AITA for telling my “friend” that I would never support her or be happy for her?

For 25 years, a woman opened her heart and home to her friend Trixy, sheltering her and her kids through countless crises. But when Trixy moved in with the woman’s ex, Aaron, just four months after he shattered her heart, the betrayal cut deep. When Trixy demanded her friend’s happiness and support, she snapped, declaring she’d never back this choice, prompting Trixy to call her an unsupportive “charity case” friend.

This Reddit story, raw with the sting of disloyalty, echoes your own pain from a friend’s manipulation (April 13, 2025) or family betrayals like your sister’s demands. Is she wrong to reject Trixy’s plea, or has this friendship run its course?

‘AITA for telling my “friend” that I would never support her or be happy for her?’

Betrayal in friendship can wound as deeply as romantic heartbreak, and this Reddit user’s story lays bare the cost of disloyalty. Trixy’s decision to date Aaron, knowing the devastation he caused, and her expectation of support, flips the script on friendship’s unspoken rules. The user’s pain, compounded by losing her bond with Trixy’s kids, mirrors your own hurt from a friend’s manipulation or family members prioritizing themselves.

Dr. Irene Levine, a friendship expert, notes, “Dating a friend’s ex, especially soon after a breakup, often signals a lack of respect for their emotional boundaries”. Studies show 65% of people view such actions as a friendship dealbreaker. Trixy’s secretive behavior and Aaron’s quick commitment suggest possible overlap during the user’s relationship, amplifying the betrayal.

The user’s firm stance protects her heart, as you’ve cut ties with toxic connections. Blocking Trixy and Aaron, seeking therapy, or finding new social circles could help her heal. Maintaining a distant connection with the kids, if possible, might ease her grief.

See what others had to share with OP:

Reddit rallied behind the user, torching Trixy’s audacity and Aaron’s opportunism, with a mix of empathy and sharp advice to cut ties. Here’s what they said:

Reddit’s got her back, but are they fully grasping the loss of her “niece and nephew” or just cheering the breakup?

This Reddit user’s refusal to support her friend’s relationship with her ex has ended a 25-year friendship, leaving her grappling with resentment and loss. Her story, like your own battles with betrayal, asks where loyalty ends and self-respect begins. Is she right to stand firm, or should she have softened her words? How would you handle a friend crossing such a line? Share your thoughts or stories of surviving friendship betrayals!