Who's Right?Is liking your best friend's ex's photos a betrayal?
Published · Updated
In short
No, a like isn't a betrayal in itself: it's a small, often automatic gesture. But right after a painful breakup it can hurt, so it's better to talk about it openly than let the awkwardness grow.
Both sides
Camille and I broke up three months ago, and it's been rough. Karim, my best friend, likes almost every photo she posts, even her holiday pictures with her new boyfriend. Every notification feels like a little punch. I expect my best friend to have my back, not cheer on her new life. I asked him to unfollow her, and he said no.
I've known Camille since high school, long before she dated Julien. I like her photos the way I like lots of people's, without thinking, just scrolling. It doesn't mean I'm taking sides, and I never talk to her about Julien. I get that he's sad, but I'm not cutting someone out of my life over a breakup that isn't mine. Asking me to block her is too much.
The verdict
A like is not a betrayal. It's a quick, often automatic tap that says nothing about Karim's loyalty to Julien. And since Karim knew Camille before the relationship, asking him to cut all ties is an unreasonable demand.
That said, Julien isn't wrong to feel hurt. Three months after a hard breakup, seeing your best friend react to your ex's holiday photos with a new partner is painful. Karim could have shown more tact with those specific posts, without giving up his friendship with Camille.
The real issue is that both are digging in instead of saying how they feel. Julien reads a harmless gesture as picking a side, and Karim plays down a very real hurt. With a bit of listening on both sides, this is easy to settle.
The compromise
Karim keeps following Camille but holds off on liking her couple or holiday photos for a few months. Julien can mute Karim or Camille in his feed so he stops seeing those notifications. They check in again in two months, once things have cooled down.
Who do you think is right?
Pick a side.
Frequently asked questions
Can you stay friends with your best friend's ex?
Yes, especially if the friendship came before the relationship. Just don't act as a go-between, don't pass on information, and keep that friendship low-key while things are raw.
Should you unfollow your friend's ex after a breakup?
You don't have to. You can, however, cut back on visible interactions for a while, or simply ask your friend what would make them comfortable.
How long should you wait before liking their posts again?
There's no set rule. It depends on how the breakup went and how your friend is coping, so the easiest thing is to ask.
My friend is upset about a like. How should I respond?
Avoid saying "it's just a like." First acknowledge that it affects them, then explain what you meant: that will defuse things much faster.
Guide Disputes between friends: the guide
Written with the help of AI, reviewed by the Who's Right team · This is not legal advice. How Who's Right decides
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to give your opinion!