My Boyfriend Lied About His “Online Friends” for 2 Years. Am I Overreacting?

It all started in 2022, right before my boyfriend and I officially started dating. Back then, we were just friends, and he added me to an Instagram group chat with what he introduced as his “closest online friends.” It seemed casual and normal. There were three of us—me and two other accounts. These people had what looked like real followers, different aesthetics, and profiles that made them appear like actual individuals.

Eventually, our bond grew stronger, and we took things to Discord, creating a server where all of us could hang out. We messaged often and even seemed to be online at the same time. Sure, we never voice chatted, but I didn’t think much of it, I wasn’t big on voice chats myself. The connection felt real.

As time passed, the group dynamic only got tighter. Fast forward to this year—we even planned a group research trip to Hawaii, set for August. Flights? Booked. Lodging? Reserved. It was going to be an amazing getaway with “friends” I thought I knew.

But then came the night that shattered everything.

The Discovery That Changed Everything

Just a few days ago, I was at his apartment. We were hanging out, and I went to log into my Google Docs on his computer. Totally innocent. That’s when I noticed a few tabs open—one of them showing a follower bot site. Weird, right?

Curious (and feeling a little uneasy), I poked around. That’s when I saw something that made my stomach drop: he was logged in as one of the people from our friend group. The one I had bonded with for over two years. At first, I tried to rationalize it—maybe he had access to their accounts because they were close? Maybe he was just too involved?

But then I noticed there were no private messages. Only group chats. Only conversations that happened with me in them. Then the smoking gun: the account was registered to his backup email—his full name included.

As I kept digging, it became devastatingly clear: both of those “friends” were him. Two years of fabricated interactions. Two identities. One person behind the curtain.

That’s when he came out of the shower.

His Reaction? Pure Panic And Zero Accountability

He caught me snooping. I know that part wasn’t right, but honestly? After what I saw, I couldn’t stop myself. His reaction was immediate—red-faced, angry, shouting at me to “get out of his business.”

I didn’t even have words. Just tears.

I walked out of his apartment sobbing, completely disoriented. What kind of person does something like this? For two years?

Now it’s the early hours of the morning, and I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. He’s since sent me a text—something short and vague—and I can’t stop wondering: Am I overreacting?

Why This Isn’t Just Weird It’s Deeply Manipulative

Let’s break it down. This isn’t a one-time lie. It’s two years of:

• Deception.

• Fabrication of identities.

• Emotional manipulation.

• Creating false friendships to possibly influence or isolate me.

It goes beyond “just catfishing.” He built an entire world—two fictional people—to surround and influence our relationship. Whether it was to win me over back when we were friends or control my sense of community later, it’s an extreme violation of trust.

The Internet’s Verdict: You’re Not Overreacting

Reddit users did not hold back:

• “This is so creepy.” Many pointed out how unsettling it is to maintain fake identities for years and build emotional ties with someone under false pretenses.

• “Are you sure you’re not dating the guy from You?” This comment perfectly captured the stalker-level red flags.

• “Ghost him. Be thankful you didn’t have kids.” The manipulation was so intense, several commenters urged complete no-contact and emphasized how lucky she is to find out now.

• “How could someone do that to their partner?” The emotional betrayal hit Reddit hard. Many noted his immediate deflection and refusal to explain as even more disturbing than the lie itself.

The Hidden Danger of Fake Online friends in the Digital Age

What’s especially chilling about this story is how easy it was for him to fake being other people. With access to bot followers, aesthetic posts, and multiple email addresses, he was able to construct fully believable personalities.

This isn’t just about catfishing strangers—this was gaslighting someone he loved, slowly, over time, while pretending to offer her a group of online friends.

And the worst part? There’s no telling how many decisions she made—what she shared, what she believed, who she trusted—based on lies.

What Should You Do If This Happens to You?

If you ever find yourself in a similar situation:

• Trust your gut. If something feels off, dig deeper.

• Document everything. Screenshots and timestamps are your best friend.

• Seek support. Reach out to friends, therapists, or online communities to help you process.

• Cut ties if necessary. Anyone who can construct lies this elaborate is capable of further harm emotionally or otherwise.

You’re Not Crazy, You’re Waking Up

No, you’re not overreacting. You’re having a normal reaction to a situation that is deeply abnormal.

This isn’t just a breakup it’s the shattering of trust, friendship, and reality all in one. And as painful as it is, you’re lucky to know the truth now before the illusion went any deeper.

Take time to heal. Surround yourself with real friends. And never doubt your instincts again.

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