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“Harmless Prank” Leaves 34-Weeks-Pregnant Wife Sobbing Uncontrollably, Husband Shifts The Blame
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“Harmless Prank” Leaves 34-Weeks-Pregnant Wife Sobbing Uncontrollably, Husband Shifts The Blame

“Harmless Prank” Leaves 34-Weeks-Pregnant Wife Sobbing Uncontrollably, Husband Shifts The Blame“The Hardest I’ve Ever Sobbed”: Expecting Mom Forced To Relive Traumatic Event Over A PrankMan Takes Advantage Of Wife’s Past Trauma To Prank Her, Blames Her For Making Him Feel BadMan Pulls A Traumatic Prank On Wife, Plays The Victim After She Goes Into ShockMan’s Prank Drives Pregnant Wife To A Panic Attack, He Doesn’t Understand What’s The Big DealMan Gaslights Pregnant Wife After His “Harmless” Prank Wasn’t As Funny As He Expected“I Was So Upset”: Man Plays A Traumatic Prank On Heavily Pregnant Wife, Plays The VictimPregnant Woman Called Dramatic For Crying Because Husband Pranked Her Using Her TraumaMan Thinks Scaring His 34-Weeks-Pregnant Wife Is Funny, Calls Her Dramatic For Crying And ShakingMan Pulls A Traumatic Prank On A Heavily Pregnant Wife, She Doesn’t Find It Funny
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Even in the best of times, pranks tend to not be particularly fun. Unless both parties, the prankster and the victims know and abide by certain boundaries, pranks just seem mean spirited at best. But pulling a prank that literally invokes your loved ones childhood trauma goes beyond that into deeply disturbed territory.

A woman asked the internet for advice after her husband called her “dramatic” for freaking out over a horrible prank. We reached out to the woman in the story via private message and will update the article when she gets back to us.

RELATED:

    Pranking your spouse has a lot of ways it can go wrong

    Image credits: shotprime/Envato (not the actual photo)

    But one woman was called dramatic for freaking out when her husband told her the house was on fire

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    Image credits: juriymaslak/Envato (not the actual photo)

    Image credits: Far_Specific_3005

    Trauma doesn’t just go away easily

    Image credits: LightFieldStudios/Envato (not the actual photo)

    The experience this woman went through falls neatly into the category of trauma. Simply put, if you’ve gone through an experience that was particularly stressful, physically or emotionally, you will probably have lasting symptoms. Depression, panic attacks, high blood pressure and all sorts of other issues are common results of situations like this.

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    A fire is not only generally traumatic, but it literally destroys a person’s possessions. It’s quite possible that a significant part of this woman’s early life was directly influenced by this fire, and that’s before we take into account the psychological impact. In the text itself, she mentions constantly checking the oven, candles, etc. This immediately points to the fact that this trauma has not been entirely resolved yet.

    Trauma symptoms do tend to dissipate with time, but can “rear up” when something triggers it. Oftentimes, our minds connect entirely benign things with our traumatic experiences, leading to a disproportionate dislike of a “normal thing.” For example, this isn’t the case in this story, but it’s easy to imagine a person who simply can’t stand being around candles after having their home burn down.

    Generally, just the “threat” of a trigger can be enough to provoke anxiety. This is already a pretty major disorder, but it can “flare up” and provoke full-blown panic attacks. If you are going to spend a decent amount of time with a person, it’s best to know if there are some seemingly innocuous things that might cause them real distress. Instead this husband took a vulnerable part of this woman’s life and used to pull a prank. Incidents like this would be enough to cause a breakup in a lot of cases.

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    The husband’s actions were downright cruel

    Image credits: FabrikaPhoto/Envato (not the actual photo)

    The consequences of being exposed to one’s trauma like that are often far reaching. The symptoms are many and generally pretty bad, ranging from insomnia to entire psychiatric disorders. These, naturally, cause a lot of stress to a person which also leads to physical issues. At this point, it’s probably worth reminding that this woman was pregnant at the time of the “prank” and causing her stress is the last thing anyone should be doing.

    Given the wife’s experience and husband’s age (we are setting aside the age gap here) it would seem like he really should have known better. But the truly shocking part is how he reacted when she called him out. The wife had every right to be angry and he had the gall to call her “dramatic.” He claims the prank was harmless, but since he is not the “victim” of it, he has no leg to stand on and make this argument.

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    It’s quite telling that in this relationship, she then went to apologize to him, which is a shocking set of words to type given the circumstances. Even worse, as if that is possible, he then refuses to accept an apology which he does not deserve in the first place. Fortunately, the vast majority of readers not only sided with the woman but started giving her advice on what to do. Hopefully, she can take on board their advice and perhaps get out of this relationship that sounds like it’s downright terrible.

    Most people thought her husband was way out of line

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    Justin Sandberg

    Justin Sandberg

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

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    I am a writer at Bored Panda. Despite being born in the US, I ended up spending most of my life in Europe, from Latvia, Austria, and Georgia to finally settling in Lithuania. At Bored Panda, you’ll find me covering topics ranging from the cat meme of the day to red flags in the workplace and really anything else. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, beating other people at board games, cooking, good books, and bad films.

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    Justin Sandberg

    Justin Sandberg

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    I am a writer at Bored Panda. Despite being born in the US, I ended up spending most of my life in Europe, from Latvia, Austria, and Georgia to finally settling in Lithuania. At Bored Panda, you’ll find me covering topics ranging from the cat meme of the day to red flags in the workplace and really anything else. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, beating other people at board games, cooking, good books, and bad films.

    Ilona Baliūnaitė

    Ilona Baliūnaitė

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    I'm a Visual Editor at Bored Panda since 2017. I've searched through a multitude of images to create over 2000 diverse posts on a wide range of topics. I love memes, funny, and cute stuff, but I'm also into social issues topics. Despite my background in communication, my heart belongs to visual media, especially photography. When I'm not at my desk, you're likely to find me in the streets with my camera, checking out cool exhibitions, watching a movie at the cinema or just chilling with a coffee in a cozy place

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    Ilona Baliūnaitė

    Ilona Baliūnaitė

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    I'm a Visual Editor at Bored Panda since 2017. I've searched through a multitude of images to create over 2000 diverse posts on a wide range of topics. I love memes, funny, and cute stuff, but I'm also into social issues topics. Despite my background in communication, my heart belongs to visual media, especially photography. When I'm not at my desk, you're likely to find me in the streets with my camera, checking out cool exhibitions, watching a movie at the cinema or just chilling with a coffee in a cozy place

    What do you think ?
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    Tamra
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This was not a prank. At best it was thoughtless and stupid, and at worst it was cruel. You don't play on someone's trauma, and you DON'T pull risky pranks on a heavily pregnant woman in the middle of the night! This guy is a f*****g idiot.

    Vinnie
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He's horrible. He gets more satisfaction from emotional abusing her than emotionally supporting her.

    Load More Replies...
    Saphyre Fyre
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    FIRE IS NOT A PRANK! YOU MARRIED AN ABUSIVE, NARCISSICTIC CHILD.

    Cronecast AtTheRisingMoon
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That man might be a full-blown sociopath because holy holy moly, his idea of a "prank" (what the hell?) is to essentially emotionally torture his pregnant wife. It was emotional abuse that was planned. This one's actually scarier than hell and there's a concerning age and maturity difference on this one too. Just so much yikes.

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    Darthest Starfish
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Girl you were 19 when you GOT MARRIED to a 28 year old. Which certainly means you dated prior to that, this is disgusting. You are victim of being groomed and manipulated.

    The Starsong Princess
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This was not a joke. Abusers often show their hand when their partner is pregnant or has just given birth. They resent the lack of control and the attention focus on the woman and baby so they act out. The nasty prank wasn’t the only abuse here - her being the one to apologize and then him rejecting the apology is classic abusive DARVO behavior - Deny, attack, reverse victim order. This will get worse when the baby comes.

    Not-a-Clue (she/her)
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Agreed: 30% of domestic abuse starts during pregnancy, and abuse that's already happening typically escalates during pregnancy.

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    V
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't think he wants to be a dad or be with his wife because that amount of Stress during pregnancy could kill them both.

    DarkViolet
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I agree. I believe that he was hoping something "accidental" would happen: premature labor or falling down the stairs. It's possible that he has his eye on someone who's about the same age as OP was when they first met. She needs to get out of there PRONTO. He's not just cruel, he's dangerous AF.

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    Traveling Lady Railfan
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you stay with him, expect that this type of behavior will continue. Just wait until he tells you that "the baby's not breathing" or "I can't find the baby anywhere"... Hahaha!! Why you so upset? It's just a prank?

    TribbleThinking
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow. Had he just taken out a massive insurance policy on the wife and baby? She should look into that.

    Dirk Daring
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am not a violent man, but I want to put on my steel toe boots and kick this guy in the doo-dads.

    JB
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We’ll hold him down for you while chanting, “It’s just a prank!”.

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    UpupaEpops
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    SHE *apologised* to HIM??? F**k that. I would honestly have to leave for a good couple of days and reconsider my marriage if my husband ever decided to use such a traumatic event for funsies. At 34 weeks what would have happened if she had a panic attack and fell down the stairs?!

    Ge Po
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would say waltz tango foxtrot him out the door for a while at least. It sounds like he was honestly startled at first from her heavy reaction, (which is why he might get another chance with me) but then tried to cover himself by putting the blame back on her, (which is why that other chance would have some very strict conditions).

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    Hey!
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow. That's a criminal offense in Canada. it's also a jerk move from the husband's part and he demands that she apologizes? WTFF??? Most horrible husband ever after my ex-husband (he did stuff like that too). Canada-Fal...7ba2c3.jpg Canada-False-Alarm-of-Fire-66ac1f47ba2c3.jpg

    Stacy Jones
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like the comment that said, "This man tried to use the worst thing that ever happened to you at the most vulnerable time of your life." That sums it up right there. He is a monster. Please get away from him.

    Becca not Becky
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No no no. A harmless prank is putting tape on the bottom of someone's computer mouse. Inciting panic based on childhood trauma is bad enough, but a pregnant woman? What else is this AH doing to her?

    Amber Smith
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OMG... NTA... first, he woke you up, a woman in her 3rd trimester... and then to make you think your life and your unborn child is in danger and to top it off triggering emotions from a past trauma. He was so far in the wrong it is mind boggling. He then flipped the script and made you the bad guy. I'm sorry you are dealing with this. He needs some therapy!

    Vinnie
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I doubt the therapy would work - he's likely to flip blame on her and refuse to take responsibility. She would probably benefit from it - she needs to understand why she apologizes for being "too sensitive" or "dramatic".

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    Gwyn
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The "prank" was bad enough but the fact that he refused to admit he was in the wrong is telling. How could anyone think playing such a prank involving past trauma on a pregnant woman is ok? Then he gaslights you into thinking YOU are the one who should apologize? He just showed you who he really is. Leave the bastard.

    Ge Po
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    All respect to the mother-to-be. She kept her head cool while it mattered, grabbing that what is most important and making sure everyone gets out safe. The stress-release reaction is completely understandable, especially since she is pregnant with all kinds of hormones racing, and does NOT HAVE TO BE EXCUSED in any way.

    varwenea
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why the f**k is she apologizing to him? I would be beating him with any object I can get my hands on. Crazy, heartless, psychotic manchild! She hurted his feelings? My a**e!

    DrBronxx
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ok, let me get this straight: husband decides to scare the absolute s**t out of his 34-week-pregnant wife who has some serious past trauma, by using that trauma on her, gets upset when she absolutely and PREDICTABLY falls apart, then HE won't take HER apology? Let's also not forget the probable grooming she's been subjected to.

    LonelyLittleLeafSheep
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is abusive behavior, plain and simple, and it will absolutely get worse unless she gets out NOW.

    JayWantsACat
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Her going to apologize to him is bad enough but he won't accept it? loool. That guy is a piece of s**t.

    Janelle Collard
    Community Member
    Premium
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would've called 911 + said "Help! I'm 34 weeks pregnant + my husband's threatening me!" Then when he gets arrested, tell him it was just a prank. ;) Because, technically, what he did *could* be considered a threat.

    Jackie Almeida
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Waking up a person who doesn't get much sleep is horrible on its own, add the super funny trauma call back, loser!

    Amanda Panda
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    People love to think that misogyny isn't pervasive among males. You have to see the blatant malice in this behavior. They hate us. Even the ones that "love" us, hate us. It's in there. Just beneath the surface. Waiting.

    KatSaidWhat
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    how's that one person voting yes if they DK - she literally told him her trauma, he took it to the max. Divorce that M**O

    Ephemera Image
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    WTAF??? That was absolutely vicious. I would NEVER AGAIN trust someone who would do that to me, and I've never been in a fire! I'm trying to work out the logic of his doing this - to a pregnant woman - and the only reasons I can come up with are that he is a vicious sadist who enjoys seeing other people be frightened out of their skins. There simply is no other explanation. That guy needs watching, and divorcing. Seriously!

    Hodge Elmwood
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pranks are stupid at best, harmful and cruel at worst. Biggest red flag ever! I'd pack a bag and leave his a*s that day.

    Gacha_ shadow_sisters
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pranks are one way men let you know how much they hate women and they hate you.

    Gacha_ shadow_sisters
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pranks are 1 way weak men let you know how much they hate women. This guy hates her with a passion

    Crouching hippo hidden panda
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This persons life is not going to be a happy one with this POS man. Hope she gets custody

    Guy-Incognito
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There's a reason 30yo ish guys date teenagers and early 20s women, because they are so immature women older won't date them. Seen a few friends date losers like this.

    Alex Boyd
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Crikey, even *without* the fire aspect, intentionally and unnecessarily waking up a heavily pregnant woman for a laugh is AH behavior.

    Rabbit Of ill Portent(she/her)
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would kick him so hard in the nards that he would never be able to impregnate anyone ever again! Girl, take YOUR baby and RUN

    Bette
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In no sense of the word was this a prank! This woman does not owe her abusive husband any apology- he owes her one for putting her and their unborn baby at risk. By deliberately preying on her past trauma, he is cruel and abusive. She should leave him now......or sooner.

    Zombiedoll
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh my god, what a f*****g a*****e! And she apologized??!! You kidding me. What if she tripped down the stairs while she was running down and hurt herself and the baby? Wow, just wow.....I would have killed that m**********r not apologizing to him.

    Valerie Brillhart
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You went to apologize WTF. Get a Divorce lawyer NOW. WTF he is a a*****e

    Debra Robinson
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This shït pisses me off so much I just don't have sufficient words. What a fúcking psycotic asshõle!!!

    Spittnimage
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She apologized to him?! OMFG. She should've shoved him out the door and never let him back in.

    Susy Hammond
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pranks and practical jokes are only funny when both parties are "in on it"--yelling FIRE when there is none is outrageous. That's like pulling a fire alarm in a school when there is no fire. It's against the law. I've, thankfully, never been in a fire but it terrifies me to even think about it. And being pregnant? Does he think jumping out from behind the door with a tarantula in his hands is funny? You're lucky you didn't go into labor. And your husband is an idiot, never to be trusted again. Cut him loose.

    sharyn turnicky
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For your child's sake and your own mental health, move in with a family member, a friend or a women's shelter NOW. Get a PFA and a divorce before this escalates into physical as well as mental abuse. Tell your doc,and anyone else what he found so funny...

    Stephen Lyford
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It sucks that she is having a child with this man, because ideally she should separate her life from him completely if possible.

    G A
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sounds like he was trying to get her to miscarry. What kind of clueless c**t would try and play pranks on a pregnant woman? He should be looking after her not terrorising her. Some very very dark psychological problems with this monster. Not fit to be a parent. Already shown grooming behaviour. Alarm bells ringing!

    P.L. Packer
    Community Member
    3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I cannot believe OP thought she owed this POS an APOLOGY!! Then he has the audacity to tell HER she made him feel bad when she overreacted??? OMG, I would never let this POS near my child unchaperoned. Can you imagine the "pranks" he would play on a defenseless child? I would be at an attorney's office as soon as the sun rises.

    agermanhome
    Community Member
    3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't allow my kids to watch "prank" videos and this story (along with others on BP) just confirmed my views... It is so very much not funny.

    rosalia gurkenstein
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This was not a prank and even less so a harmless one. That would be terrible and a good reason for divorce, if she were not pregnant and did not have trauma. All these things together in adition to their absolute power imbalance because of their ages, this man is a pure psycho. If a partner would pull that "prank" on me, I would pull one right back, cause I would throw them out in their pyjamas that instance, they could consider themself lucky if I would even throw them their phone out of a window for them to catch.

    Lindsay A
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm seeing a lot of similar young ladies/older men stories... I'm starting to feel like they are fake

    Livingwithcfs
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OP most probably has PTSD and her husband is an incredible jerk for pulling a prank on her over that. He could caused her to go into premature labour or caused her to fall down the steps in panic. She needs counseling to help her deal with her trauma. He needs a good paddle on his backside for his juvenile behavior. If it was me I'd be kicking him to the curb

    weatherwitch
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Horrific, absolutely horrific. This horrific shock could well have impacted on the baby and instead of getting her and the baby medically checked incase the baby was also in distress, he's f****d off somewhere as She had to go find him to apologise. If she'd lost the baby due to his "prank" he'd be blaming her. From the sounds of it, she only met him 2-3 Years after the horrendous fire that took everything she ever had, her cat, her home and when you lose your home, you lose your stability, your base. I strongly suspect much more abuse going on too, nice subtle stuff that she's not seeing. Poor, poor woman. I hope she's free of this absolute arsehole very soon 🤞

    K. LNU
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I found her Reddit page! They met when she was 18. In many of her answers, she is defending him. i.e., "...it's often an argument that I'm "too sensitive"." "I apologized because he made a big deal about me making him feel horrible." So many down votes. But no follow up. This post occurred on Aug 1, 2024. No follow up.

    Jac Carr
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd have been arrested because I'd have beaten him half to death

    Bernie j. Janinsky
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Get out, fool. This narcissistic bully is DANGEROUS! GET THE HELL OUT WHILE HE'S GONE & FILE A DIVORCE AND RESTAINING ORDER! This Monster WILL Try To Harm You AGAIN!

    Clara Stallworth
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My family and I had a house fire when I was 18 years old, about two weeks before Christmas. Thankfully, no one died and the fire was contained to the third floor, but there was mainly smoke and water damage to the rest of the house (my mom, eldest sister and her son were home at the time, they were saved thanks to an excessively LOUD doorbell that neighbors, seeing the smoke, kept ringing). If my husband dared to even pull this stunt while I was heavily pregnant, I would not only yell at him, I'd be telling my family about it and they would've given him the "Philly beatdown" for putting me and my baby at risk. Plus, he would've been barred from the delivery room because he dared to endanger us (medical staff can bar anyone including spouses and partners if they are deemed a risk to mom and baby)!

    Persephone
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Triggering someone's PTSD intentionally is not a prank... It's abuse.

    Liz The Biz
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    NTA. He thought that making you relive the worst trauma in your life was funny. No it was downright cruel and the last thing you should have done was apologise. This is a massive red flag and he will never change. For the sake of your sanity get away from him for good.

    Binky Melnik
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    “Honey, that night you woke me up and told me the house was on fire? The baby died that night. You killed our baby. Yes, sweetie; your son is dead. Oh, stop crying! That was a harmless prank! I’m holding the baby as we speak! Now wipe your nose and sign these papers, please.”

    Ginger Winters
    Community Member
    3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    2 wrongs don't make it right, plus with his behavior and attitude I highly doubt he'd even care if the baby didn't make it.

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    Thrillion
    Community Member
    5 months ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Made up story for clicks. I don't believe a word of this. It reads like a bad sitcom plot.

    FluffyDreg
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We litterally have hundreds of videos of people doing this kind of stuff.

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    Tamra
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This was not a prank. At best it was thoughtless and stupid, and at worst it was cruel. You don't play on someone's trauma, and you DON'T pull risky pranks on a heavily pregnant woman in the middle of the night! This guy is a f*****g idiot.

    Vinnie
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He's horrible. He gets more satisfaction from emotional abusing her than emotionally supporting her.

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    Saphyre Fyre
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    FIRE IS NOT A PRANK! YOU MARRIED AN ABUSIVE, NARCISSICTIC CHILD.

    Cronecast AtTheRisingMoon
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That man might be a full-blown sociopath because holy holy moly, his idea of a "prank" (what the hell?) is to essentially emotionally torture his pregnant wife. It was emotional abuse that was planned. This one's actually scarier than hell and there's a concerning age and maturity difference on this one too. Just so much yikes.

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    Darthest Starfish
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Girl you were 19 when you GOT MARRIED to a 28 year old. Which certainly means you dated prior to that, this is disgusting. You are victim of being groomed and manipulated.

    The Starsong Princess
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This was not a joke. Abusers often show their hand when their partner is pregnant or has just given birth. They resent the lack of control and the attention focus on the woman and baby so they act out. The nasty prank wasn’t the only abuse here - her being the one to apologize and then him rejecting the apology is classic abusive DARVO behavior - Deny, attack, reverse victim order. This will get worse when the baby comes.

    Not-a-Clue (she/her)
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Agreed: 30% of domestic abuse starts during pregnancy, and abuse that's already happening typically escalates during pregnancy.

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    V
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't think he wants to be a dad or be with his wife because that amount of Stress during pregnancy could kill them both.

    DarkViolet
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I agree. I believe that he was hoping something "accidental" would happen: premature labor or falling down the stairs. It's possible that he has his eye on someone who's about the same age as OP was when they first met. She needs to get out of there PRONTO. He's not just cruel, he's dangerous AF.

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    Traveling Lady Railfan
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you stay with him, expect that this type of behavior will continue. Just wait until he tells you that "the baby's not breathing" or "I can't find the baby anywhere"... Hahaha!! Why you so upset? It's just a prank?

    TribbleThinking
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow. Had he just taken out a massive insurance policy on the wife and baby? She should look into that.

    Dirk Daring
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am not a violent man, but I want to put on my steel toe boots and kick this guy in the doo-dads.

    JB
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We’ll hold him down for you while chanting, “It’s just a prank!”.

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    UpupaEpops
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    SHE *apologised* to HIM??? F**k that. I would honestly have to leave for a good couple of days and reconsider my marriage if my husband ever decided to use such a traumatic event for funsies. At 34 weeks what would have happened if she had a panic attack and fell down the stairs?!

    Ge Po
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would say waltz tango foxtrot him out the door for a while at least. It sounds like he was honestly startled at first from her heavy reaction, (which is why he might get another chance with me) but then tried to cover himself by putting the blame back on her, (which is why that other chance would have some very strict conditions).

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    Hey!
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow. That's a criminal offense in Canada. it's also a jerk move from the husband's part and he demands that she apologizes? WTFF??? Most horrible husband ever after my ex-husband (he did stuff like that too). Canada-Fal...7ba2c3.jpg Canada-False-Alarm-of-Fire-66ac1f47ba2c3.jpg

    Stacy Jones
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like the comment that said, "This man tried to use the worst thing that ever happened to you at the most vulnerable time of your life." That sums it up right there. He is a monster. Please get away from him.

    Becca not Becky
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No no no. A harmless prank is putting tape on the bottom of someone's computer mouse. Inciting panic based on childhood trauma is bad enough, but a pregnant woman? What else is this AH doing to her?

    Amber Smith
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OMG... NTA... first, he woke you up, a woman in her 3rd trimester... and then to make you think your life and your unborn child is in danger and to top it off triggering emotions from a past trauma. He was so far in the wrong it is mind boggling. He then flipped the script and made you the bad guy. I'm sorry you are dealing with this. He needs some therapy!

    Vinnie
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I doubt the therapy would work - he's likely to flip blame on her and refuse to take responsibility. She would probably benefit from it - she needs to understand why she apologizes for being "too sensitive" or "dramatic".

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    Gwyn
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The "prank" was bad enough but the fact that he refused to admit he was in the wrong is telling. How could anyone think playing such a prank involving past trauma on a pregnant woman is ok? Then he gaslights you into thinking YOU are the one who should apologize? He just showed you who he really is. Leave the bastard.

    Ge Po
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    All respect to the mother-to-be. She kept her head cool while it mattered, grabbing that what is most important and making sure everyone gets out safe. The stress-release reaction is completely understandable, especially since she is pregnant with all kinds of hormones racing, and does NOT HAVE TO BE EXCUSED in any way.

    varwenea
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why the f**k is she apologizing to him? I would be beating him with any object I can get my hands on. Crazy, heartless, psychotic manchild! She hurted his feelings? My a**e!

    DrBronxx
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ok, let me get this straight: husband decides to scare the absolute s**t out of his 34-week-pregnant wife who has some serious past trauma, by using that trauma on her, gets upset when she absolutely and PREDICTABLY falls apart, then HE won't take HER apology? Let's also not forget the probable grooming she's been subjected to.

    LonelyLittleLeafSheep
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is abusive behavior, plain and simple, and it will absolutely get worse unless she gets out NOW.

    JayWantsACat
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Her going to apologize to him is bad enough but he won't accept it? loool. That guy is a piece of s**t.

    Janelle Collard
    Community Member
    Premium
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would've called 911 + said "Help! I'm 34 weeks pregnant + my husband's threatening me!" Then when he gets arrested, tell him it was just a prank. ;) Because, technically, what he did *could* be considered a threat.

    Jackie Almeida
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Waking up a person who doesn't get much sleep is horrible on its own, add the super funny trauma call back, loser!

    Amanda Panda
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    People love to think that misogyny isn't pervasive among males. You have to see the blatant malice in this behavior. They hate us. Even the ones that "love" us, hate us. It's in there. Just beneath the surface. Waiting.

    KatSaidWhat
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    how's that one person voting yes if they DK - she literally told him her trauma, he took it to the max. Divorce that M**O

    Ephemera Image
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    WTAF??? That was absolutely vicious. I would NEVER AGAIN trust someone who would do that to me, and I've never been in a fire! I'm trying to work out the logic of his doing this - to a pregnant woman - and the only reasons I can come up with are that he is a vicious sadist who enjoys seeing other people be frightened out of their skins. There simply is no other explanation. That guy needs watching, and divorcing. Seriously!

    Hodge Elmwood
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pranks are stupid at best, harmful and cruel at worst. Biggest red flag ever! I'd pack a bag and leave his a*s that day.

    Gacha_ shadow_sisters
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pranks are one way men let you know how much they hate women and they hate you.

    Gacha_ shadow_sisters
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pranks are 1 way weak men let you know how much they hate women. This guy hates her with a passion

    Crouching hippo hidden panda
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This persons life is not going to be a happy one with this POS man. Hope she gets custody

    Guy-Incognito
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There's a reason 30yo ish guys date teenagers and early 20s women, because they are so immature women older won't date them. Seen a few friends date losers like this.

    Alex Boyd
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Crikey, even *without* the fire aspect, intentionally and unnecessarily waking up a heavily pregnant woman for a laugh is AH behavior.

    Rabbit Of ill Portent(she/her)
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would kick him so hard in the nards that he would never be able to impregnate anyone ever again! Girl, take YOUR baby and RUN

    Bette
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In no sense of the word was this a prank! This woman does not owe her abusive husband any apology- he owes her one for putting her and their unborn baby at risk. By deliberately preying on her past trauma, he is cruel and abusive. She should leave him now......or sooner.

    Zombiedoll
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh my god, what a f*****g a*****e! And she apologized??!! You kidding me. What if she tripped down the stairs while she was running down and hurt herself and the baby? Wow, just wow.....I would have killed that m**********r not apologizing to him.

    Valerie Brillhart
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You went to apologize WTF. Get a Divorce lawyer NOW. WTF he is a a*****e

    Debra Robinson
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This shït pisses me off so much I just don't have sufficient words. What a fúcking psycotic asshõle!!!

    Spittnimage
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She apologized to him?! OMFG. She should've shoved him out the door and never let him back in.

    Susy Hammond
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pranks and practical jokes are only funny when both parties are "in on it"--yelling FIRE when there is none is outrageous. That's like pulling a fire alarm in a school when there is no fire. It's against the law. I've, thankfully, never been in a fire but it terrifies me to even think about it. And being pregnant? Does he think jumping out from behind the door with a tarantula in his hands is funny? You're lucky you didn't go into labor. And your husband is an idiot, never to be trusted again. Cut him loose.

    sharyn turnicky
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For your child's sake and your own mental health, move in with a family member, a friend or a women's shelter NOW. Get a PFA and a divorce before this escalates into physical as well as mental abuse. Tell your doc,and anyone else what he found so funny...

    Stephen Lyford
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It sucks that she is having a child with this man, because ideally she should separate her life from him completely if possible.

    G A
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sounds like he was trying to get her to miscarry. What kind of clueless c**t would try and play pranks on a pregnant woman? He should be looking after her not terrorising her. Some very very dark psychological problems with this monster. Not fit to be a parent. Already shown grooming behaviour. Alarm bells ringing!

    P.L. Packer
    Community Member
    3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I cannot believe OP thought she owed this POS an APOLOGY!! Then he has the audacity to tell HER she made him feel bad when she overreacted??? OMG, I would never let this POS near my child unchaperoned. Can you imagine the "pranks" he would play on a defenseless child? I would be at an attorney's office as soon as the sun rises.

    agermanhome
    Community Member
    3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't allow my kids to watch "prank" videos and this story (along with others on BP) just confirmed my views... It is so very much not funny.

    rosalia gurkenstein
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This was not a prank and even less so a harmless one. That would be terrible and a good reason for divorce, if she were not pregnant and did not have trauma. All these things together in adition to their absolute power imbalance because of their ages, this man is a pure psycho. If a partner would pull that "prank" on me, I would pull one right back, cause I would throw them out in their pyjamas that instance, they could consider themself lucky if I would even throw them their phone out of a window for them to catch.

    Lindsay A
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm seeing a lot of similar young ladies/older men stories... I'm starting to feel like they are fake

    Livingwithcfs
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OP most probably has PTSD and her husband is an incredible jerk for pulling a prank on her over that. He could caused her to go into premature labour or caused her to fall down the steps in panic. She needs counseling to help her deal with her trauma. He needs a good paddle on his backside for his juvenile behavior. If it was me I'd be kicking him to the curb

    weatherwitch
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Horrific, absolutely horrific. This horrific shock could well have impacted on the baby and instead of getting her and the baby medically checked incase the baby was also in distress, he's f****d off somewhere as She had to go find him to apologise. If she'd lost the baby due to his "prank" he'd be blaming her. From the sounds of it, she only met him 2-3 Years after the horrendous fire that took everything she ever had, her cat, her home and when you lose your home, you lose your stability, your base. I strongly suspect much more abuse going on too, nice subtle stuff that she's not seeing. Poor, poor woman. I hope she's free of this absolute arsehole very soon 🤞

    K. LNU
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I found her Reddit page! They met when she was 18. In many of her answers, she is defending him. i.e., "...it's often an argument that I'm "too sensitive"." "I apologized because he made a big deal about me making him feel horrible." So many down votes. But no follow up. This post occurred on Aug 1, 2024. No follow up.

    Jac Carr
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd have been arrested because I'd have beaten him half to death

    Bernie j. Janinsky
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Get out, fool. This narcissistic bully is DANGEROUS! GET THE HELL OUT WHILE HE'S GONE & FILE A DIVORCE AND RESTAINING ORDER! This Monster WILL Try To Harm You AGAIN!

    Clara Stallworth
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My family and I had a house fire when I was 18 years old, about two weeks before Christmas. Thankfully, no one died and the fire was contained to the third floor, but there was mainly smoke and water damage to the rest of the house (my mom, eldest sister and her son were home at the time, they were saved thanks to an excessively LOUD doorbell that neighbors, seeing the smoke, kept ringing). If my husband dared to even pull this stunt while I was heavily pregnant, I would not only yell at him, I'd be telling my family about it and they would've given him the "Philly beatdown" for putting me and my baby at risk. Plus, he would've been barred from the delivery room because he dared to endanger us (medical staff can bar anyone including spouses and partners if they are deemed a risk to mom and baby)!

    Persephone
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Triggering someone's PTSD intentionally is not a prank... It's abuse.

    Liz The Biz
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    NTA. He thought that making you relive the worst trauma in your life was funny. No it was downright cruel and the last thing you should have done was apologise. This is a massive red flag and he will never change. For the sake of your sanity get away from him for good.

    Binky Melnik
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    “Honey, that night you woke me up and told me the house was on fire? The baby died that night. You killed our baby. Yes, sweetie; your son is dead. Oh, stop crying! That was a harmless prank! I’m holding the baby as we speak! Now wipe your nose and sign these papers, please.”

    Ginger Winters
    Community Member
    3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    2 wrongs don't make it right, plus with his behavior and attitude I highly doubt he'd even care if the baby didn't make it.

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    Thrillion
    Community Member
    5 months ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Made up story for clicks. I don't believe a word of this. It reads like a bad sitcom plot.

    FluffyDreg
    Community Member
    5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We litterally have hundreds of videos of people doing this kind of stuff.

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