Insensitive Redditor Refuses To Give Up Beloved Giant Water Bug Despite Roommate's Fear Of Insects

"My housemate, friend and basically sister (has been my brother's best friend since I was 3) is no longer speaking to me because I brought a giant water bug home"

May

• Published in Interesting
• May 12, 2024

Crawly and creepy, it's not a surprise that people easily hate bugs. For some people, the sight of one would send shivers down their spine.

So it's understandable why a Redditor's roommate reacted the way she did when she saw a giant water bug in an aquarium. Today's story from the "Am I The A**hole?" (AITA) subreddit is a conflict between two roommates — one who's enamored by a giant water bug and another who can't stand the sight of such insects.

The original poster (OP) tells the community that her long-time friend and current roommate hasn't been speaking to her. The reason?

The OP brought a giant water bug home and kept it as a pet in an aquarium. Her roommate has a severe phobia of bugs, especially flying ones.

This fear led to a strong reaction when she discovered the bug in their shared living space. The OP, however, felt a deep connection to the bug, whom she named Nemo after finding him outside.

Despite understanding her roommate's fear, the OP kept Nemo in her room, decorated his tank, and cared for him lovingly. She couldn't bear to part with him, seeing him as more than just a bug but as a beloved pet.

The situation has caused a rift between the roommates, with the OP feeling torn between her attachment to Nemo and her friendship with her roommate.

While both roommates share an autism diagnosis, it hasn't resolved the issue at hand. The OP seeks advice and validation from the AITA community.

The OP brought home a pet that scared the socks off her roommate and long-time friend.

The OP made a decision that caused a rift between her and her roommate-slash-friend.

Despite being aware that her roommate is afraid of bugs, the OP didn't inform her friend that she had brought home a giant water bug.

She simply can't let go of the bug because she developed an extreme attachment to it.

This bug brought happiness to the OP's life, but at what expense?

The OP can't see her friend eye-to-eye.

She claims that she's been sensitive to the roommate's phobia

The OP has apologized but to know avail.

You can see the persistence in the OP as she would still try to reason with her friend.

Some people have no idea what a giant water bug is.

This video will give you an idea of how terrible this bug's bite can be.

It's like a big cockroach. It's definitely something you wouldn't consider keeping as a pet.

Other people would be terrified if someone in their home kept it as a pet.

The OP isn't as sensitive to her friend's phobia as she's claiming.

It's better to move out than strain the relationship further.

If the OP wishes to save what's left of her relationship with her friend, maybe it's time to move out. She already shattered the trust by taking home something that the friend can't stand — without the friend's knowledge to boot.

She can keep her beloved pet, but she needs to understand that her friend can't instantly address her fear of insects.

May