Woman Says Her Boyfriend Was Upset She 'Mentally Checked Out' on Camping Trip with His Friends

"I was not at ALL warned or prepared for the type of intense event this really was," the woman wrote on Reddit

Woman Says Her Boyfriend Was Upset She 'Mentally Checked Out' On Camping Trip With His Friends
A group by a campfire (stock image). Photo:

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A woman said her boyfriend is upset with her after she "mentally checked out" during a camping trip with his friends.

In a post on Reddit's "Am I the A------" forum, a user asked if she was in the wrong for keeping to herself amid the group outing, which she said triggered "PTSD-type flashbacks."

The woman, who is sober, said that her boyfriend of almost a year, who is supportive of her lifestyle but imbibes himself, invited her on a group camping trip.

While she wrote that she was excited to spend time in nature, go canoeing and hiking and meet new people, once the couple arrived at the campsite, however, everything was not as she envisioned.

According to the woman, there was a lot of alcohol present, and people "immediately [began] drinking and getting hammered." Meanwhile, the women on the trip were avoiding the Redditor because her boyfriend "hooked up" with many of them, which made her "super uncomfortable."

Woman Says Her Boyfriend Was Upset She 'Mentally Checked Out' On Camping Trip With His Friends
A tent and campfire set up by water (stock image).

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As the camping trip progressed and people "started slurring words and acting stupid," the woman wrote that she had "some pretty rough PTSD-type flashbacks from my own party days," so she mentally "checked out."

She added that she had been stuck at the camping site because she carpooled up there with everyone from five hours away, so she made the best of the weekend doing solo activities and was friendly when everyone wasn't partying.

But, while driving home from the trip, the woman's boyfriend "expressed his disappointment in me, and said I was very rude to wander off and leave these people several times."

Detailing that she felt conflicted by his comment, the woman stated, "On the one hand, I guess I'd usually agree- I was ready to socialize and make friends! On the other, I was not at ALL warned or prepared for the type of intense event this really was."

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The woman added that she felt like she did the best she could to "both protect my peace, AND socialize where I could."

In the comments section, many were sympathetic towards the Redditor and thought her boyfriend was in the wrong. "I would start thinking about your relationship on what you want here, this person doesn't seem like they mesh with your wants," one person wrote.

"He has no respect for your status as a sober person. Only you can decide if it's worth staying with him but it doesn't look like he's looking out for your best interests," another chimed in.

"He should have given you a heads up on what the weekend would be like," a third added. "He would have if he really cared about your feelings. Was this whole group around your age? If so, they're definitely immature and need to grow tf up."

Woman Says Her Boyfriend Was Upset She 'Mentally Checked Out' On Camping Trip With His Friends
A woman hiking (stock image).

Getty

One other user applauded the woman for taking care of herself despite the situation. "Kudos to OP for super positive selfcare!" they said. "These types of events can cause relapse! Recovering persons call this a slippery place. I’m glad she stayed sober!"

Some fellow Redditors, meanwhile, felt that the boyfriend had no respect for his girlfriend. "Bringing you to a camping trip with girls he’s hooked up with without telling you is beyond disrespectful," one wrote.

"Sorry, but he doesn’t sound like he respects you or cares for you. This whole situation would absolutely be a dealbreaker for me," said one more.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

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