AITAH for Not Letting My Best Friend’s Girlfriend Come on Our Annual Guys’ Trip?
Every year, a close-knit group of college friends reunites for an epic guys-only trip. It’s their sacred tradition—no partners, no distractions, just old memories, hiking trails, and beer-fueled bonding.
But this year, one friend wanted to bring someone new: his girlfriend of six months.
When the group said no, the fallout got messy—and one member is left wondering if he crossed the line.
The Background: A Tradition Years in the Making
Our storyteller—let’s call him Rohan, 28—posted on r/AITAH with a situation many could relate to.
For the past seven years, Rohan and his four college buddies have taken a yearly trip together. It’s their time to disconnect from work, family obligations, and day-to-day stress. No partners, no kids, no exceptions. Just the five of them, just like old times.
This year, they planned a long weekend in the mountains: hiking, camping, and catching up. Everyone was excited—until one of them, Aamir, asked if his girlfriend, Zoya, could join.
The Disruption: One Guest Sparks a Rift
Aamir and Zoya had been dating for about six months. According to Aamir, things were getting serious, and he wanted her to meet “the most important people” in his life.
Rohan and the others gently reminded him: This is a guys-only trip. It always has been.
But Aamir didn’t take it well. He called the group outdated, exclusionary, and said they were being “childish” for not evolving with the times. He accused Rohan of gatekeeping and making Zoya feel “unwelcome.”
Tensions flared. Aamir threatened not to come at all. And now Rohan’s left wondering—AITAH for sticking to tradition and saying no?
Breaking It Down: Is Tradition a Good Enough Reason?
The Case for Rohan: Rules Keep the Tradition Alive
From Rohan’s side, this trip wasn’t about disrespecting partners—it was about preserving a unique and meaningful tradition. Every friend group has rituals that help them stay close, and for them, the “no partners” rule was part of what made the trip special.
Adding a new person to the mix—especially someone not yet considered a permanent fixture—would inevitably change the dynamic.
It’s not about Zoya, specifically. It’s about keeping the trip what it was always meant to be.
The Case for Aamir: Relationships Deserve Inclusion
On the flip side, Aamir may feel his relationship isn’t being taken seriously. Bringing Zoya could’ve been a way to blend two important parts of his life. Maybe he thought this year’s trip would be the perfect opportunity to test that blend.
In a world that’s becoming more inclusive and partner-friendly, Aamir’s frustration may stem from feeling left out—both personally and relationally.
He’s not just hurt for Zoya’s sake—he’s likely feeling a shift in loyalty from his friends.
Reddit Weighs In: What Did the Internet Say?
As usual, the Reddit crowd didn’t hold back.
Most voted comment: “NTA. A boundary is a boundary. It’s a guys’ trip. Your friend knew the rules.”
Many echoed this sentiment, saying long-standing friend traditions shouldn’t be compromised unless the whole group agrees to it.
Others pointed out that there’s a difference between being excluded and not being invited to everything. Friend time doesn’t have to include significant others to be valid.
Still, some Redditors thought Rohan and the group could’ve softened their stance.
“If this is the woman he might marry, you could’ve offered another time to meet her,” one comment read. “It’s not about letting her come—it’s about making space for her somewhere.”
Friendship vs. Change: Can Traditions Evolve?
This scenario highlights a growing tension in adulthood: the push and pull between keeping traditions and adapting to new realities.
Long-term friendships often struggle when one or more members begin serious relationships. What used to be sacred “friend time” now competes with couple obligations, children, and careers.
So what’s the solution?
It depends on communication, empathy, and a shared understanding of boundaries.
A Compromise Could Have Helped
Had Aamir expressed his desire earlier or suggested meeting Zoya at a different event, things might have gone differently.
Likewise, Rohan and the group could have acknowledged Aamir’s feelings without giving in. Something like:
“We’d love to meet Zoya and get to know her. But this trip is just for us guys—how about a dinner next month where everyone brings their partner?”
That small gesture might’ve preserved both the tradition and the relationship.
The Final Verdict: Not the Villain, But Room to Grow
Rohan wasn’t wrong for wanting to keep the trip guys-only. Boundaries matter, and traditions can be essential for maintaining close friendships.
But emotional intelligence also matters. Just because you’re “right” doesn’t mean the other person’s feelings don’t count.
Aamir wasn’t necessarily wrong either—he just chose the wrong time and place to push for inclusion.
This story is a reminder that friendships, like any relationship, need to grow. But they also need room to breathe—without the pressure to constantly evolve.
