Friend Asks Me to Invest in Business: AITA for Declining?

AITA for declining my friend's business offer to prioritize my financial stability over taking a risky investment?

Davy

Published in Interesting
2025-08-20 07:02

Friend Asks Me to Invest in Business: AITA for Declining?

Are you the type of person who puts financial stability above risky investments, even if it means disappointing a friend? One Reddit user faced this exact dilemma when their best friend asked them to join a new business venture.

The user, focused on saving for a house down payment, politely declined the offer, causing their friend to accuse them of prioritizing money over friendship. The situation raises the question: AITA for not joining my friend's business despite their pleas?

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In the post, the user expresses feeling torn between supporting their friend's dreams and safeguarding their financial future. While some Redditors sympathize with the user's decision, others believe that true friendship should transcend financial concerns.

The debate unfolds in the comments section, with users sharing their perspectives on loyalty, boundaries, and communication in friendships. As the discussion unfolds, it becomes evident that balancing personal goals with supporting a friend's aspirations is a delicate tightrope walk.

The thread offers a glimpse into the complexities of navigating relationships when faced with conflicting priorities. So, where do you stand on this moral quandary?

Original Post

I (28F) have been best friends with Sarah (27F) since college. We’ve always supported each other’s dreams and endeavors.

Recently, Sarah approached me about investing in her new business venture. She was passionate and convinced it would be a huge success.

She asked me to not only invest but also join as a partner.\n\nFor background, I work a stable 9-5 job and have been saving up for a down payment on a house. Investing in a startup is a risk I can't afford right now.

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I declined Sarah's offer politely, explaining my financial goals and commitments. Sarah was devastated.

She told me I was being unsupportive and prioritizing money over our friendship.\n\nDespite our friendship, I couldn't jeopardize my financial stability for a risky venture. Sarah keeps insisting, saying I could borrow or find ways to make it work.

I feel guilty for not supporting her dreams, but I can't shake off the feeling that she's being unreasonable.\n\nSo AITA?

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