Raise The Red Flag | Reading Reddit Stories

- Hello and welcome to-. (Trevor cackles). - Oh my god. Oh. That was awesome. - Was that a red flag? - That was really good. - Hello and welcome to "Smosh Reads Reddit Stories.". I'm Shayne, and today we are doing red flags. That's right. And I'm joined by two... No, I'm joined by one red flag and one green flag. (Courtney laughs). Who's who? Who is who? Trevor and Courtney. - Red what? What did you call me?

- Red flag. (Courtney gasps). - Oh, I thought you said something else. - Don't. - Whoa! Shayne. White boy, you can't say that. (everyone laughs). You can't say that, white baby. - White brother. - We have red flags, and we have red one standing by. And he like flies in. - Sorry, sorry, sorry. - Hi. How's it going? - Good. I'm ready to read. - Well, you're not reading. I'm reading. - Well, I'm ready to read OP to filth. (everyone laughs). - I'm ready to practice my active listening skills. - I think the red flag episodes. are sometimes some of my favorites.

- And I think it's just a funny energy in the office, in the studio today. 'cause we've been like working from home a lot. and moving the studio. So like it's just, I forgot how to person a little bit. - I have too. Yeah. Like, I was reading a book the other night. and I was like, oh, I really need to read. 'cause like I'm not reading Reddit stories. (Trevor laughs). What if when we film the next episode, I forgot how to read? - Forgot how to read. He forgot how to read. - Bro goes a couple weeks without "Reddit Stories.". - You get into a flow with reading, and when you don't read for a while, you start reading. I'm like, I read really slow when I haven't read for a while.

and I gotta like-. - You reading really slow out loud is crazy. - I'm just like, "My boyfriend told...". Imagine if that was how it was. All right, so we're gonna read stories. They're gonna have possible red flags, maybe some green flags. And you guys have red flags and green flags. that you can hold up when you feel the signs. - What if I don't want to? - You don't have to. - Cool. - You can do whatever you want, technically. - Green flag that he's letting you do what you want. - Green flag. - Yeah. All right, we're gonna hop into it. - All right, reader boy. - Whoa.

- [Trevor] Let's see it. - There's breeders and there's readers. (everyone laughs). - Which one are you? - And I've got a lot of books. Okay, here we go. Our first red flag story. This comes from Relationship Advice. It was posted in July of 2024. This is a 24-year-old woman writing. She goes, "My boyfriend, who's 25, told me. "that snacking on mozzarella cheese balls. "might be a deal breaker. "What should I do?". - Huh? - I'm gonna do an early flag raise here.

- Yeah. Snacking on mozzarella cheese balls, gross. - No, no. The red flag is that he's telling her this. Come on, bro. Look, I can get down with a little mozzarella cheese ball, but please continue. - Yeah, we're at half-mast. We'll see. (everyone laughs). We'll see. - I know we're in silly territory still, but-. - Slide it down. (everyone laughs). - All right, we must hear this. - "Throwaway account. "because my boyfriend knows my personal Reddit account.".

Red flag! (crew laughs). "Hey, Reddit. "So I'm in a very weird situation. "and I don't know how to proceed. "I'm hoping to get some insight from people. "who don't know us personally. "because this is really embarrassing for me. "So to preface, I'm a cheese lover. "I absolutely adore cheese and it's my favorite snack. "My number one cheese has got to be mozzarella, "specifically ball shaped mozzarella. "The texture and flavor are so good, "especially with a little salt sprinkled. "I buy those BelGioioso packs of mozzarella balls,

"and they have been my snack of choice. "since I was a freshman in college. "They were easy and convenient to keep in my mini fridge. "for a quick, cheap and easy bite. "My boyfriend and I have been dating for three years now, "and we recently moved in together. "He's known about my love for cheese since our first date. "He took me to a restaurant, "and we ordered like three charcuterie boards, LOL.". - Slay. - "I don't think he knew what he was getting into. "with my snacking, and he probably didn't expect. "to see me eat mozzarella balls on the daily. "I thought he was fine with it, "but now he's making an issue out of it,

"and I don't know if I should stop. "His specific issue is the...". (everyone laughs). "His specific issue is the shape of the cheese.". - Wait. - I'm sorry-. - I was thinking a million other things. before the shape of the cheese being the issue. "He tells me that seeing me eat, you know, "ball-shaped cheese makes him uncomfortable. "He says that it is lewd and that, and I quote-". (Trevor cackles).

(everyone laughs). Trevor is deflating. - New laugh. - Bro, it is lewd? - It's lewd. - Brother, that's a you problem. If you're seeing your girlfriend eat mozzarella cheese balls. and you're getting a little bricked up, like that's you, brother. - Okay. Oh my god. - "He says seeing me pop a wet cheese ball in my mouth. "makes him think of me having another man's balls. "in my mouth. "Yeah.". - Huh? (Trevor laughs).

- "I was really confused, and I told him. "that I don't think this is that big of a deal. "and that it's literally cheese. "But he told me the imagery still grosses him out. "I thought we could work through this, "but after a while he said it might be a deal breaker. "if I don't stop.". - What? - "Afterwards he left for work.". - And he left for work. - She's like, "Okay, fine, I won't have that. "Anyways I'm gonna eat this banana right now.". He's like, "No!". - Yeah, what the hell? - What about a hot dog? No! - Is she allowed to wear cleavage around the house? Like, what is happening?

- Yeah. "During the argument he said he doesn't care. "if I eat mozzarella cheese, "but he just wants me to eat it string or shredded instead. "I know this is so high maintenance of me, "but mozzarella balls are just my favorite snack. "The texture, the taste, it's just so good. "I like shredded cheese and string cheese, "but they just aren't the same. "I'm thinking I should maybe. "buy the smaller mozzarella balls that BelGioioso sells. "and hope they won't bother him. "But if I feed into this, "could it reinforce this mindset he has?

"I don't know what to do. "I wanna make him comfortable, "but this feels really controlling and unnecessary. "Not to mention I don't really want to give up. "on my favorite snack. "He's a great guy, "and I know this post isn't doing him justice, "but I just wanna know if this is a red flag from him. "or if putting my foot down on this is unreasonable. "Thank you in advance to anyone who reads this. "and offers me some advice.". By the way, this is not an ad for BelGioioso. (everyone laughs). Unless, BelGioioso, you want to hit us up. - Can I see a picture-. - And send me some mozzarella balls.

- Of like the sizes of BelGioioso mozzarella balls? 'Cause I've seen the big, I've seen the big, and I've seen the little. - Yeah, they make the little pearl ones, and those ones they put in like the sauce. They'll put 'em in like an olive oil, like a salted like olive oil type stuff. - I won't lie, when I'm at the grocery store, they have those big balls of mozzarella cheese, I imagine biting into 'em every time I see 'em. - Like an apple? - Yeah. - Oh yeah. I love mozzarella cheese. It's so good. But it's basically like, it's as not cheese as it gets, you know what I mean? Like, it's basically cream.

- I'm just trying to understand, so how small is this man's ball? - Or how small does he think other man's balls are? - Does he think there's an average size of balls? - I just, like, If I see my girlfriend eating cheese. and my first thought is another man's balls, I think that's a me problem. - 1,000 million percent. - That's a me problem. - Like, that's why, sorry, I jumped straight to cleavage. You guys are probably like, "Whoa, whoa.". But it's like, yeah, what is she... That is how (sputters). - It's his brain making it sexual. - Yeah. - She's eating cheese.

He's going, "That's another man's balls.". - Yeah. - Yeah. - He's not even thinking of his own balls. He's thinking of other man's balls. - It's your balls. - Yeah, he could be getting horny. and being like, "Mm, those could be my balls.". It could be like a hot thing for him. - Who up getting they balls bit? (everyone laughs). - I'm just imagining you eating another man's balls. - Like, bro. (Courtney laughs). At what line do we draw? What other balls do we draw the line? Like, if we are eating cheese puffs, is he going, "Damn, those look like other men's balls to me too"? - If there's a particularly large blueberry,

what are we gonna do? - I know. - [Courtney] Blue balls. - Where are we at? What foods are reminding this man of other men's balls? - I know. - God forbid she eats a hard boiled egg. - [Shayne] I know. - Good grief. - Just torment for this man. Okay, to be clear, this is a red flag. (laughs). To be clear, this is a red flag. - 1,000%. And like just like let's even, let's talk about the bare fundamentals of this. is this person is projecting their insecurity. onto their partner by being insecure. that their partner would cheat on them.

They're insinuating that this food. is making them think of their partner cheating on them. by eating this thing. But it's also calling it lewd and calling it sexual. It's like that's commentary on society. and how everything women do is somehow sexualized. whether they want it to be or not. 'Cause the definition of sexualizing something is something. that wasn't intentionally sexual being made sexual. Like having your daily protein snack. Like, gosh dang. - [Shayne] Yeah. - God forbid a girl just snack. on some mozzarella cheese balls.

- Yeah. - Yeah, and to be fair, on the packaging it does say testicle sized. - [Emily] Oh my god. - But... (everyone laughs). - Well, they call it fun size. - They are testicle sized mozzarella balls. (laughs). - I need to try these balls. - Frankly the perfect size. No, this is his problem for sure. I feel like he hits on a trifecta of things. that are red flags, right? One is any sort of like commenting. or trying to control your partner's food or eating habits. - Yeah. - Also taking away something.

that is like her favorite thing. It's like she's like, "This is my comfort thing. "This is my favorite thing.". And he's like, "No, you gotta stop because of my insecurity.". But also it's hitting on the thing. that I always think is a huge red flag, which is like when your partner jumps to, "Oh, you're cheating on me,". or, "That reminds me of cheating on me.". That to me in most of the stories that we read. is usually the biggest sign. that they might be doing something. or having thoughts of their own or whatever. Obviously we don't know if any of that's true,

but it is a red flag in that, hey, you should be mindful of this. - If this guy is as good of, if he is a good guy like she says, I think if someone were to look him straight in the eyes. and say, "Every time you see your girlfriend eat mozzarella cheese, "you think of another man's balls, look inward.". - Yeah. - I think maybe he could fix himself. I think if someone, if I was feeling that way and someone pointed that out to me. in those words, I think maybe I'd be like, you know what? You're right. That's insane.

- I would hope so. - He really does. It feels like, yeah, if this is all that that boils down to, he needs someone to just point out how embarrassing it is. - Literally. - Calling it a deal breaker. A deal breaker? - That's crazy. And that, I don't like that too. I don't like how one to zero. or zero to 100 he's going with this. - Like, whoa. - 'Cause that's the controlling nature of it. It'd be one thing if he's like, "Yeah, I don't know why I'm having these thoughts. "of another man's balls in your mouth.". But like he could communicate that I guess. But him being like, "No, I'm gonna break up with you.".

- No, and that's like, this is a dangerous, this is dangerous territory where precedents are set. and boundaries are ignored and-. - And if that's a deal breaker for him, it's like she's about to run into so many deal breakers. with him in the future, I feel like. This episode of "Reddit Stories" is sponsored by Zocdoc. I know whenever I feel something off, I start doom scrolling symptoms, and according to my recent spiral's results, I've been self-diagnosed as a chronic over-thinker. Luckily I know that isn't true. because this big brain of mine.

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Zocdoc.com/pitreddit. Thanks, Zocdoc, for sponsoring this message. (bright music). Back to the show. (Shayne plays recorder). Nailed it. All right, comments. Someone said, "I would consider a partner. "who got sexually jealous over a cheese snack. "a deal breaker personally.". (everyone laughs). 15,000 up votes. Someone quoted underneath, "She was cheating on me with cheese balls, bro.".

Someone said, "Red flag. "He's so weirdly insecure. "that he's offended by you eating cheese. "Real men would pound those suckers back right with you. "By the way, what are his thoughts on bananas, "popsicles, and corn dogs?". - God forbid I eat a corn dog! - [Shayne] Yeah. - No, literally. - And like what could she do about him then? Like, would she be like, hmm. Like, let's think, let's think. Yeah, yeah. If he's getting-. - Put that taco down! (everyone laughs). - Yeah. (everyone laughs). - Jesus Christ. No, no, no, no, no, no! - No, no, no!

No, no, no! - Put those coconuts down! - You better not be holding two large melons in your hands. - At the grocery store, do you want a cantaloupe or like a honeydew? No! (Shayne yells). (everyone laughs). - Okay. - Okay, final comment. "If you stop eating mozzarella cheese balls. "to make him comfortable, he's just gonna think, "'Good, she'll tolerate that crock of shit. "'She'll do whatever I tell her.'. "And it will get worse. "Stand your ground. "If a man wants to lose you over cheese, let him. "You'll have won.".

- Yes. - [Shayne] I do agree with that. - You'll have won. - You will have won. Update! - Yes! ♪ Yeah ♪. - Cheese. Update, cheese. - Update, cheese. I also feel like... (Courtney laughs). I feel like as a man, I feel like any man who's dumb enough. to come between a woman and cheese-. - Oh yeah. And say that again! - You're gonna get broken up with. You simply are fighting a force. - Yeah. - Like, scientists have studied this.

and like, they're like, this is a force stronger. than the ocean, solar waves and shit. They're just like, "You can't stop this.". - Damn right. Damn right. Here, wait. Shayne, go. There's little thing in there. - Oh. - Get it. Yeah. Got it. - Okay. Damn it. - You gonna finish that? (everyone laughs). - Sorry, that was making me think of a woman in your nose. - You gonna finish that? - That's crazy. - That's a crazy statement. Okay.

Update. July 3rd, 2024, two days later. "Hey, guys, I hope I'm doing this update thing right. "I've never made one before, "so I'm just trying to copy what other people. "in the sub have done. "I was debating posting this update or not, "but seeing just how many people saw it. "and became invested in my snacking. "made me want to give anyone. "who is still interested a little bit of closure. "First of all, I wanted to thank you all. "for your time spent with me. "It's honestly a little overwhelming. "to see how many people took a break. "from what I assume are very busy lives. "to give me advice and support.

"I think it's very beautiful how so many people. "in so many different places can come together. "and give some love to people who need it. "Secondly, I have a short and savory update.". Get it? - Yum, yum, yum, yum, yum. - "Because I couldn't leave you guys hanging. "The morning after I posted-". - Hanging like balls. - Like balls. - Sorry. - "The morning after I posted, "me and my boyfriend talked out this entire issue, "and he ended up explaining why his mind immediately. "went to a place of sexualizing something. "that has no implications. "I left this out of my original post. "because it felt unrelated,

"even though in hindsight it was obvious. "But there was an issue with infidelity. "in his previous relationship. "I didn't know the details of what happened. "and never tried to bring it up. "because I didn't wanna upset him. "That was my mistake though. "because he is still struggling with insecurities. "and felt unsure if he could tell me about it. "Both of us were lacking in communication skills, "but we ended up clearing the air, "and I found out both why his last relationship ended. "and why seeing me eat cheese balls upset him. "All I knew previously. "was that he had a serious relationship. "with his ex-girlfriend. "and they broke up because she cheated on him.

"Now he let me know that he found out about the incident. "because the person she cheated with sent him a video. "of her, um, eating another man's cheese balls.". - Oh. - "He told me that he feels. "like by now he should have gotten over it. "But the betrayal stuck with him. "The new move in together has started. "to trigger his unresolved feelings. "and has given him new anxieties. "that our relationship might end the same way. "I think pairing that with the daily visual reminder. "through the cheese balls was a little too much for him.

"I know many of you have very strong opinions about him, "and I'm sorry to disappoint, "but I am not ready to let go of this relationship yet. "During our conversation, I let him know. "that I didn't like the direction that he was going. "with his ultimatum because it felt controlling, "and I told him I wouldn't tolerate another incident. "like this in the future. "We already decided we would be looking. "for couples counseling in our area. "to help us both move on from this incident. "and generally learn to communicate more openly. "so that neither of us. "will bottle up our negative emotions alone. "and instead we can help each other overcome these emotions.

"as a unit. "Right now, I'm feeling very hopeful, "and I think that knowing about his past. "will leave me better equipped. "to pave a better future with him. "Thank you for all your advice and support. "I think that without your perspectives, "I might have just given up on my cheese. "and the two of us would continue to hide our emotions. "without realizing that we need to open ourselves up. "to more communication if we want to stay confident. "in both ourselves and each other. "P.S. An extra thank you to everyone who gave me recipes. "and new cheeses to try.". - Ooh!

- Hey. - All right. - I think green flag in the effort. - Yeah. - [Courtney] In the communication. - I think that's always huge. And he admitted the other possibility. that we weren't considering. I just guess I, yeah. - Unfortunately it's like both the saddest and the funniest. at the same time. I very much empathize, getting cheated on that is an awful, awful thing, and unfortunately, it is kind of funny that it literally, like the cheese balls remind, like-. - Yeah, like can you imagine seeing a memory.

be perfectly recreated in front of you, but with other things? And your brain goes, oh. Like, that came from a very real place for him. - A very real place. I mean, I'm very grateful that I cannot relate. to someone like being cheated on and like seeing-. - Rubbing it in. Yeah. - Like, seeing it. Being sent any sort of footage or photos. And I've heard of people experiencing that, and I'm like, that's a nightmare. - That's psychological damage. - [Shayne] That's a nightmare. That's gonna stay with you forever. - That's warfare. - That's psychological damage.

- Yeah, absolutely tormenting. So I understand that. And obviously like something that extreme, like, yeah, therapy's, you're gonna need that. And like he had inner demons from this. Thank God he's telling her, and I'm glad they're going to a couple's counselor together. because that's a lot to work through. And clearly if it's bubbling up now, like, that is something he has to work through with her. - Yeah. I mean, I'm so proud of her. for like standing strong on like, I'm not tolerating this again and it's controlling. Like, that's really important.

And like the fact that he's willing to go do counseling. with her too, like this is a, I'm hopeful, I'm optimistic. - Oh, for sure. Yeah 'cause it all comes down to trust, and his trust was completely obliterated in the past. - [Trevor] Yeah. - But he's in a whole new relationship. with a whole new person. He's gotta establish new trust with her. - Yeah, I feel bad now about what I said about being like, why would you think of another man's balls. when you see the cheese balls? And I'm like, okay, like that's pretty, that's (beep) up. - He has the one avenue of okay, that makes sense.

- It makes sense. - No, 'cause there's a horrible world. where there is a type of boyfriend who was like, this will be my first thing that I do. You know, like the first step in being controlling. and making it the woman's problem and stuff. And being on the show, we assume the worst sometimes. - Yes. - But thank goodness. - Absolutely. And I think even when it comes from a justified place, it's like, no, you still have your boundary. You cannot... Like, she was right to set her boundaries, and because she set her boundaries, this communication happened, right? Like, would it have happened if she just said,

"Okay, I'll stop"? - Right. No. - They had further conversations, and she needed to know this about him. and he needed to get it out there. - And maybe one day he'll enjoy those cheese balls with her. - Hey, man, hey. - [Courtney] And feel good. - I love this show. If everyone in the room will allow me to wax poetic. for a second. Shayne, sometimes when I think about the show, it's kind of like you're Jesus and-. - I feel like we need to stop you there. (everyone laughs). - And you're reading us these parables, you know? And it's like, you know, the parables that Jesus was saying.

were like, you know, with titles such as the Good Samaritan, you know? And then you're reading us the stories of, hi, my boyfriend can't stop thinking about other men's balls. when I eat mozzarella. And, you know, it's like, are these stories true? You know, who's to say. - Wow. - But is the truth of these stories really, is it more important that these stories actually happened. or does the truth of them lie in the lessons. that we can learn? And it's just a really beautiful show. that, you know, we can talk about mozzarella cheese balls. and, you know, and walk away with something.

- Hey. - [Shayne] Hey. - Yeah. - So thank you, Jesus. - Wow. (everyone laughs). You know, I guess what was Jesus. but a 30-year-old podcaster, right? - Oh my god! (everyone laughs). - Look the masses out there, they're listening. This is the Sermon on the Mount. You are-. - Sermon on the Mount. Am I the asshole? - Oh my god. - Every Christian listener of the show is like, "Guess I gotta stop.".

- No, they're going, "You know, that's a good point.". - You know, I never thought about it. - Wait a minute. - Oh God. Thank you. Thank you, Trevor. - Yeah, it's just something I've been thinking about. - I like whenever anyone uses the term wax poetic. - [Trevor] Yeah. - [Shayne] Pretty good. - When you said, "Mind if I wax poetic,". I just pictured you like waxing a car with a lot of feeling. 'cause I don't know what that means. - To speak beautifully for a moment. - Going into great detail and, you know, trying to be a little bit, maybe drop some wisdom here. - Yeah, well you certainly did.

You called me Jesus. - Yeah. That's just the most, you know-. - Don't give him that. - It's the best comparison I could think of. for what we're doing here. - And people have said that before. - Oh God. Please! - Our next story. Comes from Am I The Asshole posted in December of 2021. "Am I the asshole for quitting without notice. "over fake job postings?". Okay, we have a job red flag story. - Whoa. - "As of yesterday, I, a 31-year-old woman, "was the marketing coordinator for a real estate agent.

"Let's call him John, 39-year-old man. "He's very successful. "and recently hired a life coach who gives him weekly goals. "Some of them are normal, "like read this book on the cyclical nature. "of the real estate market. "But other times it's shit like, "coach says I should take Friday off. "because sitting is the new smoking. "Not the best behavior, but harmless enough. "However, John's most recent goal. "caught me totally by surprise. "Last week, John said his coach wanted him. "to develop his leadership skills.

"I asked what that entailed, and he gave me a new task. "Advertise fake job postings. "One for every position on our team. "John said he wanted 30 plus resumes per day, "and he'd interview the good ones. "I can't overemphasize this enough. "There are no job openings on our team. "John's coach apparently thinks interviewing real people. "for fake jobs will make John a better leader. "If someone can connect those dots for me, please do. "because I don't get it. "I asked John if he was serious.

"and pointed out that people are desperate. "for work right now. "His response, 'Coach says real leaders are always looking. "'for new talent.'. "Reason number one, why I might be the asshole. "I couldn't refuse a direct request without getting fired. "So I made the job postings, "but I didn't list compensation. "in the hopes that people would see red flags. "We got hundreds of resumes, "and John interviewed dozens of people. "I listened in and they sounded like real interviews. "At no point did John mention we're not currently hiring.

"One of the interviewees was a young woman. "who chatted with me while she was waiting. "and she said she's a single mother. "who had to get a last minute babysitter. "so she could make the interview.". - Oh! - "So not only is she not getting hired for this job, "it cost her money to show up. "Another was an older man, "and when I walked him out he asked, "'Do you think a fossil like me has any shot?'. "I almost burst into tears, but fury won out. "I told him, 'There is no job. "'I'm sorry they lied to you. "'This company thinks nothing of wasting your time.'.

"He looked shocked and walked away.". - Oh! - "Someone must have heard me. "because I got called into John's office. "where he proceeded to yell at me. "Apparently he's fine with lying to people's faces, "but not with people knowing about it. "He threatened to fire me and I said to do it. "because I can't go along with this. "You're getting people's hopes up for no reason. "John argued that the jobs could be real in the future, "and it was helping him lead the team, so that made it okay. "Reason number two why I might be the asshole. "I quit on the spot, no notice. "I have a second job so I'll be okay.

"But John said to forget about a reference. "I've never not given notice before. "and I feel bad about that, "but I just know John would make me. "keep bringing him resumes until my last day.". Okay, this isn't even-. - That's horrible. - This isn't even red flags. This guy's an asshole. - This is awful. - I'm like, how is that legal? How is that even legal? - I never know about the legality. of these types of business practices, but I would hope that's illegal. I think you should only be allowed. to bring in like an interviewer. if there's a real job opening.

You are just wasting these people's time. - It's so sad. No, and like especially hearing. about the single mother spending their money. to go to this interview. Like, oh my gosh, that's so upsetting. - [Shayne] Yeah. - If you've ever like had to like take a lot of time. looking for a job in a really awful job market, like the one that we're currently in, it's like every single time, you know, you get through an interview. and then there's just, you don't hear anything back. It's demoralizing. - Oh, absolutely. - It's so hard. And to be doing that, like making someone, yeah,

take time out of their day to go do something. and give them like, oh my god, like I got this interview in person, I'm going, without there even being any chance. of them actually getting a job is like evil. - Yeah. Not only is her boss an asshole, he's also a huge dumbass. - Yeah. - This is a dumb guy. Like, I'm sure out there there's good life coaches, but I don't know, this reads to me like a bad manosphere coach that he hired. that's just spouting some bullshit.

And I'm just like, I don't like this. - Like, what is happening? Yeah, 'cause it's like I love the idea of people wanting. to work on their leadership skills. 'cause leadership is a skill, but it's like you're already a leader of a team. Like, if you wanna improve those skills, maybe like spend more time with the actual employees. that you have at the company. without creating fake job opportunities for people. It's also just like, is the coach all of their bosses too? Like, personally, I don't think OP is the asshole. for quitting.

I wish they continued to be an asshole to the boss. so that they'd get fired and maybe get severance. - [Shayne] Yeah. - Because quitting and being fired. are very different things. - That's true. But I mean she just couldn't tolerate it. - No. - She couldn't go along with his horrible practices. I always also laugh at like, 'cause it reminds me of just the manosphere shit. of like what is in their mind a good leader? 'Cause I'm like, oh, I'm a good leader. so I'm gonna actually work on having less empathy. and less understanding of human beings. I'm like, you don't even understand.

how another person works. Like, what the hell? Just a dumbass. Verdict, not the asshole. Comments. "Not the asshole, but report him to the board or some agent. "This sounds highly illegal or immoral to say the least. "John is using his power to steamroll hundreds of people. "Ew.". Someone else said, "Not the asshole. "And if they ask why you do not have a reference. "or why you left your old job, tell them the truth. "I would hire you in a second just based on this incident.". Someone said, "Not the asshole. "Hopefully John's life coach has experience.

"in helping people apply for unemployment benefits. "I think John is gonna need it.". Someone said, "Not the asshole. "Your notice period was exactly as real. "as those job openings. "And hey, having to scramble. "to cover your spot will teach him flexibility and gumption, "making him a better leader. "Good on you for sticking to your ethics.". - [Courtney] Yeah. - That is such like a, that's such an awful story to hear. Like, it's just so sad. - Yeah. - Like, there's so many people, like normal people that are just trying to get a job. and like live that are being affected by it. And like I would hope that this is something.

that is an isolated incident, but who knows what other like. kind of awful business practices are going on. - [Courtney] Oh yeah. I mean-. - Especially in the current era, 'cause I've been so lucky to have worked at this job. for so long, but like I see comments. and I see discussions of people talking about how hard it is. to get a job right now. Like, people are sending out. like just an absurd amount of resumes out there. and not hearing back. And especially now with like, with the way the internet works. and with AI now involved with bullshit,

like it's so hard to like get face to face time. and get this close to getting a job. - Yeah. - Like, this guy is evil for doing it. - Yeah. - But yeah. - No update? - No update. Well, she quit. She quit. She left. - Yeah. I hope other employees caught on. - This was back in 2021. I hope this guy's out of a job now. - Fridays, sitting is the new smoking? - Insane. - Go play "The Sims" and do that in "The Sims.". Don't do this with real people.

- Yeah. I'm just like, come on. - Do it in VR chat. I don't know. - Guys, don't go on VR chat. Don't do it. There's never a reason to go on VR chat. (everyone laughs). - Oh my god. Anyways. All right, moving on. Our next one comes from Relationship Advice. It was posted in October of 2021. "Girlfriend, 23, snooped through my, male 22, Reddit account. "and threatened to break up. "if I didn't change the advice I give out.

"I think Reddit just ruined my relationship.". Let's go! - That's awesome. - Ooh! - Oh my god. Dude. - Okay, this reminds me of like a thing. that I feel like you and I have talked about-. - Yeah. - A few times that maybe we'll come back to it. "Throwaway account. "because my primary account is compromised. "We have been dating since we were...". It's been compromised. - Red alert. - Compromised! - Throwaway account, obviously. "We have been dating since we were 19, and I love her a lot. "She is overall a pretty awesome person,

"and the dynamic of our relationship is great. "We rarely use each other's phones. "but also don't mind when we do. "Today she just picked my phone up and started using it. "She asked me what Reddit was, "and I gave her a rundown of Reddit and how it works. "Once I told her about this subreddit and similar ones, "she was keen to know the advice I give to strangers. "on the internet. "because she thought of asking strangers for advice. "as a funny concept. "She read through most of my comments. "and used my phone for two hours. "and was very upset at the end. "I asked her what's up, "and she went ballistic on me saying I give horrible advice.

"and that I should be ashamed. "I was obviously confused. "because I only say stuff I would do. "and all my advice is in good faith. "She said that most of my advice is about breaking up. "and don't consider biases that the OP might have made. "in the original post.". Well, he sounds like a Redditor. - Sounds like a Reddit comment, yeah. It's the Reddit comments. - People do be commenting to break up. - You should break up. - [Shayne] Break up. - Ah, break up. - Are those mozzarella balls? (everyone laughs). - "One of the posts she was upset about was of a dude.

"that dumped his girlfriend of nine years. "because she cheated on him at the start. "and lied about it or something. "My advice was that he should dump the cheater. "because cheaters don't change. "and that lying is much worse than cheating. "When my girlfriend told me my advice was not good. "and not true, I asked her if she is a cheater. "because she clearly is trying to defend one. "She said what if she was one? "And I told her we'd be done. "This upset her even more. "And my dumbass asked her, 'Are you a cheater?'. "In an asking/implying tone.

"That's my bad, "and I apologized since that's not what I was trying to say. "We talked about other advice I gave out, "and with each and every one she got madder at me. "To her she thought I was a different person. "and doesn't think as I do about relationships. "In my opinion, I have done nothing wrong. "I say everything I mean. "and would probably do that in real life. "She said that I need to get a better perspective. "about relationships. "and change the kind of advice I give out, "otherwise we won't work out. "I told her that she threatening me with a breakup.

"for a change in behavior is manipulative. "And she already read the advice I gave to one OP. "in the same circumstance. "This truly pissed her off, "and she left saying I need time to think. "about what I just said. "I know this post is stupid, "but who else to ask for help. "with Reddit ruining my relationship other than Reddit? "This is mostly a rant with some advice seeking.". Edit number one. "I will show her this post once we make up, "all to show her I'm not the only one. "that takes infidelity and similar acts so seriously. "and consider them instant dump worthy.". Edit number two.

"I have been trying to reach her, "but she isn't responding, "probably ignoring me. "so I just shot her a text that I'm done with her.". - Oh. - [Shayne] "And now there is no point in contacting me.". - Oh. - "Since she can't even speak to me, "I won't beg her to come back. "This is not a rom-com. "In our last interaction, she raised several red flags, "so I felt it was only fair. "to move on from this relationship. "To be honest if I was not the OP but a normal commenter, "I would advise to break up, so that's what I'm doing. "I'm not perfect, but I'm also not a hypocrite. "Guess I'm single now.".

With a peace emoji. - It's like, I lost my flag. - [Shayne] Yeah, the last part is a little bit like, all right. - Can I jump in? - Yeah, sure, sure. - I think it's so interesting. 'cause we have talked about. where a partner sees their boyfriend. or girlfriend's Reddit account. and they see how they behave online. and how it's not what they expected. I think it is so jarring to see internet behavior. and then connect it to a real life person. 'cause we're so used to scrolling and it's just strangers. We're like this person who's saying,

"I would hire you in a second" could be a 13-year-old. Like, we don't know. And we see these comments all the time. that are ignoring nuance every day, but we don't connect it with a real life person in our life. And so it's obviously really jarring for her. And like I'm glad that nobody's like really rubbing up. against the fact that she went through his phone. because like with Reddit you can kind of go to an account. and see every comment they've ever left. - [Shayne] Yeah. - But I think it's just jarring to see such things. and like, oh, that's a real person that I am close with.

talking like that. - Yeah 'cause what I think what I've said to you. is I'm like, it's kind of crazy that. for most people in the world there are two people. and there's who they are in real life. and then who they are on the internet, 'cause you see so many accounts on Reddit, and I'd say especially with Reddit where it's all anonymous. of, I'm like, who are these people? Do they believe what they're saying here? There's probably, I guarantee you with the way humans work, there are so many comments we've read. where people are like, "Cheating is wrong. "You should break up with them,". and those are left by cheaters. - Yeah.

- Like, you just, you don't know who these people are. And that's the weird thing with, as people point out all the time, they're like, "Oh, that story is probably fake,". I'm like, we don't know anything. This could be written by a 12-year-old. That marriage advice you're getting could be from anyone. We don't know. But it's gotta be jarring to, 'cause there was a story I read where a woman found out. that her husband, who she was like, "He's a great guy, he's so sweet,". but his Reddit account, he just comments horribly misogynistic shit. on posts all the time. And it's just like, who is this guy?

- [Courtney] Yeah. - It's like, that is who he is. But it's like weird. where the internet gives people permission in weird ways. - The anonymity. - Anyways, I think this story brings up a lot of like topics. around the story, but-. - Yeah. I think like for me, I think that this is a, I wanna say it's a red flag, and I think that a lot of Reddit is prone to it, especially with a lot of stories that we read. But people living in a fully, like everything is black and white. There is right and wrong. If someone has cheated in the past, they are a cheater.

If someone is a cheater, they deserve to be broken up with. Like, I think that it's very easy for people online. to read a story that is coming from one perspective. and has bias. and be like, okay, this is what's right in this situation. This person's right and this person's wrong. And I think like there's so much nuance. that you can't capture in a Reddit story. and so much nuance that is completely lost on commenters.

And I don't know, honestly, with a story like this, I'm like, for me to make an opinion, I'm like, I gotta read everything this guy's ever said. - I know. - Every piece of advice he's ever said. - Yeah. - Yeah, 'cause it felt like he cherrypicked. like the most blatantly obvious story where I'm like, okay, but I'm like, what else was going on in this conversation? - Truly. It's like also interesting that, you know, he had to start a new account. so we can't go see what he was talking about. I also like, I think it's so interesting how she was like, "You need to change how you give advice.".

It's like, no, it sounds like she's asking him. to change his morals. Like, 'cause it's not like. that's like a different guy posting those things. This is this guy. with his feelings. - He backed it up immediately. To his credit, he immediately is like, "I believe that.". He doesn't deny like that or try to, yeah. - Yeah. It's just so interesting to hear it worded like that. I don't know. - Yeah, and for him to just like, you know, be like, "Oh, she like didn't text back. "so she obviously like isn't gonna give me the time of day. "And everybody that commented on this was like, "'She's probably a cheater and is breaking up.'". It's like you are living in such like,

I feel like a distorted reality of like-. - Yeah. - You have to at least give her a chance to, like if she ghosts you and doesn't say anything for a week, then it's like, okay, yeah, like I could see that. But I feel like to live in this world. of, I'm right, you're wrong. You're wrong. Like, whatever it is is just, it's really damaging. and I don't think it, you know, is conducive. to healthy relationships. I think that there is a lot more talking. and figuring out that needs to be done.

- I agree with that. And I think, yeah, I think it's very convenient. I think the black and white thinking, especially with the internet. and especially with I think in our world today. where we feel so little control over anything, it's comforting to go like, "That's a bad person. "I get to file you into the bad person box. "And I get to be the good person.". I think it's algorithmic thinking. And we are using apps that are run by algorithms. and it has affected how we think. and we now think algorithmically of categorizing things.

and putting things into boxes and going, "I've read this story. "I know you, I know your relationship. "Break up. That's the answer.". It's like sometimes the answers are complicated. People who listen to this show know. like how I feel about cheating. and that I've been cheated on. Does that mean that if someone I'm talking to goes, "Oh, I don't know if someone cheated on me, "if that's a deal breaker,". do I immediately go, "Then you're a cheater"? Like, I'm like, no. Like, people are complicated. And it's more a matter of like trust. It's not a matter of like good and bad. It's a matter of like what I think works and doesn't work.

- Yeah. Think of the first story. - Yeah, exactly. - Yeah. I feel like with how long Reddit has existed, it's just these heuristics have been formed of like, if someone says this thing, that makes them this. If they speak like this, this is what they believe. and that makes them this type of person. and that's always the case. - It's the jumping to character assumptions with things. that always frustrates me with Reddit, right? 'Cause it's going, oh, that act, what you did was wrong. Like, that's hurtful.

I'm like, yes, I agree with that. But it's like therefore that's who this person is. through and through. And I'm like, well, we don't know that. - Yeah, like, there's a difference between, it's like, Shayne, you're being a bitch. or, Shayne, you're a bitch. (everyone laughs). - And I am both. - Like, there's a difference. - I'm a man of multitudes. - A bad bitch. - You're acting like a bitch is different than, Shayne, you are a full on 100% of the time bitch. Sorry. Sorry. - I've said this before, but like, the thing that frustrates me, and I see it in our comments, is like, I don't have a problem if I say something and go,

"Oh, I disagree with what Shayne said there.". I go, yeah. I'm even in rewatching it maybe disagree with what I said. What frustrates me is when they go, "Shayne said this, "and therefore he must be a really bad friend.". Or, "Shayne clearly is this type of person.". - Right. - I'm like, wow, whoa. Like, person I don't know and have never seen, like... That's where I'm like, let's be careful there. - Based on the context of this story, it sounds like he is the type of person to be like that. - Yes. - It sounds like he is doing those things. of like making very harsh and concise judgements.

based on the three paragraphs of texts. that he's read from the person's perspective. - And to be clear as well... Like, him talking to his partner and he goes, "Oh, this guy got cheated on, "and she lied and tried to hide the cheating.". Like, and she goes, "I don't think that's a problem.". I'd be like, that is a red flag. - Yeah. - 100%. - I'm not saying she is in the clear here. I'm like, what she displayed was a red flag also. We're just observing.

- Right, 'cause he was like, he was like, "I might have been an asshole for going, "'Are you a cheater?'". But it's like, that's kind of. where the conversation was going. and she was actively antagonizing him in that moment. I think he was permitted to ask that question. - Yeah. - So like I do give him that. But yeah, it was a lot. There was a lot. - It was more the tone there at the end. that I was observing. Like, everything that actually happened, I don't necessarily have a problem with of him being like, "Oh, like I think cheating is wrong.". And she goes, "Oh, I don't think cheating is wrong.". He goes, "Are you a cheater?". And she goes, "What if I am?".

I'd be like, all right, like that's-. - Sounds like you're a cheater. - And for me it's like not about of you're a bad person. It's like, do you have trust for this person now? You don't have trust, then the relationship doesn't work. - Yeah. - Only thing I will criticize him for is I'm like, you went to the place where you frequent of people. that you know are like-minded to you to get advice. - Yeah. - Maybe go to someone in real life. if you're having real relationship advice that like... You know the response. - I also like, if we had the opportunity to read every comment.

that each person in our lives has ever left, I think we all would have a lot of shattering experiences. of like, whoa. - For sure. - Yeah. - So the comments. Someone said, "So as an avid advisor on this sub, "what advice would you give yourself?". OP said, "This is funny. "I feel bad for laughing. "My advice would be something. "I have given out many, many times. "Looks like this would be the hill I die on.". Someone said, "It's a possibility for people to change,

"but it's also very hard to get trust back. "that is taken away. "People try to go to counseling. "and try to work out the relationship, "but that trust is never going to go back. "You can build on new trust, "but there's always going to be a lingering feeling. "You have no problem giving it to her. "because you know yourself and you didn't do anything wrong. "She took things way out of proportion. "Once you're done healing, "I hope you find someone that you can trust. "and speak your mind with that holds no judgment. "It's really hard to find, but just stick it out. "You have a good head on your shoulders. "Good luck.".

Someone said, "A couple years ago, "my husband borrowed my laptop. "while I was logged into Reddit and had left the page open. "He read through a bit of my comment history, "which actually really freaked me out when he told me, "but his comment was that it was comforting to know. "that I sounded like exactly the same person on the internet. "as I am in his life. "and that I didn't have some secret dark side. "or inner troll.". - Aw. - "The point being, I agree with you. "If OP genuinely feels like he is the same person on Reddit. "that he is in real life, "something is off in terms of their communication with. "or perception of each other.".

- Yeah. - Yeah, I would say like, I'm a little shocked they haven't had any sort of convo. of like, what's a deal breaker as far as infidelity goes. Not that that's like a obvious conversation for people, but I'm just like, that was a big topic that they had never-. - Yeah. - Broached. And she had an extreme take and he had an, they were on-. - How long were they together again? - Like, four years. They were on polar opposite sides of this view, and it's like, yeah, that doesn't work. - Yeah. Yeah, not to be a Redditor, but I feel like...

- No, I mean it's like-. - Her response to the question and topic of cheating. is like, I would feel equally as uncomfortable. like with that. - Yeah, yeah. - Absolutely. - That is not how I would want someone to respond. - I don't want anybody listening to this. to think that I'm saying what she said was fine. Like, no. Doing this show and reading so many Reddit stories, this story was interesting 'cause it felt meta in a way. - Yeah, I was gonna say, it feels like the whole time I was talking about it, I was like, I don't even think I was actually talking about this story.

I think I was just talking about Reddit as a whole. and like people like there is, it is possible for two people to be both right and wrong. in the same story. - Absolutely. Absolutely. - Everyone sucks. - And in the end everyone sucks. - Yeah. She just said that. - Everyone sucks. mozzarella balls. Oh. Double reference. - Hey, double call back. - Our next story comes from Am I The Asshole. posted in May of 2021. "Am I the asshole for refusing. "to get rid of a painting my friend made me.".

- Oh. - "My best friend and I, 23-year-old women, "met doing art at uni, "and since then have always had a tradition. "of giving each other homemade gifts, "varying in levels from absolutely awful but well loved. "to genuinely time consuming pieces of art. "They have always been a bit on the nose, "collages of drunken misdeeds. "and dodgy shaped pottery, et cetera. "Everyone I'm close to is well aware of this tradition, "and we all tend to get a laugh out of it. "This year she gifted me a canvas, "A4-ish size painting of me standing beside a male celebrity.

"that we both like. "I absolutely loved it. "and sent pictures to one of our group chats. "where everyone laughed at how cringe. "but genuinely lovely of a gift it was. "Straight afterwards I got a text. "from my boyfriend of two years telling me. "that he was pissed off and upset at how insulting it was. "for me to be displaying that in my flat. "when he would be coming over. "It really upset me, "but I stood my ground and told him that it was my flat. "and this was a genuinely time consuming piece of art. "that my friend had put time and effort into, "so I would not be getting rid of it.

"just because it made him insecure. "I know there wasn't any malice on my friend's part. "in gifting it to me. "She, like me, genuinely wouldn't have considered something. "like that would be upsetting. "My boyfriend lives in a house with roommates. "where they have posters of women on the walls. "and I don't really see the difference, "but now I'm beginning to doubt myself. "I won't get rid of it-". - I broke the flag, (Courtney gasps). I broke the flag. I waved it too hard. - Oh my god. - Too red of a flag. - Oh no. - "I'm beginning to doubt myself. "I won't get rid of it like he wants me to,

"but should I be more sympathetic and hide it from him?". Edit. "Thank you so much for all the advice. "Since people have asked, it's a very PG painting. "The celeb's chest up with an arm around me. "I think she took reference from a meet and greet. "with him and a fan and just replaced the fan with me.". (Courtney laughs). Oh see, I thought it was gonna be a painting. of like her and the Grinch. and the Grinch's balls are in her mouth. - Oh my god, Shayne! - Now that would be funny. - [Courtney] Shayne! - Now that would be funny. I want one of those but me.

- Sorry. It was like... Come on. It was low hanging fruit. - Hey! - Hey! - Hey! (everyone laughs). Hey. - Sorry. - That's good stuff. - What the hell? I'm just picturing like, imagine like your girlfriend is drawing something. and it's like them and you're like, "Oh, that's so nice.". And then you start seeing them drawing another guy, and you're like, "No, no, no, no!". - No! - Like, it is not real. - Come on, bro.

Okay. Yeah, this is a red flag on the boyfriend. - Yeah. I wanna know who the celebrity is. Is it Edward Cullen? - Okay, guesses. I would guess like, let's see, this is posted 2021. - And they're 23-year-olds. - They're 23 in 2021. Could be like Harry Styles. - Could be a Styles. - I think a Pattinson or a Styles 'cause-. - Pattinson, Styles. - They're calling it at uni. They're probably-. - Ooh, they're British. - Yeah. Or from the UK. - British. - Chris Evans? - Yeah, it could be. It could be.

It could be Chris Evans. It could be-. - There's no way it's like a Timmy C. - What if it was like Liam Neeson? - It doesn't feel like a Timmy C. Liam Neeson would be crazy. - Yeah, no. I'm going-. - You're going Grinch with balls in mouth. Yeah, I know. - No. - We know, Shayne. Yeah, we know. - No. - No. - Even though that's funny... - No. - Grinch green. - To all our fan art friends, don't. (Courtney laughs). - Don't. - Or-. - Don't. - Or do. (laughs). - I drew fan art of Shayne!

I'm like, oh! (everyone laughs). (Shayne screams). - Our PO box is (beep). - Dang it. Why did I have to get cast in the Grinch balls episode? (everyone laughs). - Grinch Balls Reddit Stories. (everyone laughs). - Please. (everyone laughs). All right, all right. - That's so good. - What's the internet saying? - Okay. Okay. - He's looking at pictures of Grinch's balls. on the iPad now. - No!

Comments. "Disposal services, I'd like to arrange a pickup. "Yes, the whole man.". Got him. - Nice. Zinger. - Someone said, "My mom has a full room of shitty portraits. "of various male hunks that I did for her. "during my teenage I'ma be an artist phase. "My father never batted an eye. "This room is now unofficially his office.". Someone said, "Not the asshole. "And this is a huge red flag. "It makes no sense for him to be pissed off. "or insecure about a painting. "He wants you to get rid of something. "that your friend lovingly made for you. "And he's making you doubt yourself.". Yeah, not only is it not something like she made herself,

it's like a friend made this. - It's a gift. - [Shayne] It's like a gift. - It was a gift. - [Shayne] Come on. - Dude, it's the sweater curse! Remember the, like when someone knits a sweater, it affects somebody. Somebody gets affected. - Someone, yeah, you're right. - Let's shed some light on the fact that the guy has a house. that has sexy women on posters in their place. - There is a serious issue. if you have this level of jealousy over what is just a gift. and is a fictional concept, right? - God forbid she actually went to a meet and greet.

and got a pic. - Yeah. I think that there is some nuance. to the, like, celebrity crush thing. And I could understand. how like some people could be insecure. about like if someone was like way over the top. and constantly being like, "Oh my god, I love, they're so hot.". Like, constantly talking. - Absolutely. - But if it's a little portrait that your friend drew. and it's like a little inside joke. between the two of you or whatever, just someone that you like, like where is the harm? - Yeah, truly. - There is healthy amounts of it. It kind of falls into, nah, this is a different category. I was gonna say there was the one. where the guy was like mad that his girlfriend.

was reading like spicy books. - Right. - And it's just kinda like, hey man, there's a realm of fiction. And I think a lot of celebrity crushes. fall into the like realm of fiction. - Yeah. 100%. - Where it's like, oh, this isn't a real thing. I just like this idea of a thing, and it's just a fun whatever. - Yeah. 100%. - No, and it's still like the fact. that wherever he lives with his guy roommates, they have pictures of women up all over the place. Like, then-. - They're living in the '80s. - I know. I literally am picturing like-. - "Baywatch.". - The '80s high, the high waisty, like muscly tan girls.

(Trevor laughs). - I feel like you would have that poster. - I do. (crew laughs). - No, you don't. - It's just not up right now. (Shayne laughs). - It's up in a room you don't know about, bro. - What? - I do have that one painting that's like sexy legs. - Yeah. That's like a very artsy... That's not... - So it's the same. It's like, but do you know what I'm saying? It's not sexual, but it is. - I've got, it's a little cat. and he's got a little cowboy hat on and then a little gun. Like, a little kitten with a little cowboy-.

- Pretty cool. - It's like a little cowboy cat. - That's awesome. - I think what I'm trying to say is it's like, it's all harmless. - Right. - So like he should not see the harm in it. if he doesn't see the harm in his own stuff. - Absolutely. Update. - Whoa! - Whoa. - They drew, they painted the bottom half of the painting. and they're naked in the bottom half of the painting. - Whoa! - Final guesses for celebrities? It's a celebrity man. Popular in 2021. - Robert Downey Jr? - That's a good guess. - I think, I feel like RP. I think Robert Pattinson was a good, that was a good guess. I feel good about that.

- I've seen the photo, so I know. - Okay. - "For those interested, we have split up.". - Oh! - "I know it seems like it's over something so trivial. "it's laughable, but I tried to have a civil conversation. "and explained that I wasn't willing to compromise on this. "He got physically imposing and called me and my friend, "which was truly the last straw, "various vulgarities, which was very out of character, "but enough of a raging red flag. "for me to get the (beep) out. "He didn't even try to explain rationally. "why it made him upset. "Just that he was upset I hadn't thrown it away. "Upon recollection, he probably was looking. "for an excuse to break up.

"At least I'm hoping so. "Or I really did waste two years of my life. "hung up on somebody genuinely threatened. "by an oil painting. "He picked his hill. "and died a really embarrassing death on it. "I've contacted his mom to make sure he's okay. "Booked a drinks night with my best friend, "and I will now officially be telling everybody. "that Sebastian Stan ended my last relationship. "Thank you so much to everyone who gave me advice. "You are all lovely.". - [Trevor] Sebastian Stan. That's good. - Sebastian Stan's a good one's. - That's a green flag. - That is a good one. - With the Winter Soldier wig on? - Oh, duh, bro. Winter Soldier Sebastian Stan.

Oh my god. - Yeah, but like with the wig though? 'Cause that wig is rough. - No, not the, I can't do the greasy wig. I need the haircut. Whatever one he got a haircut cut in. - Good pick though. - [Courtney] The haircut one. - A pick we respect. Yeah, I mean, his response, she did the absolute right call. I know we just before said like, hey, like not everything is breakup worthy, but like, no, this... - No. - She tried to talk to him, and he gave her his response. - He did his big one.

- I will also point out something. that I feel like is commented a lot that I think of. is like, oh, he yelled out these vulgarities, which is very out of character for him. It's like, actually I think you just got. to finally see his character. - Unlocked character. - Yeah. - No, that's his character. - You're like unlocking a skill tree in life. And it's like, ooh, I'm gonna choose the calling people vulgarities one. That's my next level up. - Yeah. - Love that tree. - Yeah. (everyone laughs). - Or like the star constellation in-. - In "Skyrim.". - [Trevor] Yeah. - [Shayne] Yeah.

- The abusive narcissist tree. (everyone laughs). - Oh, what kind of build are you doing this run? (everyone laughs). - Stealth narcissist. - The stealth narcissist is crazy. - Oh my god. It's like, oh, crazy. Anyways, I think I'm gonna do a barbarian. (everyone laughs). - Barbarian cheater. - Barbarian cheater. (laughs). - I was just thinking about doing like a mage, but I don't know. - Oh yeah. For sure, dude. - Just a normal one. - Mage Redditor. - Oh yeah, what are you playing as? Oh, so I'm an Argonian cheater right now. (everyone laughs).

All right, we're having fun here. (Trevor laughs). All right, it's time for our final story. - Boo! - And this comes from the subreddit Two Hot Takes. - Whoo! - Shout out to Morgan over at "Two Hot Takes.". Man, good subreddit. People submit some good shit over there. Like this one. "Mother-in-law thinks I am a witch. "because I dressed up as one for Halloween.". - Hot. - [Shayne] Well... (crew laughs). If it's that one episode of "Buffy.". - Hot. - Yeah, it is. Oh yeah. - [Shayne] Yeah.

- And that "Buffy," anyone? - For the few "Buffy" fans out there, - Few? Bro, grow up. It's a lot more than a few. - You telling Shayne to grow up is awesome. - Grow up. That show came out before you were born. - Yeah. So what? So did a lot of great pieces of media. - To be fair, I was also like five years old. when it started, so it's not like I was watching it either. "I married my husband about a year ago, "and we'd been together for about three. "I don't know his parents all too well, "mainly because he had made a point. "to keep a fair amount of distance from them. "But during all the wedding planning and events,

"I thought it would be nice to be closer with them, "especially as both of my parents. "have passed away several years ago. "I encouraged my husband. "to build more of a relationship with them. "However, around the time of the wedding, "I started to see a bunch of red flags. "I generally chalked them up to wedding stress on them. "My husband is their only son. "But after the wedding, "the red flags started getting even bigger. "I was still nothing but kind towards them, "but my husband was frustrated. "and started going low contact with them. "So that's the backstory. "Now on Saturday, "my husband and I went to a friend's birthday party,

"which was Halloween themed and costumes mandatory. "We both got too busy with work, "and at the last minute, "the only costume we could put together. "was him wearing a T-shirt that said, 'I'm with the witch,'. "and me wearing a black dress I already owned. "with a black choker necklace. "That's it, you guys, the extent of our costume. "We took a picture at this party. "and it was put onto socials. "The next day, mother-in-law texts hubby and I a screenshot. "of said picture and writes a message. "about how concerned she is about us. "and that she is praying for us. "I was confused until my husband reminded me.

"of her Karen Christianity. "You know, the kind that gets offended. "if anyone happens to be a different religion, "offended if anyone says 'what the hell,' et cetera.". - Oy. - "My husband then starts getting phone calls. "from random distant and extended family members. "asking if he's okay. "Turns out Karen. "has texted my husband's entire extended family, "uncles, aunts, cousins, all over the country, "the same screenshot of our picture. "with a long five paragraph text. "asking everyone to pray for her son, "that I, her daughter-in-law, am into some dangerous things. "and is a danger to her son.".

- Huh? - "She doesn't spell out her cockamamie belief. "that she thinks I am a witch. "Instead, she says that I am into bad and dangerous things. "and that I'm dragging her son down with me.". - What? - "And she asks everyone to pray for him. "and pray for me too. "Bless her heart for being so generous with her prayers, "for I am but an evil witch. "So of course the extended family members. "assume maybe I'm into drugs or I'm poisoning him.". - Yeah. What? - "Or some other type of abuse. "You can see what this would do for my reputation. "in this extended family. "I text her back and tell her. "that her actions were uncalled for. "and that I will be going no contact.

"with her moving forward. "She responds with, "'Daughter-in-law, we all know you dabble in witchcraft. "'I am only concerned about my son. "'I pray for you both.'. "Husband called his father. "and asked him how he could let her do something like this. "But father-in-law doubled down on Karen's accusations. "So now my husband has gone no contact with his parents too. "I feel like I am in a really bad soap opera. "This isn't real life. "This has to be certifiably insane, right? "Part of me feels like no contact isn't forever. "and that eventually my husband.

"and they will reconnect even if I don't, "which does bother me. "What would you all do in this situation?". Pic of the costume. It's nothing. It's, yeah. - She's got a choker on. And he says, "I'm with the witch.". - Honestly, I'm reserving a very tiny spec of my judgment. here for how low effort that costume is. - Yeah. I mean-. - I have a lot of judgment for the parents and I'm like-. - I was expecting so much more. I was expecting hat, gown, broom, skin painted. - Yeah, you left me wanting more there on the costume. But I'll allow it.

I'll let it slide this time, OP. - This is, you know... I feel like we've brought up a lot of like big Reddit convos. and this is another one of like, another Reddit thing is like no contact. It's like, oh, cut them outta your life. But here's the reality is like a lot of people's parents, it's like they're no contact for a damn good reason. It's like, 'cause they're dangerous to him. Like, they are controlling, they're manipulative, and they are just... Yeah, like, what do you do about this? Like, this is so extreme. - I'm so confused 'cause like what fed into this.

that this one photo decided it? - I think... I mean 'cause he was saying, so where I'm a little frustrated at OP, like a little frustrated. is that she talks about, she's like, "He's very distant from his parents.". - Right. - "So planning up to the wedding, I encouraged him. "to like get his parents back into his life.". - Get connected more, yeah. - Because her parents have passed away. She clearly must have had a good relationship. with her parents, so she's going, "You should too.". It's like, why...

I feel like what they should've. is really had more of a convo of why are you low contact. or almost no contact with your parents? 'Cause this happened very quickly. - Yeah, I think, you know, coming from, you know, not a family like that, but, you know, growing up in Idaho. and around a lot of kind of like conservative. like Christian evangelical type things is like, this is the type of person, if I had to guess, the mother is very Christian and very controlling of her son. or, you know, for whatever reason,

and he goes off to live his life. and, you know, probably like kind of steps away. from that a little bit. And, you know, is now marrying someone who's, if I had to guess, not a Christian. And now she's putting all of that blame. - Yes. - Because in her eyes it's like, oh, that's my perfect Christian son, and this woman, this secular woman has-. - Bad influence. - Come in and ruined him and turned him to the devil. And now maybe this picture on Instagram was enough. for her to be like, all right, here's finally the piece of evidence. that I can send around to everyone and be like,

"See? She's evil. "She's ruining our, "this is, you know, your family member and they're...". And it's just so toxic and awful. And it just comes from, yeah, this very like controlling place. - Like, imagine having to feel like you need. to put out a PR statement for your family, for your bloodline. Like, the fact that a witch picture, a costume photo. It's like, hello, just getting on here to say, I am not a witch. Hey, everyone. Like, where are we in the internet. that people are believing that?

- [Shayne] I know. - And the fact that, so this Karen might be saying some really nasty things. to try and back up this, 'cause it's baseless. It's one photo. - On a smaller note, it's so disrespectful and controlling. for her to do to her son, where she's like my son who is incapable. of living his own life or making his own decisions. I must make the decision for him. - Right. - And tell all our family how they should feel about my son. It's like she's completely taking away his life and agency. - Yeah. - And it's like, this is a fully grown man. Like, this isn't some kid, you know?

Like, just based on the picture, it's like, this is clearly a man who's like, definitely like in his 30s or 40s. It's like-. - [Trevor] Yeah. - Oh my god, you're doing that to him now? Like, she probably was way worse back in the day. - And it's like, and yeah, it's probably. because they got into more contact with everything. And they're probably just regretting it. I don't think necessarily she needs to feel worried. that they're gonna get back close to the family without her. This feels like a- - I don't think. he needs much of an excuse to go no contact with them again.

- I think the biggest red flag is like, I've experienced this where someone will like go around. calling people and just disparaging a person. And like, it's sad that that's happening, obviously. And it's also sad when people just choose to believe that. And like, but, you know, people were texting him saying, "Hey, are you okay? "Like, what's going on?". - They thought something, yeah. - Yeah. so I would hope. that that was them giving them the benefit of the doubt, because it's like, if someone's ever calling around. or calling you just to like talk, just to talk shit about someone, it's a red flag to me.

- And it's so toxic on her part to her entire family. because she's clearly misrepresenting this. and like making them worried, like potentially. Like, you're now adding worry into their life that like, oh, is like something going on? Like, is everything okay? When he's just living his normal life and he is very happy. And now they're like, okay-. - God forbid. - I've spent this time now worrying because she's crazy. and like, yeah, it's just, it's so insane. - Comments. "She was looking for a reason to give you the boot.

"and the costume was the perfect moment. "She seems super toxic. "No wonder why he kept his distance to begin with.". OP said, "You're absolutely right.". Someone said, "Mother-in-law wrote herself out of your lives. "with this one. "I would go no contact until she apologized, "which might be never. "It might be for the best for this to happen now. "over something as trivial and silly as a Halloween costume. "If it wasn't this, it'd be something else eventually.". Someone said, "Your husband knew of his parents' red flags. "and did his best to keep you safe from them. "W hubby.". - W hubby. - W hubby. - W hubby.

- Lastly, someone said, "Dress up as your mother-in-law as a witch. "Side note, if she really thinks you're a witch. "and into dangerous things, why is she messing with you? "Ask her. "Then ask for a lock of hair.". - Ooh! - I actually think after all this, I don't know if I believe the mother. actually believes she's a witch. I think she's just like willing to do whatever she has to. to like-. - Yeah. I think it's like, yeah, she's just controlling. And it's this very like weird, like, I don't know why it is such a thing, but this weird like little mama's boy, like, oh, that's my little precious baby boy. - Boy moms. - And like he can never do any wrong.

And if he doesn't have the perfect girl. that I picked out for him, then I'm just gonna be an evil, awful person to her. - No, that's so real. So what do we think they should dress up next Halloween? Two angels? Change her mind. Trick her. - Torment her. - Angels. - Yeah. - Angels. And they post and they go, "We've gone to heaven.". And she's just like... - Jesus? - Yeah, she should be Jesus. That'll really tick her off. Jesus isn't a woman! (Shayne screeches). (Trevor screeches). - Head explodes.

Well, that was our last story. That was it. - I think witches are awesome. - Yeah. - I do too. - I like witches. - I think so. I love the movie-. - The Wicked Witch of the East, bro. - That one's scary. - "The Vvitch.". - "The Vvitch." - "The Vvitch.". - "The Vvitch" is one of my favorites. - What's the one, what's the midnight margarita one? - [Emily] "Practical Magic.". - "Practical Magic.". - I've never seen "Practical Magic.". Don't tell Amanda. - You've never seen "Practical Magic"? How could you not know what "Practical Magic" is? - You've never seen "Pract-". - I know what "Practical Magic" is. - "Practical Magic" is like the Muhammad Ali.

of witch movies. (everyone laughs). - Good reference. - Nice. Good reference. - Good reference. - Good ref. - Wow. - People are gonna know. what "Reddit Stories" I was watching, (everyone laughs). - I was practicing being with Trevor this morning. by watching a "Reddit Stories" he was in. - It's like, I haven't talked to Trevor in so long. I haven't been in a video with Trevor in so long, I gotta remember what this kid's like. (laughs). - Feels good to be back in here, guys. And just making videos in general. - I'm excited for us to be in our like actual new studio.

- Oh yeah. - It'll be cool. It's gonna be sick. - It's gonna be sick. Hey, stick around. I don't know when the air dates. or like when we'll get new videos. - Stick around. Next up is "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.". (everyone laughs). Anyways. Yeah. All right, this has been chill. - Hey. - Eat mozzarella balls responsibly. - You guys are a couple of green flags to me. - You guys are green flags. - You're a green flag, Trevor. Always have been. - Look, since I know you guys in real life, you guys are green flags. Now I need to see your Reddit history.

- Oh, perfect. Let's go. - Forget about it. - I have one comment. Do you know what it is? It was one where Xbox was down, and there was a whole thread about Xbox being down. and I was like, "It's 3:00 PM and it's still down.". That's my only one. (everyone laughs). - This is real and true, I don't even have a Reddit account. - I don't have a Reddit account. - I've never left a comment. - I've thought about making one. - I have too. - I've thought about making one. and then commenting like on the Smosh Reddit. - Yes. - And just being like, "I see you guys.".

- [Trevor] Yeah. - I'm lurking. I'm always here. - Someone leaves a mean like comment. and you're just like, "You're being a real dork right now.". - I'm not kidding, I've thought about making a Reddit account. and being my biggest hater as a bit. - Yeah. (Shayne laughs). - That's pretty good. - So that people are like, "Who's this guy who hates Shayne?". - Why isn't he banned? - And I would reveal it like years later be like, I was my biggest hater. - And there's a lesson. - And there's a lesson. Not to wax poetic, but aren't we all? Anyways... All right, bye, guys.

- Love you. - [Shayne] See you later. - Bye! - Bye!