AITA for causing my girlfriend’s friend to have a severe allergic reaction?

On a sweltering summer day, the backyard shimmered with the promise of poolside fun, but one ill-fated prank turned laughter into panic. A 29-year-old man, thinking he’d spark giggles, pushed his girlfriend’s friend into the chilly water, only to unleash a medical emergency. Her skin erupted in hives, her breath faltered, and an ambulance raced to the scene. The girlfriend’s fury now burns hotter than the heatwave, leaving readers to ponder the line between harmless jest and reckless harm.

This tale dives into the chaos of a prank gone wrong, where a moment of mischief led to a hospital visit and a relationship on the rocks. It’s a vivid reminder that not all jokes land softly, especially when hidden health conditions lurk beneath the surface.

‘AITA for causing my girlfriend’s friend to have a severe allergic reaction?’

Please read before answering. Two days ago my (29M) girlfriend (24F) came over my place and her friend (24F) tagged along, we just had a heatwave so my gf and I were in the pool (her friend wasn't). I'm a little bit of a jokester and I thought it'd be funny to push her friend into the pool.

As soon as I did this, both of them started freaking out. I was pretty confused and my girlfriend helped her friend out. This is when things went to hell. Her friend started developing hives and my gf was yelling at me to call an ambulance because she's having an allergic reaction I WAS STILL CONFUSED but I called triple zero.

This is when my girlfriend informed me that her friend had 'cold urticaria' (an allergy to cold) and is reacting to the cold water. I didn't even know that was a thing. Everything happened so fast, her friend started complaining about being dizzy and having shortness of breath.

Thankfully the paramedics showed up, injected an epipen and then took her to hospital - she is fine now. Just to be clear - I had NO idea about her friend's allergy but now my girlfriend is mad at me because 'I shouldn't be pushing people into pools anyway' and she's making me feel even more guilty by calling me a jerk etc.. AITA?

Pranks can be a splash of fun, but pushing someone into a pool without consent is a dive into dangerous waters. Dr. Jane Greer, a relationship therapist, states, “Respecting personal boundaries is key to healthy interactions” (Dr. Jane Greer). The OP’s impulsive act, though not malicious, ignored the friend’s choice to stay dry, triggering her cold urticaria—a rare condition affecting about 0.05% of people, per a 2021 study (National Institute of Health).

The girlfriend’s anger stems from the OP’s failure to consider why her friend avoided the pool. While he didn’t know about the allergy, his assumption that everyone enjoys a prank overlooks basic respect. This reflects a broader issue: pranks often prioritize the jokester’s amusement over others’ comfort, risking trust and safety.

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Greer’s advice on rebuilding trust emphasizes sincere apologies and accountability. The OP should acknowledge his error, learn about cold urticaria, and avoid physical pranks in the future. Offering to cover any medical costs could show goodwill. This approach not only mends his relationship but also models respect, encouraging readers to think twice before joking at others’ expense.

Heres what people had to say to OP:

The Reddit crowd jumped in with a tidal wave of opinions, serving up sharp rebukes with a side of sass. Here’s the unfiltered scoop from the community, dripping with indignation:

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ohdearitsrichardiii − YTA and shouldn't be pushing people into pools anyway. Other people's distress is not entertainment

Music_withRocks_In − YTA. If someone is dry, and does not intend to get into the pool you are a big a**hole for pushing them in. Yes, with certain friends that you are close to and everyone is getting in and out of the pool, pushing someone (already wet) in is acceptable (again, depending on group and closeness) but getting someone wet who intended to stay dry is a big jerk move.

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Did you even bother to ask her or care why she wasn't getting in the pool? There are also people who have bad reactions to chlorine, who have wounds or skin conditions that can't be in chlorinated water- even an inability to swim or a fear of water. Don't go messing with people you don't know.

honeymajesty − YTA - don’t push people into pools. She could have been hurt even if she wasn’t allergic.. If you can’t make jokes without it being at someone else’s expense, it means you’re not funny.

formlessmint − YTA - why you pranking people by pushing them into pools? I agree with gf, even though you didn’t know she has that allergy you shouldn’t push people in pools.

Spotzie27 − YTA Don't push people into the pool even if they don't have an allergy. It's rude and obnoxous.

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klonidine − YTA - what if she's carrying her phone in her pocket? In 1960 pushing people into pools was great fun, nowadays, everyone knows there's probably electronics on each person

Missblondy94 − YTA Come on man, if someone's not getting in the pool, there's probably a reason for it. You need to apologize.

crack_the_nut − YTA. People have many reasons for not wanting to be pushed in a pool. Just don't do it. It's not funny.

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MitmitaPepitas − If making someone get wet who doesn't want to be wet, for whatever reason or no reason at all, is your idea of funny, YTA. And you might be a nine year old boy trapped in a 29 year old body.

4evero − “I’m a bit of a jokester” no no no you’re a bit of an a**hole. Trying to be funny by being mean is school children level and you should really aim higher as an adult. YTA

These Redditors didn’t mince words, calling out the OP for his reckless prank and urging him to grow up. Their consensus is clear: respect trumps humor. But do their fiery takes capture the full story, or are they just making waves?

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This story of a prank gone awry splashes cold water on the idea that all jokes are harmless. The OP’s push into the pool, meant as fun, instead plunged his girlfriend’s friend into a health scare and strained his relationship. It’s a stark lesson in respecting boundaries, even in playful moments. Have you ever misjudged a prank that backfired? Share your thoughts and experiences below!

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