AITAH for Not Letting My Best Friend’s Girlfriend Join Our Annual Boys’ Trip?

Every friend group has its traditions—and when those traditions are disrupted, tensions can rise fast. In today’s AITAH-inspired blog post, we explore a story that hit a nerve with thousands: what happens when your loyalty to tradition clashes with a friend’s changing priorities?

Let’s get into it.

The Story: A Longstanding Tradition Meets a New Relationship

A 28-year-old man—let’s call him Sam—turned to Reddit’s r/AITAH community for judgment on a situation causing serious drama in his friend group.

For the past six years, Sam and his three closest friends have gone on an annual “boys-only” trip. No partners, no distractions—just hiking, beers, gaming, and catching up. It’s a sacred tradition they all look forward to.

But this year, things got complicated.

One of the friends, Aaron, recently started dating someone new. They’ve only been together for five months, but Aaron is head-over-heels. He asked the group if his girlfriend, Lily, could come along on this year’s trip.

Sam said no—and all hell broke loose.

Drawing the Line: “This Isn’t a Couples Retreat”

According to Sam, the trip was never meant to include partners. It’s not about excluding anyone—it’s about keeping the dynamic simple, relaxing, and low-pressure.

“It’s the one time of the year we all unplug and hang out like we used to in college,” Sam wrote. “No relationship drama, no scheduling around someone else’s preferences. Just the guys.”

He said he had no problem with Lily personally, but felt her presence would change the tone of the trip entirely.

Aaron didn’t take it well.

The Fallout: Accusations and Ultimatums

Aaron accused Sam of being controlling, inflexible, and even “jealous” of his relationship. He said Lily was part of his life now, and refusing to include her was exclusionary and hurtful.

The friend group split down the middle. One member backed Sam, insisting on keeping the tradition alive. The other suggested they “evolve with the times” and include partners.

Aaron is now refusing to attend unless Lily is welcome—and Sam is wondering: AITAH for holding my ground?

The Dilemma: Tradition vs. Inclusion

The Case for Sam: Keep It What It Was

Traditions hold meaning. They aren’t just routines—they’re often about preserving memories, identity, and connection.

In Sam’s case, this annual trip was the one time he and his friends could revert to a simpler time, free from adult responsibilities and social balancing acts. Including someone new—especially a partner not known well to the group—would alter the vibe.

Plus, the relationship is still new. What if Aaron and Lily break up before next year? Would every new girlfriend be invited?

The goal isn’t to exclude—it’s to preserve.

The Case for Aaron: Relationships Change Things

From Aaron’s perspective, his relationship with Lily isn’t just a fling—it’s serious. Including her is his way of integrating her into his life.

He may also feel that saying “no girls allowed” is outdated or even immature. To him, the group should be open to evolving—especially if it helps friends feel more supported and seen.

If this is about bonding, why should a loved one be left out?

What Reddit Had to Say

Unsurprisingly, Reddit weighed in hard—and the top responses largely supported Sam.

“Not every tradition has to include everyone,” one comment read. “Friendships need space to exist outside of romantic relationships too.”

Others were more sympathetic to Aaron: “It’s important to grow and evolve. Maybe a compromise could work—a couples’ trip and a guys-only trip.”

The recurring advice? Communication is key. The friend group needs to sit down and define expectations for future trips—before more feelings get hurt.

Broader Themes: When Friendships and Relationships Collide

This story strikes a chord because it taps into something many people experience in adulthood:

• How do you maintain long-term friendships while building a romantic relationship?

• Do old traditions have to change to accommodate new people?

• Can boundaries exist without being labeled as “exclusion”?

It’s not an easy balance. Relationships require time and integration—but so do friendships. And sometimes, space is what keeps both healthy.

How This Could Have Been Handled Better

For Sam:

• He could’ve opened up a group discussion instead of giving a hard “no.”

• Offering a future trip that includes partners might’ve eased tension.

• A little empathy toward Aaron’s feelings could go a long way.

For Aaron:

• He should have respected the purpose of the trip instead of demanding change.

• Five months into a relationship might be too soon for such a request.

• Understanding that friendship rituals also matter is key.

The Verdict: Not the Villain, But Could Be More Flexible

So, is Sam the villain? According to most commenters—and many readers—no. Wanting to preserve a time-honored tradition is reasonable. It doesn’t make you toxic, controlling, or jealous.

However, being right doesn’t mean there isn’t room for growth. If the group values friendship, they should all be willing to revisit the rules together—rather than drawing battle lines.

Because when friends start keeping score, nobody wins.