At what point can I call out my best friend?

LikeAnOceanLikeAnOcean Posts: 7,718
edited February 2009 in All Encompassing Trip
Here's the story. My best friend dumped his girlfriend a month ago after a 3 year relationship.

I've been best friends with him since we were 9, 21 years ago.

We work together. I hang out with him as much as three nights a week.

I am good friends with the woman he dumped. She is an awesome girl, and I think he's an idiot for doing so. She has some domestic problems that I think can be worked around, but he is just not man enough to face.

This girl loves him more than I've ever seen anybody love someone in my life. She loves everything about him. She has a been a complete mess for the past month.

My friend will not talk to me about it and I find that insulting. We drink together almost ever night, and when I try to bring it up he drops it.

At what point can I call him an idiot?


I know he needs to do what he thinks is right or wants, but I still think he's being rediculas, because he has a hard time showing emotion or facing not so perfect situations.


I've been dealing with his ex for the past few weeks and keeping my cool with him, but I really want to call him out and smack him in the face. I know he really values my opinions of him.. This is driving me crazy!

I wish he'd give her one more chance!

Is there anything I can say to him?
Post edited by Unknown User on
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Comments

  • TravelarTravelar Kalamazoo, USA Posts: 3,410
    Wrong or not, as a true friend, you should support his decision.
  • LikeAnOceanLikeAnOcean Posts: 7,718
    Travelar wrote:
    Wrong or not, as a true friend, you should support his decision.
    Even if he's being an idiot?

    I don't buy that. If he decided to start shooting heroin, I would kick his ass.

    I know this is different, but I would kill to find a girl who would love me half as much as she loves him. He's being a pussy because he can't deal with some of her domestic issues. He was raised in a perfect family, that never had problems and if they did, pretended they weren't there. Her problems are normal problems. This guy values drinking alcohol and ignoring social problems over embracing true love, I can't agree with him on this.
  • I'm kinda in the same boat except its just a little different. One of my very best friends of 20 yrs is married and is miserable. His wife keeps him on the shortest leash ever. She gets upset if he goes out with myself or his other friends She doesn't trust him and even goes threw his phone to see his calls. But she can go out with her friends no problem. He complains about her all the time when we do get to hang out. Honest I can't stand the bitch but I keep my mouth shut. I wanna tell him to stand up and tell her what he thinks. Be a man and gain some ground and loosen the leash up. But I don't know if and how much I should tell him what I think.
  • normnorm Posts: 31,146
    Travelar wrote:
    Wrong or not, as a true friend, you should support his decision.
    Even if he's being an idiot?

    I don't buy that. If he decided to start shooting heroin, I would kick his ass.

    I know this is different, but I would kill to find a girl who would love me half as much as she loves him. He's being a pussy because he can't deal with some of her domestic issues. He was raised in a perfect family, that never had problems and if they did, pretended they weren't there. Her problems are normal problems. This guy values drinking alcohol and ignoring social problems over embracing true love, I can't agree with him on this.


    you're friend sounds immature....does she realize this? takes more than being a "great guy" to be a partner in a relationship
  • BeerBaronBeerBaron Toronto-ish Posts: 4,097
    Travelar wrote:
    Wrong or not, as a true friend, you should support his decision.
    I agree with this. I think that a true friend's role is to be there for their friend when things are rough, without judgment. We should be supporting our friends, through thick and thin, regardless of the fact they might have screwed up or done something that we don't agree with.

    The thing that makes this situation difficult is the obvious conflict you have seeing as you are good friends with his ex. That makes things tough for you and I am sure that if his ex was someone you were not friends with, you would think very differently of this situation and of your friend's decision.

    It is troubling that your friend won't even discuss the breakup with you though. And I imagine that the reason for that is that he knows you are friends with the ex and he knows that you don't support the decision. That has to make it very tough on him and perhaps he is refusing to discuss the situation because the last thing he needs in his life right now is to be fighting with his best friend.
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  • LikeAnOceanLikeAnOcean Posts: 7,718
    norm wrote:
    Travelar wrote:
    Wrong or not, as a true friend, you should support his decision.
    Even if he's being an idiot?

    I don't buy that. If he decided to start shooting heroin, I would kick his ass.

    I know this is different, but I would kill to find a girl who would love me half as much as she loves him. He's being a pussy because he can't deal with some of her domestic issues. He was raised in a perfect family, that never had problems and if they did, pretended they weren't there. Her problems are normal problems. This guy values drinking alcohol and ignoring social problems over embracing true love, I can't agree with him on this.


    you're friend sounds immature....does she realize this? takes more than being a "great guy" to be a partner in a relationship
    He is totally being immature about this. When I asked him if he wanted to talk about it the first time, he said "Who are you, Dr. Phil."
  • normnorm Posts: 31,146
    He is totally being immature about this. When I asked him if he wanted to talk about it the first time, he said "Who are you, Dr. Phil."


    well tell him to grow the fuck up....what are you guys, 30?? it's big boy time


    and if she doesn't see his immaturity she could be in for a shitty relationship
  • __ Posts: 6,651
    I say call him on it. Friends are supposed to provide perspective, not just be yes men. You should be able to count on your friends to be brutally honest with you (albeit in the nicest possible way).

    But - once he's aware of your perspective I think you do have to respect his decision. Besides, in the end this could be the best thing that ever happened to his ex-girlfriend. Who needs a guy like that anyway?
  • stay out of it.....period!!!

    his relationship issues/problems....

    are his problems....

    not yours....
    Take me piece by piece.....
    Till there aint nothing left worth taking away from me.....
  • __ Posts: 6,651
    norm wrote:
    and if she doesn't see his immaturity she could be in for a shitty relationship

    What he said.
  • normnorm Posts: 31,146
    stay out of it.....period!!!

    his relationship issues/problems....

    are his problems....

    not yours....


    that's what i'd do


    but since he's asking for advice i'm going to spread my horseshit where ever i can :lol::mrgreen:
  • In your complete and honest opinion, is the girl better off with him or without him? If this guy has lost feelings for her, or doesn't want to deal with any of her personal issues... maybe he's not the right guy and this (although I'm sure hard for her to get over) may actually be what's best for her.
  • Red_DotRed_Dot Posts: 1,454
    AS much as this girl loves your friend, is the relationship right for her?
    Take me for a ride before we leave...
  • LikeAnOceanLikeAnOcean Posts: 7,718
    scb wrote:
    I say call him on it. Friends are supposed to provide perspective, not just be yes men. You should be able to count on your friends to be brutally honest with you (albeit in the nicest possible way).

    But - once he's aware of your perspective I think you do have to respect his decision. Besides, in the end this could be the best thing that ever happened to his ex-girlfriend. Who needs a guy like that anyway?
    No he's a GREAT guy. I can't think of anyone better. If not he wouldn't be my best friend. Just completely immature when it comes to relationships and showing effection.
  • vedderfan10vedderfan10 Posts: 2,497
    If you think he's made a mistake, as his friend, you should offer your opinion...or advice...he can take it or leave it, but the bug might be planted in his ear....
    be philanthropic
  • LikeAnOceanLikeAnOcean Posts: 7,718
    stay out of it.....period!!!

    his relationship issues/problems....

    are his problems....

    not yours....
    But they are my problems if I'm going to stay good friends with his ex. All I ask of him is a reason. If he can't tell me then I can't respect his decision.
  • soulsingingsoulsinging Posts: 13,202
    Here's the story. My best friend dumped his girlfriend a month ago after a 3 year relationship.

    I've been best friends with him since we were 9, 21 years ago.

    We work together. I hang out with him as much as three nights a week.

    I am good friends with the woman he dumped. She is an awesome girl, and I think he's an idiot for doing so. She has some domestic problems that I think can be worked around, but he is just not man enough to face.

    This girl loves him more than I've ever seen anybody love someone in my life. She loves everything about him. She has a been a complete mess for the past month.

    My friend will not talk to me about it and I find that insulting. We drink together almost ever night, and when I try to bring it up he drops it.

    At what point can I call him an idiot?

    I know he needs to do what he thinks is right or wants, but I still think he's being rediculas, because he has a hard time showing emotion or facing not so perfect situations.

    I've been dealing with his ex for the past few weeks and keeping my cool with him, but I really want to call him out and smack him in the face. I know he really values my opinions of him.. This is driving me crazy!

    I wish he'd give her one more chance!

    Is there anything I can say to him?

    It's none of your business. If you're getting drunk together and he mentions her, you can tell him you think he's a fool for ditching her, but other than that it's not your call to make.
  • soulsingingsoulsinging Posts: 13,202
    Travelar wrote:
    Wrong or not, as a true friend, you should support his decision.
    Even if he's being an idiot?

    I don't buy that. If he decided to start shooting heroin, I would kick his ass.

    I know this is different, but I would kill to find a girl who would love me half as much as she loves him. He's being a pussy because he can't deal with some of her domestic issues. He was raised in a perfect family, that never had problems and if they did, pretended they weren't there. Her problems are normal problems. This guy values drinking alcohol and ignoring social problems over embracing true love, I can't agree with him on this.

    Shooting heroin is vastly different from breaking up with a girl, and "domestic issues" are a perfectly legit reason to split up. I don't even know what the fuck that means. Is she a slob?
  • soulsingingsoulsinging Posts: 13,202
    He is totally being immature about this. When I asked him if he wanted to talk about it the first time, he said "Who are you, Dr. Phil."

    He's right.
  • Thorns2010Thorns2010 Posts: 2,201
    My take on all this is you can tell him what you think all you want. But he'll never understand what he did 'wrong' He has to learn these things for himself.

    I've told many people how things would play out, but they never listen and sure enough it plays out like I think it would.

    And you know what? I did the same thing myself when people would try and tell me how things are/were going to be. I would say 'yeah, well that isn't going to happen to me, this situation is different.' No, no it wasn't, and I had to learn the hard way that I was just being foolish and lying to myself.

    So like I said, go ahead and tell him what you think, but he isn't going to listen. And hell in a couple years you can look back and say I told you so. :mrgreen:
  • I'm an avid believer of speak your mind... That's why he likes you, for your opinions..not to be a yes man. I don't think I'd say 'idiot' to him, but let him know you don't support his decision, though you support him...and yes you can do both.
    My best friend knew when I didn't like men she was dating, but she knew I was there for her no matter what.
    "I'm not present, I'm a drug that makes you dream"
  • Drowned OutDrowned Out Posts: 6,056
    You wish she was yours, don't you? Tell the truth.
    Maybe you secretly want her, that's why it's bothering you so much...and your friend can sense it so he doesn't even want to discuss it with you? possible?
  • LikeAnOceanLikeAnOcean Posts: 7,718
    He is totally being immature about this. When I asked him if he wanted to talk about it the first time, he said "Who are you, Dr. Phil."

    He's right.
    But being his best friend and a very good friend of hers its different. It like having one best friend stop talking to another best friend and not telling you why.
  • soulsingingsoulsinging Posts: 13,202
    He is totally being immature about this. When I asked him if he wanted to talk about it the first time, he said "Who are you, Dr. Phil."

    He's right.
    But being his best friend and a very good friend of hers its different. It like having one best friend stop talking to another best friend and not telling you why.

    I've had that happen. So what? It's between them. Doesn't mean you have to go all talk show host and inject yourself into the middle of their situation. You don't have any "right" to an explanation. You're not the one he dumped. And you've said you know his reasons already, you just don't approve. Too bad.
  • milarsomilarso Posts: 1,280
    I've had that happen. So what? It's between them. Doesn't mean you have to go all talk show host and inject yourself into the middle of their situation. You don't have any "right" to an explanation. You're not the one he dumped. And you've said you know his reasons already, you just don't approve. Too bad.

    Agreed. This is one of those times when it sucks to be a friend. When he wants your opinion, he's going to ask you for it. In a situation like this, if you start giving it to him when he doesn't want it, it could damage your relationship with him. Just my two cents.
    "The dude abides. I don't know about you, but I take comfort in that. It's good knowin' he's out there. The Dude. Takin' her easy for all us sinners."
  • __ Posts: 6,651
    scb wrote:
    I say call him on it. Friends are supposed to provide perspective, not just be yes men. You should be able to count on your friends to be brutally honest with you (albeit in the nicest possible way).

    But - once he's aware of your perspective I think you do have to respect his decision. Besides, in the end this could be the best thing that ever happened to his ex-girlfriend. Who needs a guy like that anyway?
    No he's a GREAT guy. I can't think of anyone better. If not he wouldn't be my best friend. Just completely immature when it comes to relationships and showing effection.

    I didn't mean to suggest that he's not a great guy/friend... just that he's apparently not a great boyfriend if he's immature when it comes to relationships. And from what you've said it sounds like she deserves a great boyfriend. Immature boyfriends don't just wake up one day suddenly mature, and it sucks to learn that the hard way by dragging out a relationship hoping that will happen.
  • JordyWordyJordyWordy Posts: 2,261
    edited February 2009
    i had almost the exact same thing happen to me about 8 months ago.

    2 of my friends from college were going out for 3 & bit years.... the guy told me he was thinking about breaking up with the girl about 2 months before he did it. (He broke up with her few weeks after we finished college). However: he came and asked me for my opinion at the time - we were very open about asking for each others opinions on a lot of things - but we respect the fact that often, we just take completety sides of the issue. He took what i said on board. I thought he was breaking up with her cos he didnt want to end up married in a few years wondering where his youth went, and i knew he'd regret it. He agreed with that, but it had been bothering him for a long time and he didnt see it as a reason to not break up.

    8 months on and he's definitely not over her. simply put, she had him on a leash, he wimped out on a lot of things when going out with her, so in a way, he has his independence, manhood, ego or whatever back.

    on the other hand, he had a VERY bad first few months. We'd hung out couple of days a week for 4 years in college, but he didnt talk to me for about 3months because I still saw her after they broke up. He told me he'd moved out of Dublin (in fact he hadnt), and lied about things id done to mutual friends of ours. He was unhappy, and I was the one he took it out on. I was offended obviously, and the other lads&girls were fairly shocked at (1) what he'd done and (2) i started talking to him again when he finally did get in touch with me. but we're still friends. He did what he had to do to deal with it, and i wasnt gona ditch him just cos he was feeling down & out.

    Now he's a lot better, but he still refuses to talk about/to her, or show up to anything she's at (shit cos they have so many mutual friends).....its hard & sad to see it. Especially when you try to help and all you get is a big "Fuck You" in return. I dont think he'll ever openly admit to me the shit he did & said about me behind my back, but im his friend and i really dont care because he sorted himself out and returned to being a happy, productive person again. He apologised for not seeing me for so long, that was his way of saying sorry for the lot, and we're cool.

    Point is, even though he asked for my opinion before he did, when he did, and afterwards....he's still stuck to his guns. The girl is still fairly miserable too. But maybe theyre not meant to be, who knows?

    PS: He brought up the break-up with me. I got involved because he came to me (he never discussed it with any other college friends). I didnt talk to the girl about the break-up. I dont think its your place to go fishing for answers on her behalf. She should go get them. My point is that, even if he brings it up willingly, its a delicate situation and could make it worse.
    Post edited by JordyWordy on
  • scb wrote:
    I say call him on it. Friends are supposed to provide perspective, not just be yes men. You should be able to count on your friends to be brutally honest with you (albeit in the nicest possible way).

    But - once he's aware of your perspective I think you do have to respect his decision. Besides, in the end this could be the best thing that ever happened to his ex-girlfriend. Who needs a guy like that anyway?
    normally I'd agree and say call him on it... but it's obviously a touchy subject for him right now and could end up with him exploding and going nuts on his best friend... so I'd say no, don't.

    Also, you've only heard HER side of things... how do you know there isn't more? And perhaps it's not her with the issues, it could be him... there may be something you don't know about so tread carefully.
    The Astoria??? Orgazmic!
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  • stay out of it.....period!!!

    his relationship issues/problems....

    are his problems....

    not yours....
    But they are my problems if I'm going to stay good friends with his ex. All I ask of him is a reason. If he can't tell me then I can't respect his decision.
    with all due respect, it's not about you. If she wants answers, she's going to have to get them herself. It sounds like you feel you're entitled to know what went on... which most of us MAY feel... but really, you're not entitled to know... best friend or not, it was his relationship and he doesn't have to talk to you. Especially cos it sounds you're all on her side and it also sounds like he's having trouble dealing with it too and could use a friend.

    I think most of us have had friends who made a 'wonderful couple' and then broke up... and it can affect US too.. almost like your parents splitting up :oops: ya just wanna lock both of them in a room and say 'you're not getting out til you're back together' but, if they're not happy and they make the choice to split really it's nothing to with us... you can choose to be there for one or both of them but nothing you say can REALLY change the situation cos they'll still do what they want and all you do is risk losing either of them as a friend.
    The Astoria??? Orgazmic!
    Verona??? it's all surmountable
    Dublin 23.08.06 "The beauty of Ireland, right there!"
    Wembley? We all believe!
    Copenhagen?? your light made us stars
    Chicago 07? And love
    What a different life
    Had I not found this love with you
  • ZiggyStarZiggyStar Posts: 14,328
    stay out of it.....period!!!

    his relationship issues/problems....

    are his problems....

    not yours....
    But they are my problems if I'm going to stay good friends with his ex. All I ask of him is a reason. If he can't tell me then I can't respect his decision.
    with all due respect, it's not about you. If she wants answers, she's going to have to get them herself. It sounds like you feel you're entitled to know what went on... which most of us MAY feel... but really, you're not entitled to know... best friend or not, it was his relationship and he doesn't have to talk to you. Especially cos it sounds you're all on her side and it also sounds like he's having trouble dealing with it too and could use a friend.

    I think most of us have had friends who made a 'wonderful couple' and then broke up... and it can affect US too.. almost like your parents splitting up :oops: ya just wanna lock both of them in a room and say 'you're not getting out til you're back together' but, if they're not happy and they make the choice to split really it's nothing to with us... you can choose to be there for one or both of them but nothing you say can REALLY change the situation cos they'll still do what they want and all you do is risk losing either of them as a friend.

    That was VERY well said....and I agree.

    It's not about you...and no matter how much you WANT it to be, it's not...and just because YOU like them both and you can see that they're SHOULD be together, they CAN'T....and you've just got to roll with it.
    ★ 1995 - Brisbane ★ 1998 - Brisbane ★ 2003 - Brisbane ★ 2006 - Brisbane ★
    ★ 2009 - Sydney, Brisbane, Auckland, Christchurch ★
    ★ 2011 - EV Newcastle, Melbourne 1, Melbourne 2 ★
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