56

Link copied!

Share

Trust is the foundation of any relationship, but what happens when its put on the line in the name of a joke?

In todays post from the subredditr/AITAH, a man recounts how his girlfriends elaborate prank with a mutual friend of theirs jeopardized everything they had built in two years.

Article image

The woman said she was just playing around, but the guys definition of fun doesnt include coming home to his partner straddling someone else in their bedroom.

Pranks often walk the line between harmless fun and hurt feelings

Share icon

Image credits:cottonbro studio / pexels (not the actual photo)

Or in this case, causing a breakup

Image credits:freepik (not the actual photo)

After his story went viral, the man posted an update

Image credits:anonymous

Betrayal instantly destroys safety and trust in a relationship

Image credits:wayhomestudio / freepik (not the actual photo)

Sometimes you cant know for sure if youre partner is cheating or not, so we asked marriage and family therapist Dr. Talal H. Alsaleem, PsyD, LMFT, also known asthe Father of Modern Infidelity Counseling, about the most common signs to look out for.

Of course, every situation is different, but Dr. Talal toldBored Pandathere are three that stick out:

#1 Over protection of privacy and access to digital interactions

Secrecy is one the most common elements of infidelity, he explained to us, adding that it manifests in a variety of ways, including:

#2 Engaging in selfish behaviors

When you dont feel close to someone, you are less inclined to think and or care about their needs and desires, because you feel that they dont care about yours, Dr. Talal said.

Couple sitting on a bed, intimately smiling at each other, highlighting relationship dynamics.

#3 Superficial conversations

According to the therapist, a lack of intimacy breeds lack of trust and a decrease in vulnerability.

As a result, you are less likely to have a deep, soulful conversation with your partner about your hopes, dreams, and the things that bother you.

#4 Living Separate lives

Dr. Talal, author of the booksUnfaithful & Unrepentant: Affairs Beyond the Hope of RepairandInfidelity: The Best Worst Thing that Could Happen to Your Marriage: The Complete Guide on How to Heal from Affairs, said that when the bond is strong, we tend to spend a lot of time with our partners and wholeheartedly enjoy mutual activities.

Text about breaking up due to a prank, with a man questioning if he overreacted.

But when its weak, couples start drifting apart and look for things to do by themselves or with other people that they feel close to.

According to scientificresearchconducted on couples in Britain and published in the journal PLOS-ONE, the top reasons why couples break up are:

So while its unclear whether or not the woman had actually cheated, judging from the post, it might be that the couples relationship had been already plagued by at least a couple of these issues.

Most of those who read what happened said the man did nothing wrong

However, a few saw the situation differently

Prank leads to breakup text about girlfriend and friend staging a scenario of cheating.

Text about a hidden camera prank causing relationship issues.

Text describing a woman’s reaction to a prank affecting her relationship.

Text describing a prank’s impact on trust and a relationship.

Text about ending a relationship due to a prank and dealing with friends' reactions.

Text reflecting on a decision after a prank impacts a relationship, questioning if it was blown out of proportion.

Man looking pensive, wearing a white shirt, sitting on a couch, light streaming in from a nearby window.

Text image discussing relationship prank consequences.

Text screenshot discussing backlash from a prank affecting a two-year relationship.

A breakup text exchange aftermath, discussing a prank’s serious impact on a relationship.

Couple standing by a window; the woman looks concerned as the man focused on his phone, highlighting relationship tensions.

Text comment discussing relationship ending due to a prank, gaining 12.4k points.

Reddit comment discussion on the cost of a prank in a relationship, addressing betrayal and consequences.

Text comment discussing adults comfortable in a private situation, related to prank cost in a relationship.

Text discussing the impact of a prank on a woman’s relationship, highlighting pain and consequences.

Comment discussing pranks causing damage to relationships, emphasizing breakup importance.

Comment discussing the consequences of a prank on a 2-year relationship.

Comment discussing a prank related to a woman’s relationship ending.

Online comment discussing relationship prank consequences.

Comment discussing the consequences of a prank on a relationship ending.

Comment about a prank leading to relationship issues, suggesting the woman was blamed for a bad joke.

Comment questioning the repercussions of a prank in a two-year relationship.

Comment discussing the consequences of a prank on a woman’s relationship, labeled as cheating.

Reddit comment criticizing a prank, discussing the aftermath in a relationship.

Text discussing the fallout of a prank on a two-year relationship, involving infidelity and emotional distress.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing the aftermath of a prank on a 2-year relationship.

Reddit comment discussing the consequences of a prank in a relationship.

Text comment discussing relationship trust and boundaries after a prank went wrong.

Text from a Reddit comment about a prank ending a 2-year relationship.

Comment predicts relationship will be openly discussed within 6 months after prank.

Text from a Reddit post about the consequences of a prank on a two-year relationship.

Screenshot of a comment accusing a woman of using a prank as cover for cheating.

A comment reacting to a woman’s prank that affected her 2-year relationship.

Comment about pranking and relationship consequences on social media.

Comment discussing the consequences of a prank on a 2-year relationship, with user NoSign3914 sharing their viewpoint.

Reddit comment discussing pranks in relationships and their consequences.

Comment discussing a prank’s impact on a relationship, with a plea for understanding.

Comment on a relationship ending after a prank, suggesting a heart-to-heart for clarity.

Comment discussing reaction to prank and relationship breakup advice.