A woman on TikTok may be paving the way for people who have been betrayed in the past to try to make sure it never happens again.
In a video, Jessica Stricklin (@betrayedbestie) shared her journey of healing after experiencing betrayal in her previous marriage. What struck a chord with viewers was Stricklin's "non-negotiable"—a polygraph test—that her current partner willingly agreed to as part of their journey to build trust and a deep connection. Stricklin, 26, spoke to Newsweek about how her now-husband's response shaped her ability to trust him.
"I was so traumatized by finding out about my ex-husband's infidelity...that one of my non-negotiables for my future partner was for them to take a polygraph test before I'd ever marry them," she captioned the video. "Tyler said he completely understood and would absolutely do that if it made me feel more secure."
Stricklin's story began when she discovered her ex-husband had been unfaithful before their wedding. The revelation even came through blackmail, which left Stricklin feeling "dehumanized" and grappling with the aftermath, she said.
The experience forced her to confront her trust issues head-on—and it became clear to her that she needed to set boundaries in her future relationships to protect her well-being.
"I would've never said 'I do' had I known what he'd done," Stricklin said of her ex-husband. "I decided to be really intentional about the type of man that I would allow into my life, so I made a list of 30 non-negotiables for my future partner. Number 30 was 'Would be willing to do a polygraph before marriage.'"
Her current partner, who will soon become her husband, embraced this boundary fully.
"It meant so much that he was willing to do that," Stricklin said.
People in the comments on Stricklin's video were surprised at her demands, but others understood.
"That sounds insane...and I'm pretty crazy myself over here," one person wrote.
"The point is that someone who loves you will go the extra mile to make sure you feel secure. They will earn your trust not just expect it," another wrote.
Did He Take the Test?
Stricklin said that although her partner agreed to the test, with time and healing, she didn't feel it was needed anymore.
"As I'd obviously progressed in my healing journey and we progressed into our relationship, it was no longer needed. I trust him and myself completely," she said.
Stricklin said she's learned that while some people might go to great lengths to hide the truth, others are equally committed to proving their trustworthiness. Her experience taught her that a genuine partner doesn't feel punished by the need for trust-building—they actively work to restore it.
"Some men care so deeply about you and would do anything to rectify the damage of your past and give you a secure future," she said. "This new level of love, consideration and safety I've experienced is the exact opposite of my prior relationship."
In light of her experience, Stricklin has become a betrayal and breakup coach, offering support and guidance to others navigating similar situations. She has seen firsthand how betrayal trauma can be transformative, empowering individuals to redefine what they deserve in their relationships.
"Betrayal trauma is a portal of possibility to become your best self," she said. "When your life shatters in pieces on the ground, you do not have to pick those same pieces back up. You can choose to fill your life with new, better pieces and create a new vision for yourself."
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