Hey everyone,

So, this is a bit of a long story. I (28F) have been friends with "Jess" (30F) for over a decade. We’ve been through a lot together, and I consider her one of my closest friends. However, a few months ago, she started talking about this new wellness community she had joined, and I initially thought it was great—she seemed happier, more centered, and was even doing yoga and meditation. Who wouldn’t want that, right?

But as time went on, she started to become increasingly obsessed with this group, let's call it "X." At first, I didn’t think much of it. I mean, we’ve all had friends who get really into wellness trends. But then things started to get a little bizarre. Jess began to promote the group fervently, calling it a "transformational experience" and insisting that everyone join her for their retreats and seminars.

One day, she invited me to one of their gatherings, and my curiosity got the better of me—I decided to go. I walked into this beautiful space where everyone seemed super positive and welcoming, but there was a strange intensity in the air. They had this charismatic leader—let's call him "Master Y"—who spoke in riddles and had everyone hanging onto his every word.

During the event, I got increasingly uneasy. They were pushing this idea of “letting go of the ego” but simultaneously promoting a tight-knit community that strongly discouraged questioning their teachings. I decided to leave midway through the session, and once outside, I called Jess to tell her how I felt. She brushed me off, saying I just didn’t understand the experience yet.

After that, Jess got more involved and began isolating herself from her old friends. I would invite her out, and she would decline, saying she was “too busy working on herself.” It felt like I was losing my friend to this group, and I couldn’t stay silent. So, I brought it up. I expressed my concern that the group seemed manipulative and that I was worried about her mental health.

To my shock, she got furious and accused me of being unsupportive and closed-minded. I was taken aback and honestly shocked that she would prioritize this group over our friendship, but I figured maybe it was just a phase.

Fast forward a few weeks, I find out from another mutual friend that some members of the group had been engaging in questionable activities, including financial exploitation and a structure where they put all their resources into the cult. I felt it was my duty to tell Jess what I had heard, so I reached out again. But this time, I was met with an icy reception. She told me I was spreading lies and that I needed to “let go of my judgment.”

I felt terrible—she’s my friend, and I was genuinely concerned. So, I made the tough decision to distance myself. I unfollowed her on social media and stopped reaching out. This led to her sending me long messages about how I was abandoning her during her time of growth, but I felt like I had no choice.

The final blow came when I was invited to a wedding of a mutual friend. Jess showed up with a group of people from X, and it was surreal. She was wearing flowing robes and had this serene smile that felt so foreign. She approached me during the reception, and I could barely recognize her. She told me that she had found "true enlightenment" and that she hoped I’d soon join her. I couldn’t even muster a response.

Now I’m sitting here feeling like I might’ve ruined our friendship for a reason that was trivial to her but serious to me. But I also feel like I did the right thing by stepping back from a situation that felt toxic. AITA for cutting ties with Jess when she became part of a cult?

Thanks for reading!