Should I Share My Favorite Book Series with a Friend Who Betrayed My Trust?

A 28-year-old woman had a comfort series she treated like a personal reset button, the kind of books you go to when the real world gets loud. Then she did something normal, she shared it with her friend Sarah, and they bonded over characters, plot twists, and all the little moments that made the series feel like hers.

But the friendship cracked when Sarah revealed a personal secret of OP’s to other people without permission. Even after the apology, the hurt stuck, and now Sarah is back with a new request: the next book in the series, and she wants to borrow OP’s copy because she can’t find it anywhere.

So now OP has to decide whether kindness means lending the comfort that betrayal already took from her.

Original Post

So I'm (28F) a huge fan of a particular book series that means a lot to me. It's like my own little escape from reality.

About a year ago, I shared this series with my friend (25F), let's call her Sarah. We would discuss the characters, plot twists, and everything book-related.

It was great to have someone to talk to about something so important to me. However, recently, Sarah betrayed my trust by revealing a personal secret of mine to others without my consent.

This really hurt me and made me question our friendship. I confronted her about it, and she apologized, but the damage was done.

Now, she's been asking me about the next book in the series, wanting to borrow my copy as she can't find it anywhere. I feel conflicted.

On the one hand, I love sharing my love for these books with others, but on the other hand, I feel like Sarah doesn't deserve to enjoy something that means so much to me after what she did. I'm torn between wanting to be kind and wanting to set a boundary.

So AITA?

The Weight of Betrayal in Friendships

This Reddit user’s dilemma highlights a universal truth about friendships: trust can be a fragile thing. Once it’s broken, sharing something as intimate as a favorite book series feels like an impossible ask. It's not just about the books anymore; it's about the emotions tied to them. Sarah’s betrayal—whatever it was—has put a wedge between them, and the OP is grappling with whether or not to let that betrayal affect something they love deeply.

This situation resonates with readers because it taps into the raw feelings of hurt and disappointment. Many can relate to wanting to shield their cherished escapes from those who’ve let them down, and that’s what makes this conflict so relatable. The community is divided; some argue that sharing the books could foster healing, while others feel loyalty to one’s feelings should take precedence over the past.

OP thought book nights with Sarah were safe, until Sarah spilled OP’s secret and turned that escape into something sour.

Comment from u/chocolate_chip_lover18

NTA. Sarah broke your trust, and borrowing your favorite book feels like she's overstepping. She needs to understand the consequences of her actions.

Comment from u/running_with_scissors89

Honestly, YTA. It's just a book. While what Sarah did was wrong, withholding the book won't teach her a lesson. Talk to her about your feelings instead.

After the confrontation and the apology, the next-book request lands at the worst possible time, right when OP’s trust is still bruised.

Comment from u/PizzaIsTheBestFood

ESH. Sarah for betraying your trust and you for not communicating clearly with her. Find a middle ground where you express your hurt feelings but also give her a chance to make amends.

It’s similar to the AITA where someone refused to trust a friend who kept sharing their secrets.

Comment from u/SleepyPanda221

NTA. Your books, your rules. If sharing them with Sarah doesn't feel right anymore, that's completely valid. Boundaries are important, especially after betrayal.

Now Sarah is asking for access to the series again, like the betrayal was just background noise instead of a boundary issue.

Comment from u/NapQueenForever

YTA. Don't punish Sarah by withholding the book. Have an open conversation with her about why her actions hurt you. Sharing your love for the series could help rebuild trust.

We'd love to hear your take on this situation. Share your thoughts below.

And every time OP considers saying yes, she has to weigh her love for the books against the fact that Sarah already proved she can’t be trusted with personal stuff.

The Complexity of Emotional Investments

The OP’s struggle raises interesting questions about emotional investments in relationships.

Why This Story Matters

This story illustrates how deeply personal interests and past betrayals can clash, leaving us to navigate the tricky waters of friendship and trust. The OP’s situation resonates because it touches on the emotional investments we make in others and how they influence our decisions. Should we risk sharing our passions with those who’ve hurt us, or is it better to protect our joys? It’s a debate that many will find themselves in at some point. What would you do in this situation—share the books or hold onto your pain?

Why This Matters

In this story, the original poster's reluctance to share her favorite book series with Sarah stems from a significant breach of trust. Sarah's act of revealing a personal secret has not only hurt their friendship but also made the OP wary of further emotional vulnerability. This highlights the difficulty of reconciling a desire to share cherished interests with the need to protect oneself after betrayal. Ultimately, the OP's struggle embodies the complicated nature of boundaries in friendships, where past actions complicate future interactions.

OP doesn’t owe Sarah a sequel to the friendship that already failed her.

Still unsure if you should keep Sarah’s secret, read the AITA about peer pressure.