Life teaches us lessons in ways we never expect. Sometimes, it’s through a friend who betrays us, an ex who hides a double life, or a stranger who turns out to be someone we should never have trusted. Here are stories from people who had their innocence shattered by twists they never saw coming.
Story1
My best friend got really sick, and several others and I dropped everything to help care for him. I’m talking, like, I left my dream to come home and help manage his recovery.
As soon as he’s better, he throws all of us under the bus. Acts like we exist solely to prop him up and just expects us to do whatever he wants. He ended up ghosting the whole crew. © Unknown author / Reddit
Story2
When I moved in with my boyfriend, he insisted I keep my old apartment “just in case.” I thought it was silly but agreed. Months later, after we broke up, I went back to clear out the place.
When I opened the door, I was shocked as I found my ex’s jacket, toothbrush, and even his work shoes. He had been living a double life, splitting time between both apartments. Turns out, he kept my old key and had been sneaking in whenever I wasn’t around.
Story3
I took my boyfriend to my friend’s wedding. He started cheating on me with a girl from the wedding who sat at our table. I didn’t find out for a couple of months. It turns out I was paying for his train tickets to visit her. © R**hampolicy / Reddit
Story4
I had a very good friend of seven years tell me she needed help making rent because she lost her job. I lent her a fair amount of money, only to find out a month or two later that she was out partying on yachts in Spain (we live in the US) shortly after I gave her the money. I’m not on social media, but a friend of mine showed me her Instagram posts when I told him about the situation. © FrenchBowler / Reddit
Story5
There was always this quiet guy across the hall who never spoke to anyone. My boyfriend used to joke that he was a spy. After we broke up, I noticed my ex visiting that same apartment often.
One day, the door was left slightly open. I stepped inside and froze, as I saw a wall covered with photos of me. My ex and the “quiet neighbor” had been roommates all along, and they’d been tracking my schedule for months.
Story6
A new hire was brought into a former job. My supervisor (a close friend) and I were told she wasn’t replacing us but would assist in tackling the large workload. We were told to onboard her somewhat. Then more. And more.
Still, we were told we were still slated to be employed. My friend saw his pay and responsibilities cut, and my pay was sometimes completely withheld. We realized that she was replacing us, and we bailed. © hunter15991 / Reddit
Story7
A new hire was brought into a former job. My supervisor (a close friend) and I were told she wasn’t replacing us but would assist in tackling the large workload. We were told to onboard her somewhat. Then more. And more.
Still, we were told we were still slated to be employed. My friend saw his pay and responsibilities cut, and my pay was sometimes completely withheld. We realized that she was replacing us, and we bailed. © hunter15991 / Reddit
Story8
My landlord was desperate to rent the flat next door, warning me that everyone who lived there left after just a few weeks because of “bad vibes.” A woman moved in, friendly and warm, and she stayed. I was relieved. Months later, I found out she wasn’t paying rent at all — she was my landlord’s daughter, planted there to make the building look attractive to buyers. The day the building sold, they both vanished.
Story9
I keep trying to be nice to my roommate’s teenage daughter. She’s super awkward and seems lonely because of her parents’ late hours. But every time I reach out to her, she lies about me. I feel so stupid and naive.
This has happened about 5 times in 3 years. I’m flabbergasted by the betrayal. Everyone thinks she’s super nice and innocent, but my friend Sanford says, “You’re the idiot to keep falling for it.” He’s right. © moonkittiecat / Reddit
Story10
My best friend, or rather my ex-best friend, started dating a guy I was talking to, leaving me behind and talking badly about me. The guy was also a close friend of mine. I had feelings for both of them, but I was talking to the guy first.
They blamed me for a bunch of issues they had, and I never fully got over it. It was a terrible time. When I finally moved on, she ruined my new relationship by telling the girl I started talking to that I’m a cheater and would probably cheat on her. © fitzgeraldresumes / Reddit
Story11
My best friend, or rather my ex-best friend, started dating a guy I was talking to, leaving me behind and talking badly about me. The guy was also a close friend of mine. I had feelings for both of them, but I was talking to the guy first.
They blamed me for a bunch of issues they had, and I never fully got over it. It was a terrible time. When I finally moved on, she ruined my new relationship by telling the girl I started talking to that I’m a cheater and would probably cheat on her. © fitzgeraldresumes / Reddit