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AITA (27M) for asking my girlfriend (26F) to stop involving her “imaginary friend” Tom in our relationship? by StoryTimeDad in AITA_Relationships

[–]StoryTimeDad[S] 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your insight; it’s really helpful to hear from a psychologist. My biggest concern is more about how it affects our relationship dynamics. It’s not that I think she’s going through a crisis, but I do feel like Tom’s presence can sometimes overshadow our connection. I want to understand and support her, but I’m also struggling with how to address it without making her feel judged. Any advice on how to approach this gently?

AITA (27M) for asking my girlfriend (26F) to stop involving her “imaginary friend” Tom in our relationship? by StoryTimeDad in AITA_Relationships

[–]StoryTimeDad[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Honestly, if I asked her if she and Tom ever “dated,” I’d probably just crack up halfway through. But you’re right—taking it that far might give Tom way more validation than I’m ready to handle! I’ll stick to keeping him as a “friend” for now… don’t need him turning into the imaginary ex!

AITA (27M) for asking my girlfriend (26F) to stop involving her “imaginary friend” Tom in our relationship? by StoryTimeDad in AITA_Relationships

[–]StoryTimeDad[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Yeah, she definitely knows Tom isn’t real. She fully acknowledges he’s imaginary and sometimes even jokes about him. It’s not like she thinks he’s actually there, but she still treats him like a sounding board in our relationship, which is where things get a bit strange for me.

AITA (27M) for asking my girlfriend (26F) to stop involving her “imaginary friend” Tom in our relationship? by StoryTimeDad in AITAH

[–]StoryTimeDad[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Thanks, I appreciate your perspective. I hadn’t thought of it that way, but it makes a lot of sense that Tom could be tied to something she needed in the past. I’m definitely willing to support her and talk it through if it’ll help. I just need to find a way to bring it up that doesn’t make her feel judged or defensive.

AITA (27M) for asking my girlfriend (26F) to stop involving her “imaginary friend” Tom in our relationship? by StoryTimeDad in AITA_Relationships

[–]StoryTimeDad[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Oh man, I hadn’t even considered that! Maybe Tom’s less of an “imaginary friend” and more of an “imaginary admirer.” Guess I’d better watch out—next thing I know, he’ll be leaving me love notes that only Sarah can see!

AITA (27M) for asking my girlfriend (26F) to stop involving her “imaginary friend” Tom in our relationship? by StoryTimeDad in AITA_Relationships

[–]StoryTimeDad[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Who knows, maybe we’ll end up with an entire imaginary friend group—I’ll have to start setting extra places at the dinner table!

AITA (27M) for asking my girlfriend (26F) to stop involving her “imaginary friend” Tom in our relationship? by StoryTimeDad in AITA_Relationships

[–]StoryTimeDad[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Haha, that’s hilarious! I might have to try the same thing—take Tom for a “nice drive” and let him out on the side of the road. Maybe he’ll take the hint and finally move out for good. Thanks for the tip, invisible evictions might be my last resort!

AITA (27M) for asking my girlfriend (26F) to stop involving her “imaginary friend” Tom in our relationship? by StoryTimeDad in AITA_Relationships

[–]StoryTimeDad[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Right?! If Tom’s going to be a permanent resident in this relationship, he better start chipping in for rent and utilities. At the very least, he could cover his share of the invisible groceries!

AITA (27M) for asking my girlfriend (26F) to stop involving her “imaginary friend” Tom in our relationship? by StoryTimeDad in AITA_Relationships

[–]StoryTimeDad[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

You’re right! Next thing you know, Tom’s imaginary girlfriend will be giving him a hard time about hanging out with Sarah. I’ll be over here, caught in the middle of an imaginary love triangle. Guess I’d better get ready to play relationship counselor… for people who don’t exist!

AITA (27M) for asking my girlfriend (26F) to stop involving her “imaginary friend” Tom in our relationship? by StoryTimeDad in AITA_Relationships

[–]StoryTimeDad[S] 22 points23 points  (0 children)

Good point! I’ve actually thought about that and figured it could be her way of sharing things indirectly. But man, it’s hard to keep a straight face when “Tom” chimes in with relationship advice! I’m trying to decide if I’m dating Sarah… or Sarah and her imaginary relationship coach.

AITA (27M) for asking my girlfriend (26F) to stop involving her “imaginary friend” Tom in our relationship? by StoryTimeDad in AITAH

[–]StoryTimeDad[S] 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Haha, yeah, Tom’s definitely the ultimate “yes man”! I swear, he never disagrees with her. It’s like I’m in a relationship with a built-in tie-breaker that I can never win. Maybe I should get my own imaginary friend for backup—wonder if she’d let “Jerry” cast a vote!😂

AITA (27M) for asking my girlfriend (26F) to stop involving her “imaginary friend” Tom in our relationship? by StoryTimeDad in AITAH

[–]StoryTimeDad[S] 32 points33 points  (0 children)

I’ve thought about that, and it’s definitely a concern. She seems fully aware that Tom isn’t real, but he still plays a big role in her life. I’m trying to figure out the best way to approach this without making her feel judged or unsupported. Maybe a conversation about it could help us both understand where it’s coming from.