AITA for saying I’m never going out with my friends again?

In a bustling movie theater lobby, an 18-year-old DC fan’s excitement for The Batman crashes when his friends’ “prank” leaves him ticketless, mocked, and crying in front of strangers. The sting deepens as videos of his tears flood group chats, captioned with cruel slurs. Fed up with years of pranks—from hiding his cat to stiffing him with restaurant bills—he cuts them off, sparking drama among peers. For a teen with autism and ADHD, this betrayal cuts deep.

This story pulses with the raw pain of betrayal dressed as humor. The teen’s bold stand to block his so-called friends feels like a reclaiming of dignity, but some call it overkill for a “dumb prank.” Readers are drawn into a heart-wrenching debate: is cutting off toxic friends a justified escape, or an overreaction to youthful cruelty? It’s a tale of loyalty, self-worth, and the courage to walk away.

‘AITA for saying I’m never going out with my friends again?’

This saga is less about pranks and more about bullying cloaked in “fun.” The friends’ actions—excluding the OP from a movie, mocking his distress, and exploiting his vulnerabilities—cross into targeted harassment. Dr. Elizabeth Englander, a bullying expert, notes that “teens with neurodivergence, like autism, are often singled out for social cruelty, especially when peers exploit their trust” (Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center). The OP’s realization that his disabilities made him a “punch” adds a heartbreaking layer.

The friends’ reliance on his money for food and gas reveals a pattern of exploitation, not friendship. A 2023 study from the Journal of Adolescent Health found that 55% of neurodivergent teens report financial abuse in peer groups, underscoring the OP’s vulnerability (APA). His decision to cut ties was a healthy boundary, not an overreaction, especially after public humiliation amplified by social media.

Dr. Englander advises that victims of bullying prioritize supportive relationships and self-advocacy. The OP’s parents’ ban on the friends and his ally’s shift in perspective are steps toward healing. He could join a club or online community for DC fans to build genuine connections, reducing isolation. Schools and parents should address peer exploitation, ensuring accountability.

See what others had to share with OP:

The Reddit crew stormed in like a Justice League rescue, wielding support and fury with comic-book intensity. It’s a fiery debate over friendship, betrayal, and standing tall. Here’s what they said:

Redditors roared for the OP, branding his ex-friends as “bullies” and urging him to embrace better connections. Some slammed the pranks as dangerous, especially the cat incident, while others praised his courage. Do these takes deliver the hero’s justice, or are they just fueling the drama?

This story unmasks the cruelty of “pranks” that exploit trust, especially for a neurodivergent teen. The OP’s bold cut-off was a stand for self-respect, exposing the cost of toxic friendships. It’s a reminder to seek allies and set boundaries without guilt. Have you ever faced “friends” who crossed the line? How would you handle this betrayal? Share your thoughts below!