Old friend randomly blocked me

These are likely the same people who complain they have no friends and people don't bother anymore. 😄

OP, it doesn't sound like you can take a hint. The hint is that she hasn't replied to your additional message. There could be many reasons for this, none of which matter at the end of the day. It is sad when you realise friendships have run their course, but I wouldn't spend too much time being upset over this or worrying about bumping into her. If the latter happens, just say hello, ask how she is and go about your day. It doesn't have to be a big deal.

OP's old friend evidently.

You sound unhinged.

People on mumsnet are strange OP. Who wouldn't be happy to hear from an old friend?

I’ve had it a couple of times when old ‘friends’ have popped up.

My life has moved on. If we were really good friends they wouldn’t have disappeared from my life.

I’ve become old and fat so no longer want to try and rekindle a lifetime past.

It’s quite intense to have called her mum, especially if you weren’t even that close.

I would wonder why someone I used to go clubbing with had got in touch; and I’m assuming you are male so would be assuming some mid life crises/ fantasy going on…

They’ve sent a civil response but clearly no interest in reviving an old friendship, it’s weird you’re putting so much focus on it tbh. It suggests they’ve made the right call not to engage with you.

You aren't blocked. She just hasn't read your message.

Why is the onus on her to indulge you with vague, non commital responses in the hopes you take the hint? You reach out she responded politely but gave no indication she wanted to meet up. You messaged again and suggested it but she didn’t want to go any further with this.

Not rude at all IMO or hurtful. It’s been twenty years she owes you nothing and it’s OTT to be so upset about it.

I had a guy friend pop up on a Facebook message after about 20 years. I responded politely but then got lots of “hey remember when we got up to this” type messages came through along with “bet you were hoping that wouldn’t get mentioned again ha ha ha”. I blocked after that, I don’t need some cringey revisit of my misspent youth!

Wow, you sound nice 🤣

How do you have the time and headspace for this?

I’m around your age and that’s what I would think if a blast from the past popped up wanting to meet up.

I wouldn't be happy if my mother gave my phone number to someone I knew socially decades ago. I would feel I had nothing to say to someone I wasn't even very close to that randomly messaged me.

I wonder if she was happy to say hi, but just didn't want to fully dredge up a friendship you have both been content to drop for decades?

If I'm honest any message starting "This is a blast from the past" would make me nervous, and I don't even have anything to be nervous about! I wonder what you were really hoping would come of it? Contacting her mum suggests a bit more commitment than just seeing her on Facebook and sending a quick message.

Have you been thinking back to your fun filled youth and hoping to get some of that spark back? Are there people in your current life who are a good laugh, that you could do more fun stuff with?

I think that's a bit harsh. The mum remembered OP. If nothing amiss had happened why is it creepy to get in touch?

Perhaps better to pass on your number but live and learn.

Are you M or F?

She responded in a nice way, but may just not have the capacity to pick up an old friendship and reminisce at the minute and it's not really easy to refuse politely

Is this 2 women?

It's a shame. But tbh her mum shouldn't really have given out her number, not should you have asked. In this circumstance I have always volunteered my details and said please do pass them on, love to hear from her etc.
But giving out people's numbers, even to friend from the past, is a bit out of order. I guess that might be partly the reason?
It's clear you were just reaching out in a friendly way so it's nothing personal against you I'd imagine. I'd be a little peeved if my mum gave out my number to someone and they contacted me after many years with 'surprise!' it might be a little too much of a surprise.

You were totally in the wrong for phoning her mum, who does that? Really weird.

Then when you did speak with her mum you should have passed on your number not ask for hers. I’d feel totally creeped out by any old acquaintance who did that.

I’m surprised she replied to you let alone civilly. An instant block is what I’d have done and asked my mum to do the same.

I blocked someone I used to know well in the 1980's. I'd posted on facebook about moving to the coast and she decided to invite herself and her numerous grandchildren to come and stay. I worked out that we hadn't actually seen each other in person for more than 30 years. I didn't want to host her and a bunch of children I have never met for a freebie holiday by the sea. She sure as shit didn't want to come and stay when I lived in Manchester.

This, and I agree with @Trickabrick’s point, too. I’d be unimpressed if my mother wasn’t saying ‘Sure, give me your number and I’ll pass it on’ and was giving out mine.

It's totally fine not to want to rekindle a friendship from the past that's been over for decades. She was perfectly pleasant in her response, but you were way too full on with your follow up. I'm not surprised she's backed right off.