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Human relationships are strange. The people closest to you can sometimes turn on you with little warning. Such was the case for this man, who was suddenly faced with a years-old betrayal when his former best friend asked him for a favor.
Inseparable Best Friends
The original poster (OP), Samuel, has an ex-friend, Josh, with whom he was best friends throughout high school, remaining inseparable even after graduation. The two men relied on each other like brothers, confiding in each other with their deepest secrets and dreams. Samuel felt as though Josh knew him better than anyone else in the world.
Honored as Godfather
When Josh became a father and had a daughter with his partner, Samuel felt honored when he was asked to be the child’s godfather. He happily accepted the role, feeling it strengthened the bond of brotherhood he shared with his friend.
New Living Situation Goes Awry
Soon after, Josh broke up with his partner and ended up moving in with Samuel and some other friends. At first, the roommates were happy to take Josh in and provide support during this transition. However, one roommate soon began to cause problems.
Turning Friends Against Him
The roommate started quietly making snide, disparaging remarks about Samuel when he wasn’t around. He told lies to turn the others against Samuel, even getting Josh to believe untrue things about his once close friend. Samuel was utterly blindsided when Josh betrayed him by joining a plot to kick Samuel out of their shared apartment before the end of their lease.
Barely Making It on His Own
Kicked out by those he once considered his second family, Samuel struggled tremendously, just barely surviving on his own during the months after the incident. The hurt of losing his best friend cut deeply, making the situation even harder to endure.
Later Success and Revelation
In time, Samuel was able to pick himself up, finding meaningful work that eventually led to great success in his career.
Years later, he learned the roommate had lied about him because of jealousy over Samuel’s life and girlfriend. Josh and the other friends tried to reconcile, but Samuel couldn’t bring himself to fully trust them again after the terrible betrayal.
Remaining Distant
Though Josh repeatedly reached out, hoping to mend their broken friendship, Samuel chose to remain distant from him and the old high school circle, the hurt still too real even after so much time had passed. He cordially interacted with them on the rare occasions their paths crossed but held them at arm’s length to protect his heart.
Request for Financial Help
Over ten years after the original falling out, Josh contacted Samuel again, explaining that his daughter had graduated high school. He asked Samuel as her godfather to help with her college fees. Samuel was shocked by the request since he hadn’t been treated as the child’s godfather in many, many years.
Godfather in Different Cultures
One user added some context to the situation, saying, “For others reading this, the responsibilities of a godparent vary depending upon one’s culture. In the Western (white) world, it is more or less an honorary title. In the eastern (Asian) world, being a godparent often means a large financial liability (e.g., college, weddings, etc.).”
The Role of a Godparent
“Maybe it’s cultural, but I thought godparents were around to make sure the kid loves god (if you’re Catholic) or just be a fun extra parent type figure (if you’re not),” said another user. “I didn’t know they were expected to save for college; I never heard of it.”
An Unusual Request
Yet another user said, “Never heard of a godparent being asked to help pay college fees, especially when they haven’t been involved in the kid’s life.”
Standing Firm in Refusal
Despite pressure from his former friend, his family, and even Samuel’s mother, who all insisted he should help given his role as godfather, Samuel remained firm in his refusal. The old wound of betrayal was reopened, still too painful to ignore, and Samuel’s wife fully supports his decision.
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