PUBLIC OPINION > Tell Your Friend If They're Being Cheated On
SodaHead Living
2012/04/30 16:00:00
Not everyone has been in a situation where they discovered their friend was being cheated on, but it's a popular plot device in movies and pretty easy to imagine. Easy to imagine -- not easy to experience. What's the best course of action to take? Do you tell them, and risk disbelief or, worse yet, suspicion of jealousy? Or do you just let it work itself out? We presented the public with the situation, and here's how most people would handle it...
Fortunately, most voters said they would speak up. It might not be an easy thing to do, but if you're really their friend, it's best to be upfront and honest. Let them know what they're in for before it gets dragged out any further. On the other hand, some voters did express concern over the possibility of not being believed. It's your word against their significant other's, and while it's all well and good to say "a true friend would believe you," so would a "true partner." It's a terrible situation for all parties involved, but ultimately, honesty is the best policy. Let them know.
Women Are More Likely to Tell
The most noticeable demographic variation was between the male and female vote. Women were a good 25% more likely than men to tell their friend if that friend was being cheated on. There's a reason romantic films tend to be more geared toward women -- they're not afraid of drama. Not that it's any easier for them to bring up, per se, but they're probably better prepared for the various outcomes.
The most noticeable demographic variation was between the male and female vote. Women were a good 25% more likely than men to tell their friend if that friend was being cheated on. There's a reason romantic films tend to be more geared toward women -- they're not afraid of drama. Not that it's any easier for them to bring up, per se, but they're probably better prepared for the various outcomes.Keep Out When It's Complicated
Most relationship demographics were pretty willing to step up and say something, but respondents who were in a "complicated" relationship were quite a bit less likely. The reason for that should be obvious -- they've got problems of their own. No use going around rocking other people's boats when you're on rough seas yourself. Divorcees were also less likely to say something.
Most relationship demographics were pretty willing to step up and say something, but respondents who were in a "complicated" relationship were quite a bit less likely. The reason for that should be obvious -- they've got problems of their own. No use going around rocking other people's boats when you're on rough seas yourself. Divorcees were also less likely to say something.Drinkers Don't Drop Bombs
One last group that seemed less willing to speak up was the drinkers. Drinkers were 16% behind nondrinkers -- not quite as far back as men or people in complicated relationships, but enough to be somewhat reliable. So, basically, if your best friend is a boozing man in a complicated relationship, don't expect much warning. If it's a teatotalling woman in a stable relationship, count on her to let you know you're being played.
One last group that seemed less willing to speak up was the drinkers. Drinkers were 16% behind nondrinkers -- not quite as far back as men or people in complicated relationships, but enough to be somewhat reliable. So, basically, if your best friend is a boozing man in a complicated relationship, don't expect much warning. If it's a teatotalling woman in a stable relationship, count on her to let you know you're being played.If you'd like to vote on this question, dig deeper into the demographics, or engage in existing discussion about the topic, visit our poll about friends and cheating. We'd love to hear from you!
Top Opinion
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•Sora•Knightwalker• 2012/04/30 20:45:06
+4Walk up to her in front of him and look at her directly in the eyes and say, "Some men are douchebags like those cheat on their girlfriends. So if you ever date a guy like that well..." Then immediatley turn around and punch the guy in face and kick him in the crotch. "I'd do that."
But, take care to think about the rest of the day - when you "tell it like it is" - and the rest of the week. Plan some stuff out - so that you or- another friend or loved one who is kind and helpful can be around for the "fallout."
It's apparent she loves him than she ever loved me, because she dumped me--and won't dump him.
This is all because of that douchebag that she keeps on going back right? Well, with science I have decided to prove this theory. You see, when a girl is young and playing with male kids, sometimes that male kid will hit, or call he names etc. The girl would then run home crying to her mom who would say, "If he hits/calls you names that just means he likes you." This idea gets drilled into the young child's head and eventually becomes a normal way of thinking. So this in time becomes the douchebag theory; all girls will go for the guy that treats them like crap because it's what they were taught to do.
Hopefully this blew your mind as much as mine.
The note said "I'm sorry, but you deserve to know the truth..in the past 3 years your wife has slept with.. (and listed the names). Signed, Someone who cares." It was crazy. After verifying the first one, he divorced her. Before that, he looked like the biggest idiot in town. Everyone knew but him, but didn't say anything because they knew how much he cared for her and knew it would break his heart. He now says that that letter saved him from many more wasted years.
However you go about it, people should know the truth.