AITAH for feeling hurt that I was not invited?

Imagine a lively evening filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and the thrill of a Dungeons & Dragons adventure unfolding around a cozy living room table. For one woman, however, the warmth of her best friend’s game night was overshadowed by a cold sting of exclusion. When her husband, Frank, mentioned he was invited to Lina and Paul’s D&D night—without her—she felt a pang of betrayal, as if she’d been written out of the story entirely.

The hurt deepened when Lina’s curt text offered no real explanation, just a dismissive “sorry if you’re hurt.” It wasn’t about missing the game—she’s no fan of rolling dice—but about the silence and lack of consideration from her closest friend. The emotional weight of being sidelined resonates with anyone who’s felt left out, setting the stage for a tale of friendship, miscommunication, and the quest for understanding.

‘AITAH for feeling hurt that I was not invited?’

Being left off a game night invite list feels like stepping on a rogue D20 die—sharp and unexpected. This woman’s hurt stems not from missing Dungeons & Dragons, but from her best friend Lina’s failure to communicate. Lina assumed her friend’s disinterest in gaming made an invite unnecessary, while the OP craved acknowledgment to feel valued. It’s a classic clash of unspoken expectations, where both sides misread the other’s intentions.

This situation reflects a broader social dynamic: the pain of exclusion in close relationships. A 2019 study by the American Sociological Association found that even unintentional exclusion can erode trust in friendships. Lina’s oversight—inviting Frank but not considering how the OP would feel—highlights how assumptions can backfire. Meanwhile, the OP’s admission that game nights aren’t her favorite might’ve signaled disengagement, leaving Lina to prioritize players.

Dr. Irene S. Levine, a psychologist specializing in friendships, emphasizes, “Clear communication is the cornerstone of any lasting friendship. Assumptions, even well-intentioned, can create unnecessary rifts”. Lina’s vague apology and failure to explain the D&D invite list left the OP questioning her place in the friendship. Levine’s perspective underscores the need for both parties to voice their feelings openly to avoid such misunderstandings.

To move forward, the OP could propose a non-gaming hangout, like a coffee date, to reconnect with Lina. Lina, in turn, should acknowledge the oversight and clarify her intentions. Open dialogue can rebuild trust, ensuring future game nights don’t leave anyone feeling like an NPC in their own story.

Here’s the input from the Reddit crowd:

Reddit’s community offered a lively mix of empathy and straight talk. Some users sympathized with the OP’s hurt, calling Lina’s lack of communication thoughtless, especially for a best friend. Others noted that the OP’s disinterest in game nights might’ve made her exclusion logical, as non-players can disrupt the vibe of a focused D&D session.

The consensus leans toward a communication breakdown. While some felt Lina should’ve given a heads-up, others argued the OP’s expectation to be invited to an activity she doesn’t enjoy was misplaced. The debate highlights the delicate balance of inclusion and understanding in friendships, with both sides needing to meet halfway.

This game night mix-up reveals how quickly assumptions can turn a fun evening into a friendship fumble. The OP and Lina’s neutral resolution opens the door for growth—perhaps with the OP rolling dice in a future D&D session. Communication remains the true hero here. Have you ever felt sidelined by close friends? Share your experiences below—what would you do in this dicey situation?