31 Online Users Reveal The Most Shocking Secrets They Discovered About Loved Ones, Leaving Them Stunned And Disturbed

They say "ignorance is bliss," but sometimes, it's better to dig deep and uncover the hidden secrets of those closest to us. Sure, staying in the dark might feel comfy at first, but it can also leave us wide open to being used or hurt.

Sometimes, knowing the truth is what keeps us and our loved ones safe. It's not always a walk in the park to confront the stuff lurking in the closets of the people we care about.

But doing so can actually bring us closer together. It lets us see them as they truly are, flaws and all, and gives us the chance to offer support where they need it most.

And yeah, facing the truth might sting a bit. But in the long run, it's what builds trust and keeps our relationships real. Sometimes, though, that truth is a red flag—a sign that it might be time to think about walking away.

If someone close to us is doing stuff that goes against everything we stand for or puts us in danger—like getting mixed up in crime or hurting others—it's vital to put our safety first. Finding out about these dark sides might mean we have to cut ties completely.

It's tough, no doubt. But sometimes, it's the only way to stay true to ourselves and stay safe.

On Ask Reddit, users opened up about the most unsettling secrets they uncovered about someone close to them after a user asked this question:

What's the most disturbing secret you've discovered about someone close to you?

A word of caution: the following stories may contain triggering content. Proceed at your own discretion.

It hurts to discover that your husband has a psychological deviance.

Just after my 6th anniversary, I found a video on my husband's tablet from a hidden camera that showed my 14 year old niece nude. I called the police immediately. He never came home again. He's in prison now.In one moment I realized I had no clue who I was married (and had a child with!) And I yeeted his a*s into the sun.eminva02

The family shouldn't have turned a blind eye on the serious issue.

While my cousin was walking around with her son in the woods, she came across a hunting stand. She climbed it, and found a pair of binoculars.Sitting straight forward, and lifting the binoculars to her eyes....she saw her own bedroom window.Lets be logical here: If it was a legit hunting stand, it was facing, and CLOSER than 500 feet to a residence, which is illegal....which means it had to come down with predjudice.If it was a peeping tom...well...it had to come down....with predjudice.When my brother and I visited not long after, she showed us where it was. We tore it down and literally wrapped it around a couple trees.Bent the f****r to complete uselessness.I got an angry call the next day:"DID YOU TEAR DOWN A HUNTING STAND YESTERDAY??""F**k yeah I did.""That was your uncle's!" (Her mother’s brother)Turns out my cousin reported it to the family and they ignored the issue. When the uncle was asked, he said there was just an old tree house out there.Even when he was exposed, they didn't really care. They were more upset about the damage we did.Suffice it to say I have written off most of that side of the family.Charlie24601

The Role of Secrets in Relationships

Secrets can significantly impact interpersonal relationships, often leading to feelings of betrayal and mistrust. Research from the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships indicates that when individuals uncover secrets about loved ones, it can lead to a profound sense of shock and emotional upheaval.

This revelation can disrupt the foundation of trust that relationships are built upon, prompting individuals to question their understanding of the person they thought they knew.

A woman's best friend is obsessed with her.

She was my best friend of 7 years, we had literally been through it all together. I moved out of state with my now husband, but she convinced us both to move back to be closer with her, after about a year.We had no real ties to the state we had tried out, so we said screw it, let’s go back, she’s basically family. We were all so happy to be reunited; she was over almost every night for dinner, we all laughed and talked and had a blast.Best year of my life.Then slowly, she started trying to turn my husband and I against each other. Anytime we had an argument (like any couple does) she would text each of us about how right we were; trying to foster animosity between the two of us.With me, she started talking about how she had a plan b for “us”, that if my husband and I couldn’t make it work, I could move in with her and we’d live happy lives together.With my husband, she started talking about her infertility issues and how she wanted to have a kid just like him, she just needed a sperm donor.This all happened at around the same time, and my husband and I compared texts and figured it out.She wanted to take his sperm, and have a baby with me. When confronted about it she refused to admit anything and started lashing out at both of us.It got to the point where she would show up unannounced, banging on the door, demanding a place in our home. It was so terrifying and panic inducing that we ended up having to move and change our phone numbers.I guess it’s so disturbing because I had never had a friend like her, only to find out that she, well she cared about me, but in such an unhealthy and scary way. But yeah, that’s my story.Husband and I are great now btw.lillylenore

Husband discovers something worse than cheating.

My former wife (now ex) and I were having problems. I was certain she was cheating on me. I found her notes where she was figuring out and had added up how much I was worth dead.TheMadIrishman327

The Nature of Secrets and Trust

Secrets can play a significant role in shaping relationships, often revealing underlying dynamics of trust and vulnerability. Dr. Karen M. Brucks, a psychologist specializing in interpersonal relationships, explains that the act of keeping secrets can create emotional distance and hinder intimacy.

When individuals discover shocking secrets about loved ones, it can lead to feelings of betrayal and confusion, challenging the foundation of trust in those relationships.

There's a thief in the family.

My mom received birthday cards with money in them for years from her parents. She kept the cards with the money in them, saving to buy a piano/sentimental reasons.My sister, who has repeatedly stolen from family members, found the collection of cards/money and took them. My mom only wanted the cards back when she realized what happened.My sister denied everything. F**k you, Emily.jemstar87

Is the grandfather a retired secret agent?

When my Grandfather passed away we discovered that he did not exist. His name was not in any government registry. He was a normal citizen, paid taxes, had a license and everything. Lived a long life, married to my grandmother for over 50 years, had multiple children, everything normal.Still to now, no one knows who he really was and why he had a false name.daveypump

When secrets come to light, the emotional fallout can be significant. A clinical psychologist notes that the discovery of a loved one's hidden truths can evoke a range of emotions, from anger to sadness, often leading individuals to reevaluate their relationships.

Research suggests that processing these feelings is crucial for moving forward and rebuilding trust, which can be a complex and challenging process.

A great-grandmother's income is threefold. It's from her three husbands.

My great grandmother was married to 3 different people at the same time. The men were from different branches of the military, she was collecting all three of their paychecks at a time.Doge-Poop-Bag

Anger can change a person.

My grandfather beat someone to death. My dad was an only child, but my grandmother was once pregnant with my dads younger brother. When she was 6 months pregnant, someone in construction equipment ran over the car she was driving and she lost the baby. While she was in the hospital, my grandfather found the guy and beat him to death. From what I understand, he was in jail for about a week before he was released. Apparently, he claimed temporary insanity due to the circumstances. I learned all this about 4 years ago when my brother was researching family history and asked my grandfather about it. I've always seen him as a nice, little old man.Rimirilar

Research published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships indicates that secrets can lead to increased anxiety and stress, especially when they involve significant emotional investments. The emotional burden of keeping or discovering a secret can impact mental health and overall relationship satisfaction.

Understanding the psychological implications of secrets can help individuals navigate their feelings and address underlying issues within relationships.

A very sensitive family situation.

Probably not the most disturbing thing I've seen, but caught my dad and sister together. They don't know I know.This was ten years ago when my mom was dying from cancer at the time.They probably still do it. I see my dad less than once a year.Deadlyrage1989

Family betrayal.

Discovered that my sister stole my father's $25k Rolex not more than 24 hours after he died. I only discovered it when her and her husband made a frivolous purchase and I wondered where they got they money since they were always broke and begging my parents for money. I got suspicious, it hit me that she might have stolen and sold the Rolex. Had the paperwork, ran a track on the sales history and discovered it had been sold to a p**n shop down the street from where my sister lives. Went to the p**n shop and after a bit of persuasion got them to tell me who sold it to them and it was my sister. Me and my mom disowned her.dallased25

The Psychological Impact of Shocking Revelations

Shocking secrets can trigger intense emotional responses, often linked to feelings of betrayal and confusion. According to Dr. William Doherty, family therapist, "The revelation of secrets can deeply unsettle relationships, leading to anxiety and emotional turmoil." He emphasizes that uncovering hidden truths can activate the brain's stress response, complicating emotional regulation. This response can hinder individuals from effectively processing their feelings and engaging constructively in conversations about the revelations.

Grandma's way of having a food taster.

So my grandmother (who’s been estranged for my family for a long time now for a MULTITUDE of reasons) has this weird thing where she has to share food with people. Are you ordering steak at the restaurant? Well oh boy she’s gotta order the same thing even if she doesn’t like steak. Try her drink, “it’s really good!” Take the first bite of chicken to let her know if it’s “any good.” This always really annoyed me cause I hate sharing food. One day I brought it up to my mom and she was like, “oh yeah, grandma is afraid of being poisoned, so she wants other people to try it first.” SO LET ME GET THIS STRAIGHT, GRANDMA THINKS SOMEONE IS TRYING TO POSION HER SO SHE HAS ME TRY THE FOOD FIRST???And it makes so much sense looking back because she literally would not take a bite of anything she ordered until someone else had a bite first. Thanks grandmaStarlined_

Poor auntie.

Found out my aunt’s homophobic husband was cheating when he matched with my brother’s boyfriend (open relationship) on Grindr.Edit: My aunt still has no idea.bacteriabarbie

The Impact of Betrayal on Relationships

Betrayal can have profound effects on relationships, often leading to a breakdown of communication and trust. Dr. John Gottman, a leading relationship researcher, emphasizes that betrayal can trigger intense emotional reactions, including anger, sadness, and grief.

Recognizing these emotional responses is crucial for individuals seeking to heal from betrayal and rebuild trust in their relationships.

The Redditor was so heartbroken with this discovery.

One of my best friends was caught trying to meet up with a 13 year old and was filmed and uploaded to YouTubeImpressive-Wish3497

Couple manages to navigate through a dark time.

One night as a kid I heard my parents having an explosive argument in their bedroom which suddenly went quiet (the door was closed and locked) I found out during a drunk phone call from my mother it was because she attempted to [unalive] my father in the face with a .303 but it didn’t go off when she pulled the trigger as there were no bullets. They were both horrified and just stared at each other apparently.They’re still together.Of-an_afternoon

To navigate the emotional complexities of uncovering secrets, psychologists recommend utilizing open communication strategies. Engaging in honest discussions about feelings and intentions can facilitate healing and promote understanding.

Research indicates that couples who practice transparent communication tend to experience stronger emotional connections and are better equipped to handle conflicts.

This is just sad. The parents never gave their child a chance.

My dad had a sister only few people knew about. She was born with a brain defect. My grandparents kept her in the apartment for all her life because they were ashamed.nohiddenmeaning

His ex-best friend is bad company.

My (former) best friend cheated on his wife, multiple times. I found out because he tried getting me to cheat on my wife, who he was the best man at for our wedding. Completely f****d.thefupachalupa

To address betrayal, therapists often recommend open communication and emotional validation. Engaging in discussions about feelings and experiences can facilitate healing and foster understanding between partners.

Research shows that couples who communicate openly about betrayal tend to experience better outcomes in rebuilding trust and intimacy.

Teen admits his intention.

He shot his friend in the foot on purpose.They were teens and playing with a gun while drunk (stupid I know). And he accidentally shot his friend in the foot.Except it wasn’t an accident. He admitted to it being on purpose later.Edit: no this isn’t the event that happened in your small American town and we don’t know each other.I’m not even an American and guns are like super illegal here. I have no idea how he acquired it. He could probably go to jail just on the merit of that alone.And from us Europeans; are you guys ok? This isn’t a normal thing and you guys shouldn’t relate to it.WebBorn2622

Leading a double life.

That my ostensibly pious and God-fearing married Mormon dad was siphoning off shared savings/retirement money to bankroll strip clubs, "massage" parlors and visits to SW street corners for longer than my entire life.Had I not personally caught him red-handed, I would never have believed it. My gob is still smacked. 😅chewbubbIegumkickass, pixelshot via canva.com

Coping with Emotional Turmoil

Processing emotions in the wake of shocking revelations requires intentional coping strategies. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing, can help individuals manage their emotional reactions and regain a sense of calm.

Studies show that individuals who engage in mindfulness report reduced anxiety and improved emotional regulation, making it easier to navigate difficult conversations.

Staying away was the best thing to do.

I was pretty close with my youngest uncle growing up, at least in pictures (he was in his mid 20s when I was like 5 for context). One day when I was in middle school he just stopped coming around completely. My entire family told us kids that he was backpacking around the nation. In high school I was going a genealogy project on my grandfather (his dad) and accidentally found my uncles name on the [criminal] offender registry. Come to find out he was running a CP ring and had served 16 years in federal prison. He’s out now and my family pretends nothing happened. I stay far away.ItsLocked1993

Vet abuses drug meant for pets.

He was not *that* close, but he was a friend and our veterinarian, until he lost his license for doing all the ketamine that was supposed to be for the animals.brock_lee

Seeking Support in Difficult Times

During times of emotional turmoil, seeking support from trusted friends or mental health professionals can be invaluable. Studies suggest that social support can buffer against the negative effects of stress and promote resilience.

Building a network of supportive individuals can help individuals navigate the complexities of betrayal and secrets, providing the necessary encouragement and validation.

Brother's betrayal.

Graduated boot camp and wondered why my brother wouldn’t talk to me, turns out he was f*****g my ex while I was there instead of delivering my letters. Guess guilt ate him up and he thought it was simpler to keep up the lie and not have a brother, right up until an old friend from my home town told me what happened.Govcheeze99

Mysterious grandpa.

My grandfather is a ghost on paper. We always grew up knowing he had skeletons in his closet but I wasn't prepared for what he had done in his younger years. I started hearing rumours as a teen that he had been a pretty big time robber, his speciality was cracking the safes. But he would never admit it.In 2016 he randomly told me he also used to deal guns to the IRA like he was talking about the weather it was bizarre. He also told me he helped a couple of triads hide out in Jamaica after they went on the run for beheading an adversary. They were fairly nice guys according to him.It was only about 10 years ago he finally stopped sleeping with guns stashed under his bed and taking shady phone calls down the bottom of the garden. Only my grandmother knows his real name no one else in the family does.I adore him but he is an enigma to meMysterychic88, gettyimages via canva.com

Seeking support from trusted friends or mental health professionals can also be beneficial when dealing with the emotional fallout from uncovering secrets. Research suggests that having a support system can significantly enhance emotional resilience and foster a sense of belonging.

By leaning on others for support, individuals can process their feelings more effectively and gain valuable perspectives on their experiences.

It's sad that some family members have the audacity to steal from their loved ones.

My brother was stealing money from father who had dementia. This went on for a year and the I found out about it was because the bank who had my father's mortgage called me wondering why it hadn't been paid in six months. My father's bank account went into the negative around this time too and when I confronted my brother about it he said "Well, I gotta pay MY bills." I was about to take control of all the accounts and make sure shot got back on track but my father ended up in the hospital and died shortly after that. My brother also stole some of my inheritance too.In the end, he stole over $5000 from his dying father.jimmypfromthe5thgala

Mom's past.

Found a scrapbook of my mom and a guy I didn’t recognize from her immediately post-college days. Turns out he was a long term boyfriend of hers who offed himself when she broke up with him. My grandfather found his body. I learned at age 20, by finding the book/shrine to him.olivep224

Moreover, engaging in therapeutic practices such as journaling or group therapy can help individuals process their emotions related to secrets and betrayal. Research indicates that these practices can enhance emotional awareness and facilitate healing.

Creating a safe space for expression can empower individuals to confront their feelings and move toward resolution.

How is the Redditor's dad the bad guy here?

I just found out my aunt and uncle slept together a few years ago. And somehow my dad is the bad guy for cutting them both offEdit: For context, they were brother and sister. Not a non-blood related married coupleAffectionateStreet10

There's a dark reason why the guy's super rich.

Met a super nice guy at a networking event when I just starting out in tech. He had a ton of connections and was a nice family man.Super rich. Eventually we became friends and he was acting as a mentor figure to me in the industry. Went over to his massive new house, met his family, etc.He had the demeanor and looked like Al Borland from Home Improvement, to give you an idea.Like 4 years later I was looking at the sex offender registry map for my local area while I was shopping for houses. Lo and behold, his house popped up.In the early 2000s he was convicted of co-running a commercial CP sales site. Served 5 years for it in federal prison.staffu22

Moving Forward After Betrayal

Rebuilding trust after betrayal requires intentional effort and commitment. Dr. Brené Brown emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and accountability in the healing process.

By openly addressing feelings and experiences related to betrayal, individuals can work towards fostering a sense of safety and connection in their relationships.

Redditor's uncle was part of an assassination plot.

I found out that the reason why one of my uncles didn't want to go back to Korea when he retired was that he couldn't - he was fearful for political reprisals if he tried to return.Turned out his brother was part of the group that [unalived] the S. Korean president back in 1979 and his own innocence was never proven so he was in fear of getting arrested if he ever tried to go back.Local_Pineapple1930

That is not how you spend money after a husband's death.

My dear ol' Mom started visiting a casino after my Dad died and ran up 850K in debt.cristorocker

These secrets are so dark, people can't just reveal them to anyone. But thanks to the anonymity that the internet brings, individuals find solace in sharing their burdens.

As the reader, you can see these as cautionary tales revealing the hidden shadows beneath everyday appearances. It's an unfortunate reminder that some people out there are bad and that we need to be vigilant, even with the people close to us.

A cross-border, extramarital affair.

My best friend confessed to me that he has a child as a result of a long distance affair in another country. He has three kids in the US and is in a toxic marriage. His wife doesn't knowTickledSick

Nurse faces legal action for abuse.

A friend of a friend got fired and has a lawsuit filed against her for abusing an elderly woman as a nurse. Shocked me! I mean I don’t envy having to deal with patients but still. Can’t strike themrjdswoosh

Seeing someone you know on national newspaper for the wrong reasons is indeed shocking.

A work colleague appeared on the front page of a national newspaper for a life of fraudulent qualifications. He claimed medical and law degrees, was a brigadier in the army (reserves) and was the CEO for a major heath fund. He actually was a Brigadier in the army reserves but that and the heath fund role were largely built on the fraudulent qualifications and a progression of jobs also based on this claims. In reality, the only qualification he actually held was as a mortuary assistant. Not even his wife knew. The fraudulent degrees had been gained when he was in the army reserves recruiting and he had access to submitted position applications. He came undone when he applied for a government job and some flags were raised by the recruitment people. He tried to withdraw the application but didn’t realise that an application for a government role has the same weight as a statutory declaration and cannot be withdrawn. It all went south very quickly and he ended up doing jail time.crosstherubicon,Andrea Piacquadio

Psychological Analysis

The discovery of shocking secrets often highlights the fragility of trust within relationships. Many individuals struggle to process their feelings and reactions when faced with betrayal.

Encouraging open dialogue and seeking support can help individuals navigate these challenging emotions and work towards healing and rebuilding trust.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

In conclusion, secrets and betrayal profoundly impact relationships and emotional well-being. Clinical psychologists emphasize the importance of addressing these issues through open communication and support.

By fostering understanding and compassion, individuals can navigate the complexities of relationships and emerge stronger from their experiences.

Psychological Analysis

The uncovering of secrets often reveals underlying dynamics that can disrupt relationships. From a psychological perspective, it's crucial to recognize the emotional turmoil these revelations can cause, prompting a need for careful communication and understanding.

Encouraging open discussions about feelings can foster healing and enhance trust, helping individuals navigate the complexities of their relationships more effectively.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

In summary, the discovery of shocking secrets can profoundly impact relationships, evoking complex emotional responses that require careful navigation. Psychological research supports the importance of open communication and coping strategies in fostering resilience and understanding in the aftermath of such revelations.

By approaching these situations mindfully, individuals can work towards healing and reestablishing trust in their relationships.