A woman's entire world has been turned upside down after discovering her mum has been secretly dating her best friend. She explained how her 29-year-old best friend moved in with her and her mum after losing his apartment during the Covid-19 lockdown.
While she is pleased her mum, 43, is finally happy, she can't help but feel "angry and lied to" considering it all happened right under her nose. She said on Reddit: "My best friend and my mum are getting married - they told me two days ago over dinner.
"I met my best friend in college five years ago and we've pretty much been inseparable ever since. When Covid hit he was about to lose his apartment so my mum and I offered him the spare room at our house. He's been a great housemate and it was great that we got to hang out so much."
The 21-year-old went on to explain how her mum expressed an interest in dating again after spending a decade alone.
But she never expected her best friend to become the object of her affection.
"She showed me the engagement ring he got her and told me she was really excited," she added.
"They were either great at hiding it or I was an idiot because I never noticed anything!
"I work the night shift at my job so I guess everything happened while I was gone?
"It doesn't help that I don't know how long they've been seeing each other.
"I didn't say anything after they told me, just got up and left to stay with another friend.
"I told her things were tense at home and I needed a few days away. I haven't spoken to them since I left besides telling them I was safe with a friend.
"They've tried calling and texting but I've ignored it.
"I'm upset and angry and a million other things and I don't know what I should do.
"I want my mum to be happy, she deserves it, and my best friend is a great guy, but I can't help but feel angry and lied too."
Not knowing what to do, she has turned to Reddit to ask users for their thoughts on the situation.
In response, one user said: "Honestly, I would be happy for them but i understand that you were weirded out by the situation, I would be too.
"If you feel so strongly about it and it seems that you do, you can tell them that you are happy for them and wish them all the best but that this situation is weirding you out and you feel like your trust was broken and that you can not trust your home anymore.
"You can tell them that although you love them you still feel like you need some space from the situation and that you will be leaving to live somewhere else for now."
Another user added: "I don't blame you for feeling weird, or for your reaction. Aside from the fact that your friend dating your mum is weird in general...
"They just sprang it on you out of nowhere and expected you to be thrilled about it. And they have been lying to you and hiding it for who knows how long.
"But, what's done is done. So here's what I suggest. Talk to both of them about it separately.
"Start with your mum. Tell her what you told us. 'I want you to be happy, but you have to understand this came out of nowhere for me and I'm honestly shocked and confused.'
"Ask her how it started, how long it's been, how does she know he's the one?
"Tell her that the two people you're closest to kept a huge secret from you and you're hurt and feel lied to.
"Honestly, she should apologise for that. People love who they love and all but there was no need to handle it like this.
"Then, again separately, have the same conversation with your friend. Ask the same questions, tell him how you feel.
"They'll obviously talk to each other in between so be aware of that."
A third user said: "If you want your mum to be happy and think your best friend is a great guy, you just need to let them to live peacefully.
"You can't do anything if they love each other. If they still love and care for you, you're probably lucky."
Do you have a story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.
