AITA for kicking my friend of 15 years out after she admitted to being a side chick for the past 3 years…?

In a cozy home filled with the chaos of three kids and the weight of a cancer diagnosis, a woman opened her doors to a childhood friend, expecting support during tough times. Instead, she uncovered a web of lies and betrayal that turned her sanctuary upside down. Her friend, welcomed to help with daily life, was rarely present, jetting off on flights funded by the woman’s kindness—flights not for family or work, but for a secret affair with a married woman.

The sting of deception hit hard when the friend’s girlfriend drunkenly spilled the truth, followed by the friend’s chilling pride in her role as a “side chick.” For a woman who’d faced infidelity in her own marriage, this was a gut punch too far. Kicking her friend out felt like reclaiming her peace, but now she faces a storm of criticism from her friend’s allies, leaving her questioning her choice.

‘AITA for kicking my friend of 15 years out after she admitted to being a side chick for the past 3 years…?’

Betrayal in a home meant to be a safe haven cuts deep. The friend’s actions—lying about her travels and reveling in an affair—weren’t just personal failings; they were a breach of trust, especially given the OP’s vulnerability. Dr. Shirley Glass, a noted psychologist, wrote, “Secrecy is the cornerstone of infidelity, eroding trust in any relationship” . Here, the friend’s deceit about her flights, funded by the OP’s generosity, compounded the hurt of her gloating about the affair.

The OP, battling cancer and raising kids, needed support, not exploitation. Her friend’s failure to help, despite the agreement, mirrors a pattern where 25% of houseguests overstay their welcome, per a 2020 study in Journal of Social Psychology . The friend’s callous bragging suggests a lack of empathy, possibly narcissistic traits, making her presence toxic.

Dr. Glass advises setting firm boundaries to protect emotional health. The OP’s decision to evict her friend was a necessary step to safeguard her family’s peace, especially given her health challenges. She could block the harassing DMs and lean on her support network, like her husband or close friends, to reinforce her stance. Moving forward, clear agreements with future guests can prevent similar betrayals.

For others in similar situations, prioritize your well-being. The OP might consider a heartfelt talk with trusted family to explain her choice, focusing on the lies and lack of help rather than just the affair. This approach maintains her integrity while shutting down critics, ensuring her home remains a sanctuary.

Here’s how people reacted to the post:

The Reddit crowd jumped in like a protective squad, dishing out support with a side of sass. They roasted the friend’s betrayal, from her freeloading to her affair-flaunting smirk, like a barbecue where everyone brought the heat.

These Redditors rallied behind the OP, calling out the friend’s lies and urging her to cut ties for good. Some saw the affair as secondary to the con, while others cheered her for protecting her space. But do these spicy takes capture the full story, or are they just fueling the fire?

This tale of broken trust and a bold eviction shows the power of standing up for your home’s peace. The OP, already fighting cancer and past betrayals, drew a line when her friend’s lies and cruel glee surfaced. Kicking her out was a reclaiming of space, but the backlash stings. Healing now means focusing on her family and health, not drama. Have you ever had to cut off a friend who betrayed your trust? What would you do in this messy situation? Share your stories below!