undermining the couple’s dynamic.

The man’s retort, while biting, was proportionate to the friend’s rudeness, but apologizing could de-escalate, even if insincere. His girlfriend’s failure to firmly address her friend’s behavior signals a deeper issue—lack of mutual defense. The friend’s sensitivity to the “single” comment hints at her own insecurities, not his cruelty.

He should discuss with his girlfriend the need for mutual respect, urging her to set boundaries with her friend. A calm conversation could clarify his frustration and her friend’s role. If the friend persists, limiting contact is wise. Couples counseling might help align their values (BetterHelp).

Here’s the feedback from the Reddit community:

Reddit’s dishing out spicy takes on this drama, with a side of shade for the friend’s nerve—grab some popcorn for these zingers!

This saga of sharp words and bruised egos is a classic case of boundaries gone wild, with a friend’s venom meeting a quick-witted retort. Reddit cheers the man’s stand, slamming the friend’s gall and nudging the girlfriend to step up. It’s a juicy reminder that respect isn’t optional, even in love’s messy corners. How would you handle a friend who trashes your relationship? Drop your thoughts below—let’s spill the tea on this drama!