AITA for cutting my friend out of my life during her divorce?

A woman opens her home to a friend navigating a messy divorce, offering free meals and babysitting for her kids. But when the friend skips her from a birthday bash with “besties,” claiming she “forgot” to ensure a “good time,” the generosity sours. Feeling like a doormat, she cuts contact, refusing further childcare and blocking the friend after a flippant apology. Her parents may see it as harsh, but she’s reclaiming her boundaries.

This isn’t just about a birthday—it’s a clash of friendship, respect, and self-worth. Her stand was bold, but was it too final? Readers are hooked: did she rightly end the exploitation, or should she have given her friend grace? The friendship fallout demands a verdict.

‘AITA for cutting my friend out of my life during her divorce?’

This woman shared her friendship’s collapse on Reddit, detailing her friend’s exploitation and the birthday snub that broke her. Here’s her original post, unpacking the emotional sting.

The OP’s dropped an update on the saga—curious? Click here to check it out!

Friendships can fray under unequal give-and-take, and this one unraveled fast. The woman provided extensive support—babysitting and meals—during her friend’s divorce, only to be excluded from a birthday celebration with a hurtful excuse. Her decision to cut contact, reinforced by changing locks and blocking the friend, reflects a boundary against being used. The friend’s dismissive “last-minute decision” apology confirms her lack of regard.

This mirrors dynamics of one-sided friendships. A 2023 study in Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found that unreciprocated support, especially in crises like divorce, often leads to resentment and relationship endings. The friend’s reliance on her as a resource, not a peer, aligns with this.

Psychologist Dr. Irene Levine says, “Friendships thrive on mutual respect; exploitation disguised as need justifies walking away”. Her insight validates the woman’s exit, though a direct confrontation before cutting contact might have clarified intentions. The friend’s secrecy about her finances and social life suggests manipulation, not friendship.

The woman could focus on nurturing reciprocal relationships. The friend needs to address her entitlement.

Heres what people had to say to OP:

Reddit dove into this friendship drama with takes as sharp as a slammed door. Here’s a roundup of their thoughts, sprinkled with humor—because even friend breakups need a chuckle.

These Reddit quips are fiery, but do they nail the truth? Was the woman’s cutoff a justified stand, or could she have salvaged the bond?

This woman’s story is a raw tale of friendship tested by exploitation and betrayal. Her decision to cut off a friend who used her during a divorce, capped by a painful birthday exclusion, was a stand for self-respect, cheered by Reddit but likely questioned by family. As she moves on, one question lingers: was the break the only path? What would you do when a friend treats you like a resource? Share your stories and weigh in on this heartfelt split!