Should I Share My Netflix Password After a Falling Out? AITA?

A 28-year-old woman refused to keep sharing her Netflix password with her best friend, and it turned into a full-on friendship blowup. Sounds petty until you learn the reason behind the “no.”

OP has been friends with Sarah since college, and they used to split the account like it was no big deal. Then Sarah started dating OP’s ex, the same ex OP had a messy breakup with just a few months earlier, and suddenly the Netflix issue felt way more personal than a streaming login.

Sarah asked to keep using it, OP said no, and now both of them think the other one is selfish.

Original Post

So I'm (28F) and have been friends with 'Sarah' (27F) since college. We used to do everything together, including sharing my Netflix account.

However, things took a turn when Sarah started dating my ex-boyfriend, whom I had a messy breakup with a few months ago. This caused a strain in our friendship.

Sarah asked if she could still use my Netflix account, and I declined, feeling uncomfortable with her using it after what happened. For background, Sarah knows I'm on a tight budget, and the subscription is a luxury for me.

She argued that we've shared it for years and it's not fair for me to cut her off now. Despite her plea, I stood my ground and changed the password.

She even offered to pay for her share, but I still refused. Sarah hasn't taken it well and has called me selfish and petty.

I feel conflicted because I understand her perspective, but I also can't shake off the betrayal I felt. So AITA?

Why This Request Crossed a Line

The heart of this conflict lies in the emotional fallout from a friend's romantic involvement with an ex.

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That’s when Sarah, dating OP’s ex, asked for the Netflix password like nothing changed.

OP didn’t just feel “weird,” she changed the password after months of sharing.

This is similar to a best friend who dated my ex and I refused to sign the lease.

The Community's Divided Response

This story struck a chord with many readers, sparking a lively debate. Some sided with the OP, arguing that sharing a Netflix password after such a personal betrayal is crossing a line. Others felt that refusing to share is petty, especially over something as trivial as a streaming service.

What’s fascinating is how this discussion reflects broader societal norms around friendship, loyalty, and personal boundaries. The fact that Sarah is dating the OP's ex adds another layer of complexity. Readers are clearly divided, emphasizing that in matters of the heart, there’s often no right answer, only different perspectives on what friendship should look like.

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Sarah tried to sweeten the deal by offering to pay for her share, but OP still refused.

Now Sarah is calling OP selfish and petty, and the friendship is officially iced over.

How would you handle this situation? Let us know in the comments.

The Bigger Picture

This scenario highlights the delicate balance between maintaining friendships and protecting oneself after emotional upheaval.

In this situation, the refusal to share a Netflix password is a significant act of boundary-setting in the wake of betrayal. The original poster feels deep discomfort after her friend Sarah began dating her ex-boyfriend, which understandably complicates their friendship. Despite Sarah's insistence that their long history should grant her access, the OP's decision highlights her need to prioritize her emotional well-being and financial constraints, especially since she’s on a tight budget. This conflict underscores how romantic entanglements can strain friendships, leading to divided perspectives on loyalty and self-preservation.

The password wasn’t the real problem, the ex was, and OP picked her boundaries.

Before you decide, read about a friend who secretly used my Netflix for years and the bill-splitting fight.