Aibu to ask a pushy friend to stop pushing?

[JingleJangle951]

Friend keeps encouraging / reminding me by text message to recycle things and use less plastic. It was really getting to me as it's been part of my every day life for years. I can improve further, most people can. I got fed up of the encouragements so replied by text saying that I admire what they do but I'm finding the encouragements / reminders pushy/annoying and I'd like them to stop reminding me. Unfortunately I continued to explain why I found it annoying, elaborating on what I do and how I find it to be part of normal life. Yes, now I think I would have been better to shrink the reasons part of the reply. I did say I'm still happy to hear about their recycling successes etc. So, I tried to show my support for their interests.

They responded saying they're sorry I feel this way, and didn't accept / reject / acknowledge their pushiness.

Was I being unreasonable to ask them to stop?
Am I being unreasonable to be disappointed that their apology shifts the blame to my feelings, rather than acknowledging part responsibility for the situation?

Having felt it was reasonable to tell them something they might not want to hear, I'm open to all views. Do point it out if I post a defensive response.

Thank you.
JJ

[FizzyGreenWater]

Reply with: 'I'm sorry too, I can see how hard it must be to acknowledge that you're being pushy. Let's leave it from now on.'

[StickThatInYourPipe]

I think YADNBU it’s really annoying!

You probably have just been cracking on with the same stuff for ages, they have recently jumped in the ‘trendy to be green’ bandwagon and now have become preachers to people who just get on with life!

If they were reinventing the wheel, it would probably be cool, but having different bins and an occasional bike ride instead of car are really not that impressive!

[LastNightsMakeUp]

I’d just leave it at that, if it’s a friend it’ll all blow over. There’s no need to exacerbate things by adding more, or replying with slightly sarcastic undertones.

[LastNightsMakeUp]

...to add. YANBU I’d be complete mystified if any of my friends bombarded me with unsolicited reminders!

[Topseyt]

Odd behaviour from your friend. Far too preachy and evangelical.

I think I would have done as you did, though perhaps a cut down version as you now suggest.

If that doesn't stop them then I would eventually feel obliged to block them.

[TalkinBoutWhat]

Ooh, i like Fizzy's reply!

[Greenyogagirl]

That’s really odd behaviour from your friend! I’m zero waste vegan and have never suggested anything to anybody unless they’ve asked me!

[JingleJangle951]

Thank you everyone. These comments are helpful. Lessons learned by me so far:

• don't dilute my positive messages in my explanations
  
• choose my battles
  
• take a good look in the mirror to reveal where I am too pushy, and use this to improve myself in future
  
• use MN as sanity check before I press send, not after. Wise, anonymous advice is great!
  

Yes, should blow over. If not, it says something about both of us.

[GrannyGrissle]

Good Lord! Ain't nobody got time for that. YANBU.

[MadameGerbil]

If they persist in sending more messages I've found that replying "please unsubscribe" makes the point quite succinctly!

[TheRebel]

They text you to remind you to recycle? Really? Am I the only one that finds that incredibly odd?