Should I Confront My Best Friend About Hiding Their Engagement?

"Is it wrong to confront my friend for hiding her engagement to impress my crush? Reddit users weigh in on this complicated friendship dilemma."

A 28-year-old woman refused to keep playing nice after she found out her best friend Alex got engaged to their other friend, Sarah. And here’s the part that makes it feel gross, OP didn’t just hear it once, she heard it through mutual friends, like it was something everyone else already knew.

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Alex is 28, Sarah is 26, and the three of them have history. OP and Sarah have always been competitive, so when Sarah and Alex supposedly planned a wedding while calling it “private,” OP immediately wondered if Sarah was hiding the engagement to keep OP from making a move on Alex.

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Now OP is stuck between protecting the friendship and confronting the lie, and it’s all hanging on one question: was this secrecy for “personal reasons,” or was it strategic?

Original Post

So I'm (28F) and I've had a crush on my friend Alex (28M) for a while now. We've been close friends for years, and I always had a feeling that he might like me too.

Recently, I found out from mutual friends that Alex actually proposed to our other friend, Sarah (26F), and they're engaged. They've been keeping it a secret but planning their wedding.

For background, Sarah and I have always been competitive, and I can't help but feel like she's intentionally hiding her engagement just to keep me around and prevent me from making a move on Alex. It's like she's trying to hold onto our friendship while knowing I have feelings for him.

When I confronted Sarah about it, she denied everything and said they were keeping it private for personal reasons. But I can't shake off the feeling that there's more to it.

I feel betrayed that she's potentially using their engagement to manipulate our friendship dynamics. I've been distant from both of them since finding out, unsure if I should continue the friendship or confront Alex as well.

I don't want to cause drama, but I also don't want to be played. So, WIBTA for confronting my best friend about hiding their engagement to impress my crush?

The Weight of Secrets

This situation highlights the emotional weight that secrets can carry in friendships. The OP's discovery of Sarah's engagement to Alex puts her in a difficult spot, especially since she's had feelings for Alex herself. It raises the question of why Sarah and Alex chose to conceal their engagement. Were they trying to protect the OP's feelings, or is there something deeper at play? The tension between wanting to support a friend and feeling betrayed is palpable.

Reddit users have jumped into this debate, emphasizing how common it is for friends to hide significant life events to avoid awkwardness. But hiding such a big moment can strain trust. This dynamic mirrors the complex layers of friendships where love triangles and hidden motives often lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings.

Comment from u/FoodieNinja88

Comment from u/FoodieNinja88
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Comment from u/AdventureSeeker99

Comment from u/AdventureSeeker99
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Comment from u/VibeQueen17

Comment from u/VibeQueen17

OP’s crush on Alex has been simmering for years, so hearing the proposal came as a gut punch instead of a surprise.

When OP confronted Sarah and got the “we’re keeping it private” denial, the competitive history made that answer feel way too convenient.

It also echoes the AITA fight where a friend was furious after learning her crush was not interested, after she was told.

The OP's feelings of betrayal are completely valid, especially when it comes to romantic interests. This isn't just about an engagement; it’s about the friendships that are intertwined with romantic feelings. The OP may feel sidelined, not just as a friend but as a person who deserves transparency in their closest relationships.

This story resonates with readers because it encapsulates a universal conflict: when does protecting someone’s feelings cross the line into deception? The Reddit community's varied responses show how split opinions can be. Some support confronting Sarah, while others suggest letting it go. This division reflects our own struggles with honesty and loyalty in friendships. How do we balance our own emotions with the feelings of those we care about?

Comment from u/SlumberPartyDino

Comment from u/SlumberPartyDino

Comment from u/MysticMermaid22

Comment from u/MysticMermaid22

OP pulling away from both Alex and Sarah after the secret engagement is basically the first real fallout of this whole mess.

The moment OP considers confronting Alex too, it turns a hidden engagement into a full-on trust test between friends.

What would you do in this situation? Share your opinion in the comments.

What It Comes Down To

This story serves as a reminder of how complicated friendships can get, especially when romantic feelings are involved. The OP’s dilemma about whether to confront Sarah brings up important questions about trust and communication. Should she risk the friendship for the sake of honesty? Or is it better to keep the peace and navigate her feelings quietly? It’s a situation many can relate to, making us wonder how we would handle similar circumstances. What would you do in this situation?

The Bigger Picture

The emotional turmoil in this story stems from a mix of competitive friendship dynamics and unspoken romantic feelings.

OP doesn’t want drama, but she also refuses to keep dating the truth in the dark.

For more betrayal vs honesty drama, read whether it was wrong to date her crush. Is It Wrong to Date My Friends Crush After She Confessed Her Feelings?

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