If communication is the glue that holds relationships together, then lack of it is the wedge that drives them apart, turning even a simple phone call into a standoff.

A simple offer of support during a phone call set off a chain reaction, leading to silence, slammed doors, and unspoken resentment.

You’ll want to read on for this one.

AITA for trying to help my BF prepare for a call from a recruiting agency, and he blew up at me?

My BF was returning a call from a recruiting agency.

He was lying down, so I asked if he wanted to sit up to be more prepared.

In the past, the boyfriend seems to have appreciated help with his job search.

In the past, he had just handed over the phone to me when he didn’t know what to say.

I had helped with that application, so I knew about the agency and explained a bit about them since it didn’t seem like he was going to sit up.

What if the call got serious?

But this time, he was having none of it.

He suddenly exploded, saying I made him feel unprepared, and hung up.

I apologized, and even a second time as well, but he stayed upset and didn’t move on.

Tensions continued well into the evening.

Later, I asked if he wanted oatmeal and added, “or not,” which he claimed was petty and weird.

That led to a back and forth about how he thought I didn’t know who the caller was, so why did I ask him that, even though the answering machine stated the company name?

I could have let it go, but I didn’t force him to do anything, so I don’t get why he exploded at me.

He just couldn’t seem to let it go.

I was planning to go to the gym and realized I was locked out, so I chased him down to ask for the keys, but he ignored me and left.

Later, he tried making small talk, but I kept my responses short because I was still hurt.

AITA?

A little communication would have gone a long way here.

Let’s see what Reddit had to say.

The boyfriend is exhibiting some seriously concerning behavior.

This situation has multiple layers to it.

Make no mistake, this couple’s problem solving skills need a lot of work.

Sometimes it’s helpful to look at something from your partner’s point of view.

She wanted to talk about it, but he wanted to stew in silence.

Unfortunately, neither of these approaches get the couple anywhere close to where they want to be.

If you enjoyed that story, read this one about a mom who was forced to bring her three kids with her to apply for government benefits, but ended up getting the job of her dreams.