Your partner should be the first person you go to in almost any situation. Whether you’re elated, terrified or exhausted, you should feel confident that they’ll be able to provide exactly what you need.
But when one woman watched her boyfriend refuse to offer help during a medical emergency at a restaurant, she started to wonder if she would be able to rely on him in the future.
Below, you’ll find the full story that the man recently shared in the Relationship Advice subreddit, as well as a conversation between Bored Panda and Nia Williams, Relationship Therapist and Life Coach from Miss Date Doctor.
This man was enjoying dinner with his fiancé when an elderly patron at the restaurant suddenly passed out
Image credits: shotprime / envato (not the actual photo)
He later found himself in hot water with his partner for failing to offer medical assistance
Image credits: LightFieldStudios / envato (not the actual photo)
Image credits: ThrowRastairs5
“Helping others in emergencies often speaks to empathy, compassion, and a sense of duty—qualities that are highly valued in a partner”
To gain more insight into this situation, we got in touch with London Celebrity Therapist Nia Williams from Miss Date Doctor, who was kind enough to share her thoughts with Bored Panda.
First, we asked the expert why it was so important to this woman that her partner would be willing to help a stranger in an emergency. “It’s natural for people to want to feel safe and secure with their partners, especially in situations that involve potential danger or distress,” Nia says.
“The woman in this scenario likely saw her fiancé’s willingness—or lack thereof—to help a stranger in need as a reflection of his overall character and how he might respond in future emergencies, even those that could directly involve her,” she explained. “Helping others in emergencies often speaks to empathy, compassion, and a sense of duty—qualities that are highly valued in a partner.”
We were also curious about the woman’s decision to stay with her parents temporarily, and whether or not having space from her partner would be helpful for their relationship.
“Taking some space can be incredibly beneficial when dealing with significant relationship issues,” Nia shared. “It allows both individuals to reflect on their feelings, evaluate the relationship’s strengths and weaknesses, and consider whether their needs are being met.”
“A sincere apology, coupled with a commitment to be more proactive and empathetic in future situations, could go a long way”
“Time apart can provide clarity and prevent hasty decisions made in the heat of the moment. It also gives both partners the opportunity to miss each other, which can reignite their connection and encourage productive conversations upon reuniting,” the expert says.
Nia also shared some wise words for the man on how he may be able to repair his relationship. “He should start by acknowledging his fiancé’s feelings and validating her concerns. A sincere apology, coupled with a commitment to be more proactive and empathetic in future situations, could go a long way,” she noted.
“It might also be helpful for them to have an open discussion about their expectations in emergencies and other critical scenarios. If both are willing, couples counseling could provide a neutral space to explore these issues deeper and rebuild trust,” the therapist added.
“Ultimately, this situation underscores the importance of communication and understanding in relationships. Both partners need to feel heard and supported, especially when values and expectations are tested,” Nia says. “If they can navigate this challenge together, it could strengthen their bond and prepare them for future challenges.”
We would love to hear your thoughts on this situation below, pandas. Would you have been upset if you were in the woman’s shoes? Feel free to weigh in. Then, if you’d like to read another Bored Panda article discussing relationship issues, look no further than right here.
Later, the author responded to a couple of comments from readers
Many readers took the woman’s side and called out the nurse for refusing to step in
However, some thought that the man was not obligated to offer help
