diff --git a/crates/core/src/database/posts.rs b/crates/core/src/database/posts.rs
index 0d3f6dd..0e76fa1 100644
--- a/crates/core/src/database/posts.rs
+++ b/crates/core/src/database/posts.rs
@@ -1793,15 +1793,26 @@ impl DataManager {
             // send notification
             if data.owner != rt.owner {
                 let owner = self.get_user_by_id(data.owner).await?;
-                self.create_notification(Notification::new(
-                    "Your post has received a new comment!".to_string(),
-                    format!(
-                        "[@{}](/api/v1/auth/user/find/{}) has commented on your [post](/post/{}).",
-                        owner.username, owner.id, rt.id
-                    ),
-                    rt.owner,
-                ))
-                .await?;
+
+                // make sure we're actually following the person we're commenting to
+                // we shouldn't send the notif if we aren't, because they can't see it
+                // (only if our profile is private)
+                if !owner.settings.private_profile
+                    | self
+                        .get_userfollow_by_initiator_receiver(data.owner, rt.owner)
+                        .await
+                        .is_ok()
+                {
+                    self.create_notification(Notification::new(
+                        "Your post has received a new comment!".to_string(),
+                        format!(
+                            "[@{}](/api/v1/auth/user/find/{}) has commented on your [post](/post/{}).",
+                            owner.username, owner.id, rt.id
+                        ),
+                        rt.owner,
+                    ))
+                    .await?;
+                }
 
                 if !rt.context.comments_enabled {
                     return Err(Error::NotAllowed);