College classes can already be stressful enough on their own. Between exams, deadlines, and complicated subjects, many students rely heavily on shared notes, study groups, and classmates who are willing to help everyone get through the semester.
One student thought he was doing exactly that by sharing his detailed organic chemistry notes with friends through a Google Doc. But things took a strange turn when he noticed that one particular person was viewing the document more than anyone else. That person also happened to be his crush. Suddenly, what started as a helpful resource turned into something much more complicated.
Instead of simply letting things play out naturally, he came up with a plan that he thought would help both of them in the long run. Scroll down to see what he decided to do and why the internet had a lot to say about it.
A college student thought sabotage might spark romance
In many relationships, manipulation doesn’t always appear as obvious control or aggression. Instead, it can show up through subtle behaviors that slowly influence how someone thinks, feels, or acts.
According to Psych Central, psychological manipulation often involves words, omissions, or actions intended to control another person’s emotions or decisions. These behaviors can happen in romantic relationships, friendships, family dynamics, or even workplace settings.
One of the most challenging aspects of emotional manipulation is how difficult it can be to recognize. Manipulative tactics are often subtle and gradual, which means a person experiencing them might start questioning their own feelings or reactions rather than the behavior of the other person.
Over time, this can cause confusion, anxiety, and self-doubt. In some cases, individuals may begin to wonder if they are the problem, even when the manipulative behavior comes from someone else.
Psychologists point out several common signs that may indicate manipulation in a relationship. One of them is guilt induction, where someone makes another person feel responsible for their emotions or problems.
For example, a person may express disappointment or sadness in ways that pressure the other person to change their behavior. This tactic often pushes people to prioritize the manipulator’s needs while ignoring their own boundaries.
Another frequent pattern is when someone begins to feel as if they are “walking on eggshells.” In this situation, the individual becomes overly cautious about what they say or do, fearing that it may trigger anger, criticism, or conflict.
As a result, they may start adjusting their behavior simply to avoid negative reactions. Over time, this dynamic can create a stressful emotional environment that affects self-confidence and mental well-being.
Research highlighted by Psych Central also explains that emotional manipulation can include tactics like deceit, gaslighting, or ingratiation. These behaviors may involve hiding the truth, twisting facts, or acting overly helpful in order to gain influence over someone else. In some cases, manipulators attempt to create dependency so the other person feels they must rely on them for support or guidance.
Importantly, not everyone who uses manipulative behaviors does so intentionally. Some people may rely on these patterns because they grew up in environments where such communication styles were common.
Others might struggle with poor communication skills or fear losing control in relationships. However, when manipulation becomes persistent, it can negatively affect emotional health and personal identity.
Recognizing these patterns is an important first step toward building healthier relationships. Experts recommend paying attention to emotional reactions such as guilt, confusion, or constant self-doubt when interacting with certain people.
Establishing clear boundaries, maintaining open communication, and seeking support when necessary can help individuals protect their well-being and maintain more balanced relationships.
Here’s the input from the Reddit crowd:
These Reddit users roasted OP for using creepy manipulation to sabotage a girl’s exam
These commenters called out OP’s behavior as creepy, manipulative, and disrespectful
These Redditors urged OP to simply talk to or tutor the girl instead of sabotaging her
This commenter strongly criticized OP, saying sabotage in a hard class like organic chemistry is unacceptable
This Reddit user mocked OP’s logic with sarcasm, calling the plan manipulative and absurd
This commenter joked that the story sounded like satire rather than a real situation
In the end, the Redditor later admitted he realized his plan was misguided and decided to take the advice from commenters, thankfully, before any exams were sabotaged.
Still, the story sparked a lively debate about crushes, insecurity, and the strange ideas people come up with when nerves take over. Romance can make anyone a little awkward, but most people agree that honesty beats elaborate schemes every time.
What do you think? Was the student simply overthinking his crush, or did his plan cross a serious line? And if you noticed someone constantly using your study notes, how would you break the ice? Share your thoughts below!
