AITA for Screaming with Friends to Show My Boyfriend His Gaming Yells Are Too Much?

A sudden shout shattered her nap, pulling her back to a childhood she’d rather forget. Her boyfriend’s loud video game yelling turned their cozy apartment into a jarring echo of chaos. Frustrated, she staged a playful screaming Skype call with friends to mirror his noise, sparking a heated clash. Was her cheeky stunt a clever lesson or a petty jab? This Reddit tale dives into a relatable battle over boundaries, empathy, and making a point in love.

Her story strikes a chord with anyone juggling clashing habits in a shared space. With Reddit buzzing, let’s explore her bold move and what it says about communication and respect.

‘AITA for Screaming with Friends to Show My Boyfriend His Gaming Yells Are Too Much?’

My boyfriend plays games with some of his friends from college and they get really intense about it, like yelling in frustration. It bothers me a lot, I grew up in a rough home and I don't like that environment, of screaming and cussing and anger in my home.

I've told my boyfriend this, and he says he's not really mad, it's just a game, it's just the way he connects with his friends who are competitive people. But TBH it bothers me a lot. Last week, I had been napping and I heard a holler and I was immediately woken, and feeling panicked.

I of course quickly remembered where I was, but I was upset. I really just don't want those energies in my home. I went downstairs and told my boyfriend to stop hollering at home, because it's stressing me out. And he kinda brushed it off. Later that night, I called my friend and as a joke, said I should just have a yell with her.

And she was all for it. She went out to the woods behind her house and also grabbed her roommate on the way. It was kinda silly at first, yelling over Skype. But we kinda got into it, my friend was yelling about some s**t her boss said, and her roommate and I were yelling back 'F**k that, girl you need a new job' and stuff.

It was kind of hard to keep from laughing and we kept dissolving into giggles.. It devolved into one of us shrieking like a maniac, everyone dying laughing, and then repeating. My boyfriend came upstairs at that point, he'd been sitting outside and smoking, and he asked what the hell was going on.

I was like 'I'm calling my friends, thought we'd try having a scream. Seemed like a fun way to socialize.' He was telling me off saying that hearing women's screaming is gonna make someone worried, and I was like 'oh no I'm sure it's fine, screaming into a mic is just normal socializing, right?'

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We talked later and he said he didn't want me pulling that s**t again because it freaked him the hell out to hear me screaming, and I was just like 'OK, so do you finally get it? I feel freaked out when you bring that energy into the house too.'

And he said he didn't think it was the same; he and his friends normally socialize like that, me and my friends were being crazy to make a point. I said that I had a lot of fun having a yell on the call, it felt good, and if he wanted to keep bringing that energy into the house, I'd be doing it too.

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But if he didn't want that kinda energy around, we could stop it together. He called me ridiculous for this, and yeah I know it's kinda petty but I also think I have a point. If he doesn't like me screaming in the house,

he should understand I don't like him screaming in the house. AITA for having a yell while video calling my friends, to try and make the point to my boyfriend that his yelling when gaming with his friends is disturbing?

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Navigating a partner’s loud habits can feel like tiptoeing through a minefield, especially when those habits hit a raw nerve. The woman’s frustration stems from her boyfriend’s intense gaming yells, which disrupt her sense of safety due to past trauma. His dismissal of her concerns, claiming it’s just “how he socializes,” clashes with her need for a peaceful home. Meanwhile, her scream-filled call, though playful, was a bold attempt to mirror his behavior, highlighting a communication gap where both feel unheard.

This situation reflects a broader issue: how couples negotiate boundaries in shared spaces. According to a 2023 study by the American Psychological Association, 68% of couples report conflicts over household habits, with noise being a top trigger. Dr. John Gottman, a renowned relationship expert, notes, “Successful couples turn toward each other’s bids for connection, even in conflict, to build understanding” (gottman.com). Here, the boyfriend’s refusal to adjust dismisses her emotional bid, while her stunt, though creative, risks escalating tension rather than resolving it.

Her approach, while petty, was a cry for empathy. Gottman’s research suggests that validating a partner’s feelings, even without full agreement, fosters trust. Her scream-fest forced her boyfriend to feel the discomfort she experiences, but it also muddied her message with sarcasm. Both need to pivot toward direct dialogue to address the root issue: her trauma versus his social outlet.

For solutions, they could set designated gaming times or use noise-canceling headphones to minimize disruption. She might also explore therapy to manage trauma triggers, as suggested by mental health resources like BetterHelp. Openly discussing boundaries, perhaps with a neutral mediator, could help them align.

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Here’s what Redditors had to say:

The Reddit hive mind didn’t hold back, serving up a mix of empathy and wit that’s as spicy as a late-night gaming rant. Here’s a peek at the top takes from the community—raw, candid, and occasionally chuckle-worthy.

koch_like_duck − NTA. he’s being super hypocritical. you asked him to stop screaming for valid reasons, & he refuses to respect that. you have the right to feel safe in your own home, & if his yelling makes you panicked & uneasy, he needs to grow up & change his behavior.

semi-autistomatic − NTA oh my god dude. i’m in the EXACT same situation. i have autism and get triggered by loud noises and especially shouting. my boyfriend will be playing his game with his friend, and sudden scream, and i legitimately start crying. i wish i had the guts or energy to do this so he’d understand.

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Shawaii − NTA. My son yells a lot when playing with his friends too.. We tease him and yell to each other to show him what he sounds like.

CoconutxKitten − NTA. My brother does the exact same thing and it’s maddening

aclockworksmorange − Nta, I hate when people yell at games or TVs. It's just dumb and immature. You should be emotionally mature enough to not have to scream in frustration or anger. Its like throwing tantrums. Edit: fixed spelling and clarity.

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I want to clarify I do understand that people get very emotional and invested. For people who have experienced abuse this screaming can be upsetting. If you wanna scream go for it im not stopping you, I just think that screaming out of anger because you lost or f**ked up is annoying.

Sourpatchtaby − Wait. He wants you to stop screaming because it makes him scared. But doesnt think he should stop because its stupid that you get scared? Does he even notice you both want the yelling to stop FOR THE SAME REASON?? I dont get it but NTA op.

vashfan − NTA. If his screaming at the game causes you to have a PTSD panic attack, then he's the AH. Hands down.

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NemesisRouge − ESH, you're both acting like children.

Hehehe5757 − NTA keep yelling with your friends every day until he stops screaming

nan1ta − NTA. He's being a h**ocrite.

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These Redditors brought the heat, but do their takes hold up in the real world? Some see her as a boundary-setting hero, while others think both sides need a timeout.

This tale of dueling screams shows how far we’ll go to make a point when words fall flat. Her playful yet pointed scream-fest sparked a raw conversation, but it also left both partners digging in their heels. Relationships thrive on compromise, not one-upping each other’s antics. By setting clear boundaries and listening with empathy, they might turn this clash into a chance for growth. What would you do if your partner’s habits clashed with your comfort zone? Share your thoughts—let’s keep this discussion louder than a gaming headset but kinder than a screaming match!

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