Was I too harsh? Should she get a second chance?

My best friend used to always leave our hangouts to sneak off with her boyfriend. She was such a good friend before she started dating, but once he came into the picture, it felt like she put him above everything. Eventually, her and that guy broke up, but I decided not to give her a second chance because I couldn’t forget how she treated me. Sometimes I wonder if I was too harsh, but deep down, I just don’t like the idea of being treated like an option.

But then it started happening every single time we hung out. She would ditch me and the rest of our friends just to be with him. What made it worse was that she would even lie to her mom, saying she was with us, when really she was with him. It started to feel less like she was my best friend and more like I was just her cover story.

Now that her and her boyfriend are no longer together, she tried to reach out to me again. But I made the choice not to go back, because I didn’t want to be her second choice. Was I too harsh for not forgiving her? Should I have given her another chance? Sometimes I wonder, but at the end of the day, I had to protect my peace.

#Girlpov #girltalk #lemon8challenge #AskLemon8 #lostfriendships

2025/9/4 Edited to

... Read moreIt's really tough when a close friendship shifts because of a new romantic relationship. Many people experience moments where their friends seem distant or distracted by their partners, but when that repeatedly involves lying or ditching friends, it can cause real pain. From what you described, your best friend continually chose her boyfriend over your friendship, even lying to cover it up. Those actions understandably made you feel devalued. In friendships, mutual respect and honesty are crucial. When one side constantly feels like an afterthought or cover story, it damages trust and connection. Your decision to end the friendship when your friend broke up shows self-respect and the desire to protect your emotional well-being. Forgiving someone doesn't mean you have to forget how they hurt you or accept the same behavior in the future. It's okay to set boundaries and prioritize your peace. Many people ask themselves if giving a second chance is the right move. The important thing is to evaluate if your friend acknowledges her mistakes and shows genuine effort to rebuild trust. If she just expects forgiveness without real change, the cycle may repeat. Also, consider whether reconnecting aligns with your own happiness and mental health. Friendships naturally change over time, especially as people enter new relationships. Sometimes, distance allows space for growth and reflection. It’s valid to protect yourself from being treated as an option, and true friends will value and prioritize you. Your feelings are valid, and choosing not to restore a friendship that hurt you deeply is a healthy boundary. Healing often involves loving yourself enough to walk away from toxic patterns and surround yourself with those who truly appreciate you.

12 comments

deenah's images
deenah

Harsh reality is in her eyes that was her person. And if they had continued the relationship, and it was successful that would’ve been her life partner. You gave her “grace” but felt like she was putting him above everything, which if she viewed him as her life partner, she should have. I do the same with my boyfriend. He comes second to God. My family & friends know and completely understand it. I date to marry, this is my life partner. He will be of upmost importance to me.

Luffy - Fawn’s Dog's images
Luffy - Fawn’s Dog

It sounds like you made a tough but fair call. Protecting your peace is important, and it’s understandable to feel hurt after being treated like an option. Maybe time will tell if she’s truly changed. What do you think now?

Related posts

My harsh workout Routine
Less than a week you will start to see results!!! I hope this helped!!💕 #work out 💪 #workout🏋️ #fyp #fypシ゚viral #fypシ
Jaylaིྀ

Jaylaིྀ

3549 likes

Stop using harsh products on your baby 🚫👶
Try THIS instead 😍🛁 #NaturalBabyC #bathtimefun #naturalbabycare #babyskincare #momsoftiktok
Problem&solved find

Problem&solved find

5649 likes

PICK A NUMBER TO EXPLORE THE HARSH TRUTH ABOUT YOURSELF🩷
pick a number… 1, 2, 3, or 4? which harsh truth was yours? 👀 sometimes growth isn’t soft. sometimes the truth hurts before it heals. but healing starts the moment you stop lying to yourself. 🥺🩷 this is your sign to: 🌸stop settling 🌸 stop self sabotaging 🌸stop shrinking yourself 🌸s
Pretty Wild World CEO💗

Pretty Wild World CEO💗

756 likes

A person with curly blonde hair and glasses wears a black sheer top and skirt with a chain belt. Red text overlay reads "A harsh truth In the 'BBL era'" with a "SWIPE" arrow. "Lemon8 @lanaisli" is in the corner.
A Harsh Truth In the “BBL era” 🍑
Stop comparing yourself to women with body enhancements and lowkey downing them to make yourself feel better about your body. Also, stop calling everything a BBL, yall be confusing surgeries for other surgeries. 😭 #lemon8challenge #girlpov #blackgirllemon8
L a n a i s Li 🧚🏽‍♀️

L a n a i s Li 🧚🏽‍♀️

255 likes

Mature eyes + harsh eyeliner? Here’s what I do instead 👀
Harsh eyeliner used to make my eyes look smaller, heavier, and more tired… especially as my eyes changed with age. 😅 So I stopped doing the thick dark liner I used to wear and started using softer shades + blending instead ✨ It instantly made my eyes look: ✔️ more lifted ✔️ brighter ✔️ sof
AMY ESKO 💜

AMY ESKO 💜

61 likes

Am I being too harsh???
Every like counts 🥹 #dachshund #doxie #miniaturedachshund #puppy
thesnacksergeant

thesnacksergeant

206 likes

Round Face Contour Guide: Snatch Without the Harsh Lines 🤎
Soft sculpt > harsh stripes 🤍 Here’s my go-to contour placement for round faces to create that naturally lifted, snatched finish ✨ Save for your next glam#GlowUp #BeautyCreator #MakeupInspo #SnatchedMakeup #ViralBeauty
MakeupTutorialDiva

MakeupTutorialDiva

125 likes

🌶️Small town, second chance romance🌶️
📕 Love After by Elle Backer ❣️spicy, small town series ❣️second chance romance ❣️romantic comedy ❣️no drama ❣️HEA #lemon8bookclub #romancebooks #booklemon8 #bookrecs #romancebooksoftiktok
Author Elle Backer

Author Elle Backer

13 likes

Clean without all the harsh chemicals 🍊
My favorite non toxic cleaning recipe!! #diycleaner #citruscleaner #lowtoxliving #lowtoxlifestyle #nontoxichome #nontoxicliving #clean
Shaylee Kay

Shaylee Kay

850 likes

Harsh truths, I learned in my 20s
#relatablemakeup #bodytransformation #embracevulnerability #beinginyourtwenties #maturity
Cindy

Cindy

717 likes

Was I too harsh to her?
My relationship with my dad and his wife has always been rocky. She made my life miserable growing up — constantly trying to play “mom” and undermining my real one. Now they’ve moved into a new house and keep pressuring me to visit. When his wife called and pushed me again, I snapped and reminde
Jannah

Jannah

8 likes

5 Harsh Truth That Make Me Stronger
“These 5 truths broke me at first… Then they made me stronger. Save this if one of them hit home.” → “Which one do you feel the most right now?” #RealTalk #HealingJourney #SelfGrowth #ToughLove #MindsetShift
nextreadwithjade

nextreadwithjade

200 likes

Was I too harsh?
So my boyfriend and I (plus friends) went paintballing. Afterward, people were hanging out at his place including Vi, his coworker who’s been acting weird ever since her breakup. She’s always been a little too comfortable around my boyfriend, but I’ve ignored it… until this. I stepped out for 20
Gazelle

Gazelle

49 likes

harsh truths that made me a better girlfriend 💞
being in a relationship means you have to make changes to yourself!! #relationships #relationshipadvice #datingadvice101 #datingtipsforwomen #relationshipsmatter
paige

paige

19 likes

A lil too harsh?
#springbreak #shareyourthoughts #spotify #spotifyplaylist #PLAYLIST #rating #trend
Deadsoulsociety

Deadsoulsociety

13 likes

How to handle harsh doctors in the operating room✨
#surgicaltechnologist #careers #careerlemon8 #lemon8career #lemon8careers @Lemon8 Career
OR Chronicles✨

OR Chronicles✨

65 likes

Harsh But Necessary Truth! 🫠😩
Megan can’t catch a break! But if all of this news coming out apparently it was common knowledge that he cheated on every girlfriend prior to Megan! This just reminds us to never think we are the “exception” when it’s come to terrible men and their treatment towards other women! You should be l
L a n a i s Li 🧚🏽‍♀️

L a n a i s Li 🧚🏽‍♀️

117 likes

Harsh makeup truth 🤍
I needed to hear this for years! This is more for girls who want a glam makeup look! #lemon8partner #makeup #BeautyTips #makeuptips #harshtruth
Lisbeth 🤍

Lisbeth 🤍

598 likes

6 harsh truths about success
this is your reminder that growth isn’t supposed to feel comfortable. you will outgrow people. you will doubt yourself. you will have days where you want to quit. do it anyway. your future depends on what you do right now. which one hit you the most? #success #Lemon8Diary #har
jaz 🤍🫧

jaz 🤍🫧

26 likes

20 Harsh Truths 🫶
LucyKevondra

LucyKevondra

989 likes

Was I Too Harsh on Her?
Okay so I feel a little guilty but also kinda not? I help my neighbor with her kids all the time, and it’s honestly super chill. This week I needed two hours covered, so I asked my sister. She’s 18, wants extra money, and literally just had to hang out with a 6-year-old. I left the easiest instr
Beauty

Beauty

10 likes

A person in a light-colored dress holds a dark clutch, with the title "9 Harsh Truths About Making and Keeping Money" overlaid. The background is a textured wall.
A modern staircase with dark steps and light walls features a potted plant on a landing. Overlay text states: "1. Nobody cares about your financial goals except you. Stop waiting for others to motivate you."
A person lies on a bed in a modern bedroom with large windows revealing lush greenery. Overlay text reads: "2. You're already too late to the investing game. But better late than never - start now."
9 Harsh Truths About Making and Keeping Money
Time to face reality – making and keeping money isn't always pretty. Here are the harsh truths Harsh but necessary truths. Let me know in the comments what's your next move. #richhabits #moneymindset #money #financebabe #qleapfinance
Inashwealth

Inashwealth

74 likes

A blurred image of a pregnant woman in a black dress and a man standing outdoors next to a stone wall and greenery. Text overlay reads: "story time: I kicked out my brother & his pregnant GF after what they said to my partner." The Lemon8 logo and username are visible.
Was I too harsh?
I let my unemployed brother and his pregnant girlfriend stay with us rent-free while he looked for work. They barely helped around the house, ate our food without replacing it, and even left my husband — who walks with a cane after a serious accident — to clean up after them. The breaking point
Elaine

Elaine

9 likes

A person in pink pants holds a Stanley cup and a Kindle displaying text about learning to be direct without being harsh, introducing the article's topic.
A laptop and a glass of white wine are shown with overlay text advising to use 'I' statements and emphasizing that 'Tone is everything,' with a 'Swear on Chanel' note.
Clasped hands are shown with overlay text emphasizing 'Clarity over sugarcoating' to avoid confusion and tension, and to 'Set the tone early' for honest communication.
Learn How to Be Direct Without Being Harsh 💕
This is something I wish I learned way sooner: You can be clear without being cold. You can be honest without being hurtful. You can be direct without being disrespectful. Here’s what’s helped me speak up without shutting people down: 1. Use “I” statements. Instead of “You never help,” try
Ty 😍✨✌🏽

Ty 😍✨✌🏽

141 likes

Harsh study truths I swear by
it is really that damn phone! Every time you check your phone, you focus is gone. It takes your brain around 30 minutes to recover after that interruption. You say you don’t have time, but your screen time says otherwise. Hours disappear into your phones every week, and you don’t even notice…
Meredith Jao

Meredith Jao

15 likes

The Harsh Truth About Getting Fit
The Harsh Truth… You have the same amount of time as everyone else. You’re making excuses to ensure you avoid working out. So what’s the difference between you and them? You don’t prioritize your health and fitness goals enough. No one will ever care about your goals more than you. Pe
mrdiversify

mrdiversify

55 likes

A child, seen from behind, with light brown hair tied with a pink bow, wears a pink top and light blue jeans. The child stands on a light wooden floor, with a white radiator visible in the background. Overlay text describes a housemate leaving her child with the author, who set a deadline.
Was I too harsh?
So my housemate has a 4-year-old, and I genuinely like the kid — she’s sweet and all — but I didn’t sign up to be her second parent. It started with “Can you watch her for a bit?” and now it’s like every other day I’m stuck babysitting while she “runs errands.” Last week, I had an important Zoom
glazii

glazii

30 likes

The cover image features a stack of US dollar bills on a lined notebook, with the title '9 HARSH REALITIES Of managing money' and a 'SWIPE' indicator. It introduces the topic of financial truths.
This image displays scattered US dollar bills and lists the first three harsh realities of money management: 'You shouldn't buy everything you want,' 'Debt won't disappear,' and 'Earning more isn't a solution.'
The image shows US dollar bills and outlines financial truths 4, 5, and 6: 'Budgeting is a must,' 'Saving requires sacrifice,' and 'Lifestyle inflation will keep you broke.'
💡 Harsh Truths About Getting Good With Money 💸
Here are some harsh realities you have to face to truly get good with money: 💡 1. You Can’t Buy Everything You Want No matter how much you earn, there will always be things out of reach. Financial discipline means learning to live below your means and resist impulse buys. You can’t have it all.
Mari 🦋

Mari 🦋

596 likes

Was I too harsh?
My ex cheated on me with a coworker for three years. I kicked him out and filed for divorce. He married her right after our divorce and things have stayed hostile ever since. I only communicate with him via apps. Recently, at the event, they cornered me. His now wife is infertile, they’ve been
Kaia

Kaia

8 likes

A light blue garment, possibly underwear, with a pink heart emoji on a speckled grey floor. Overlay text states, 'My roommate's boyfriend saw my dirty underwear on the floor (again). She's mad, but I think he should just use her bathroom.' The image also displays Lemon8 branding.
Was I too harsh on him?
Need help deciding if I’m being completely unreasonable here. My best friend and I (both 28) have been roommates forever. She has the bigger room with the ensuite bathroom, and I use the guest bathroom. She pays $100 more, and it works. Her boyfriend is over 5 or 6 days a week. We’re cool, he’s
Ula

Ula

186 likes

Harsh makeup truth 🤍 Foundations VS Under-Tones 🍋
🚨Calling all beauty gurus and makeup lovers! 💄 Here's a must-watch tutorial on how to *finally* find your perfect foundation match based on your skin tone. 🤞🏾 Say goodbye to cakey faces and hello to flawless complexion! 💁🏾‍♀️ Don't thank us, just hit that like button and share with yo
VivaKoutourCosmetics

VivaKoutourCosmetics

22 likes

a harsh workout, high reward.
#fitness and yoga lover #yogalife #hotyoga #yogacreator #workout
Junior

Junior

4 likes

Am I being too harsh on myself? Handmade gifts
I’m trying to make my friends cute polymer clay magnets for Christmas. This is my first little polymer clay trinket. I’m going to make it into a magnet but something looks off about it I wonder if the candies are too big. it’s as small as I could possibly make them lol. Let me know your thoughts an
✨Alliecat ✨

✨Alliecat ✨

461 likes

🌸Love harshira funkopop Mitsuri ✨
#animecollection #funkopop #funkopopcollection #mitsurikanroji #fypシ゚viral
BManime

BManime

164 likes

Daredevil Can be a Little Harsh
In honor of the Daredevil Born Again trailer, I remade my most popular Daredevil video in my Daredevil cosplay! #daredevil #daredevilbornagain #daredevilcosplay #cosplay #marvel
Alex | Turbo Nerd

Alex | Turbo Nerd

3 likes

An open window overlooks a misty, green forest. Text overlay reads: "This is for the person who has a harsh inner critic—" The image sets a contemplative tone for addressing self-criticism.
A page from "THE REAL GLOW UP" book, with highlighted text discussing challenging subconscious beliefs and treating oneself like a best friend to overcome a harsh inner critic.
A hand holds the book "THE REAL GLOW UP" by Chelsey Armfield, featuring a reddish-brown cover with gold text. An overlay states: "It's time to replace your inner critic with an inner best friend 🤍"
Read this if you have a harsh inner critic—
Rewriting your subconscious can take time, but even the smallest of changes can make a massive difference in your day to day. Your inner critic may be trying to protect you from rejection, or from getting hurt—but it is actually causing you hurt and rejection. You are rejecting yourself at every co
ChelseyArmfield

ChelseyArmfield

18 likes

A close-up of an open spiral-bound notebook with handwritten text, featuring a white text overlay that reads "ADHD or Undisciplined?". The image questions the distinction between ADHD and a lack of discipline.
A woman with long dark hair takes a mirror selfie, looking to the side with an open mouth. A white text box states, "This might upset some people... but I think ADHD is used as a scapegoat way too often."
A top-down view of a person's legs wearing black shorts and black running shoes on an asphalt surface. A white text box reads, "some people say they 'just can't focus'...but they've never actually practiced discipline."
is this too harsh?
I know ADHD is real - I live with it! But I also think some people use it as an excuse to avoid discipline. It’s easy to let a diagnosis define what you’re capable of. But just because you struggle more than the average person with certain things, doesn’t mean you ✨can’t✨ do them… ADHD doesn
carley ◡̈

carley ◡̈

164 likes

A sepia-toned image of a calm ocean and sandy beach under an overcast sky, with the title '5 HARSH TRUTHS' overlaid. Two small birds fly in the distance, and the Lemon8 logo is visible.
A dark, sepia-toned image of a tall building at night with illuminated windows. The text 'You're not tired/lazy you're undisciplined' is overlaid, along with the Lemon8 logo.
A sepia-toned image of string lights hanging over a roof and a flowering plant during rain. The text 'Your dreams don't mean shit if you don't back them up with action!' is overlaid, with the Lemon8 logo.
5 harsh truths
Your life is up to you. What you do is what u choose to do. Don’t be a follower be a leader and keep pushing. #truth #livehard #takethelead
myahgamez

myahgamez

87 likes

🚀 The Harsh Truth About Success You Need to Hear!
Most people fail NOT because they aren’t talented… but because they give up too soon. 💡 Success isn’t about luck. It’s about staying consistent when no one is watching. When things get hard, will you keep pushing? Or will you let your dreams slip away? 👀🔥 The choice is yours. 💯 ✨ Drop a 🔥
Empowered LABB

Empowered LABB

1 like

Dream jobs/Harsh Truths ❗️❗️
@Lala part 2! 🫶🏻🤍 These careers are real and achievable, but don’t let TikTok romanticize them. Know the work behind the dream. Mindprint helps you match your real strengths to careers you’ll actually thrive in. These aren’t warnings, they’re prep. Know what you’re walking into🤞🏼 #Car
VowArchive

VowArchive

18 likes

Was I too harsh?😂
Was I too harsh?😂 #flip #funny #jokes #petergriffin
GabesCorner1995

GabesCorner1995

0 likes

Dating Harsh Truths
#dating
SimplyK.SimoneTV

SimplyK.SimoneTV

28 likes

Surviving Harsh Conditions
Some people survive seasons that should have emptied them… and somehow still become nourishment for others. That’s sacred to me. Because not everybody survives hardship without turning cold. Not everybody experiences drought and still chooses softness. Not everybody carries pain without po
LuxeCC (lux•Ce)

LuxeCC (lux•Ce)

17 likes

Was I too harsh for leaving after she didn’t come
I drive a small Honda Accord and usually give my friend a ride to work since we live nearby and start around the same time. We agreed she’d chip in for gas every two weeks, and it worked fine at first. But after the first month, she started running late constantly. I’d text “I’m outside,” and sh
Elizabeth

Elizabeth

11 likes

Dream Jobs, Harsh Truths💓💚
Everyone glamorizes these jobs online, but here’s what they actually look like behind the scenes. Let’s break the myth vs. reality so you’re not romanticizing the wrong career Want the real tea on what your dream job looks like IRL? Drop your career goal below and I’ll break it down. Try Mindpr
VowArchive

VowArchive

126 likes

See more