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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to think my friend keeps undermining my marriage?

207 replies

suziequeue1 · 02/04/2026 12:47

I don’t know if I’m explaining this properly, but it’s got to the point where I leave conversations with her feeling really irritated and slightly put down, and I’m starting to wonder if I’m overreacting or if it actually is as off as it feels.
For context my friend got married 2 months ago and I've been married 5 years, but even before that she’s always had a bit of a “know it all” streak. Recently though it’s turned into what feels like constant, subtle digs at my husband and my relationship.
It’s never outright rude, but it’s very consistent and always framed as a comparison. For example, I mentioned my husband wants to buy me my dream bag when I give birth, and she said “I find that really weird, it would be nicer if he bought you gold.” Not awful in isolation, but it’s the tone.
I said he’s going away for a month for work because he’ll be getting paid double, and she immediately said “I can’t believe he would leave you when you’re pregnant.” I explained I encouraged him to go as we need the money and I’m fine, and she just gave me a look and said “my husband would never do that.”
She does this a lot - frames everything as “my husband would never…” or implies her relationship is somehow stronger. She was talking about being worried about her in-laws and I said sometimes they say things when your husband isn’t there (as that’s happened to me), and she said “well they know my husband is my best friend and I tell him everything so they wouldn’t dare.” It just felt like a dig, as if to suggest me and DH aren’t close?
What I find odd is she’s actually told me quite negative things about her own husband (e.g. him not wanting her out past a certain time), but then she reframes it as “protective” and uses it to make comments about mine like “I know your husband is less protective” or even “maybe your husband isn’t as dominant” when I mentioned a disagreement I had.
It’s that kind of comment that really doesn’t sit right with me. It feels quite undermining and honestly a bit disrespectful, but because it’s said in a casual way I don’t know if I’m making it into a bigger deal than it is.
Another example that didn’t sit right with me... before she got married she told me she struggles with anger. I opened up and said I used to as well, and therapy really helped me, especially early in my marriage as I had to learn to handle disagreements better (my husband has always been very calm and patient).
Instead of engaging with that, she kept insisting she “wouldn’t have that issue” because her husband is amazing and she only has issues with her family. It felt like she completely missed the point and turned it into another comparison about husbands, which is something she does a lot.
It’s also the fact it’s so frequent now- almost every conversation ends up with some sort of comparison or comment about my husband/relationship.
AIBU to feel like this is actually quite off behaviour? Or am I being too sensitive?

OP posts:
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notacooldad · 08/04/2026 08:29

All that negativity would wear me down.
I prefer to have joyful friendships and if she was part of my friendship group I'd be fading her out to be honest!

ChocolateAddictAlways · 05/04/2026 00:24

cucumber4745 · 03/04/2026 19:21

My sister does that not just re partners/exes but her in general. I always took it as thinking she is “superior” and just responded with “good for you”. We barely speak now due to her making it all about her and no support/empathy.

I would distance myself from that “friend” it sounds toxic and exhausting

The "good for you" response is excellent because it effectively shuts down the conversation and often throws a self absorbed person...they're expecting a response, they're searching your for expressions looking for that response and I think they go nuts when they can't get a rise out of you. I have found it helpful myself in dealing with a "me me me" colleague/acquaintance

Allonthesametrain · 04/04/2026 23:36

Sorry but I switched off at the bit of a desired (probably designer) handbag and gold while talking about babies!

While you may be the lesser of need to want and justify what's of materialistic importance, such a sad conversation to have.

Guess I don't have friends like this because I wouldn't choose them. Also, wouldn't expect a pre determined reward of a BAG! Much rather the treat to be breakfast in bed, a spa day, cash to treat myself.

FunCrab · 04/04/2026 13:02

suziequeue1 · 02/04/2026 13:03

I think maybe I didn’t explain properly, it’s not that I feel my marriage is in any real danger or that I’m insecure about it. It’s more that this friend has a pattern of making repeated comparative comments about my husband and our relationship, often implying hers is somehow “better”, I’m just curious if other people would also find that off or exhausting, because it feels a bit disrespectful to me even though I know she probably doesn’t intend to be malicious.

This sounds a bit like 'Married at First Sight' happening off screen.
Have a look if you don't follow.
Have you both got nothing better to talk about?
Bin her or change your approach to her.
If you engage with her on this you will doubt yourself.
Your marriage is your business and if it works for both of you then enjoy every moment and consider your good fortune.
This friend brings no positive energy to you move on!

MellersSmellers · 04/04/2026 12:27

Yes I would find it wearing and would probably want to put some distance between myself and that person. Def once you have your baby.
It's indicative of something though. Like she's a bit disappointed in her marriage and would perhaps like a relationship more like yours, or that she's in a two-month glow which will without doubt wear off when the reality of the humdrum kicks in.

WildLeader · 04/04/2026 11:55

suziequeue1 · 02/04/2026 13:11

I do say something back eg with the protective comment, I did say 'my husband is protective but he trusts me so he doesn't really care what time I'm out until' and she will generally just give a look and change topic

Nice one.

next time go a bit deeper

”with respect Friend, you’ve been married weeks and have a curfew… my husband working away for double the pay is totally understandable and shows a huge amount of trust and responsibility. Stop commenting on my marriage until you know what you’re talking about”

Hohumitsreallyallthereis · 04/04/2026 11:20

I would spend less time with her

JoBrandsCleaner · 04/04/2026 08:28

Ooh what bag are you getting? 😺
also what WheretheFishesareFrightening
said, if you can be bothered, although I think I’d just see less of her jealous people are tedious.

BlokeyMcBlokersonVonMannSplainHeim · 04/04/2026 07:11

YANBU. In this aspect of your dealings with her, this friend isn't acting like a friend at all. The clear pattern of adversarial behaviour is appalling. Whether or not her redeeming features make her friendship truly worth it, I think you need to call her out on this issue. Sit her down or acquaint her with this thread. It will be a necessary test of her friendship. Just my 2c, but to try to put this on you as some commenters have done just seems nuts.

TheYetty · 04/04/2026 06:50

I am 64 years old and realise what comes out of mouths is mostly rubbish.
Have respect for yourself. Stay away, delete and block.

wellstopdoingitthen · 03/04/2026 23:30

Your friend sounds like she is trying to convince herself that she has a wonderful husband. He sounds rather controlling to me.

A pp suggestion of replying to these comments with “what do you mean by that?” And “is everything ok with you?” Could be useful.

OtherS · 03/04/2026 21:13

If she's a good friend and this is fairly new behaviour, I think you should maybe be more concerned than annoyed. It may be that she's trying to convince herself that her husband's behaviour is fine, and just a sign of how much he adores her. As in, she wanted to go out but her husband ordered her not to, so she's trying to reframe it as he's just so in love with her that he's overprotective, rather than that this is worrying controlling behaviour. The good news is that if this is the case, her desperate attempt to convince herself her marriage is great is a good sign, as it shows she knows something's off. If you get into a one-upmanship situation where you're both trying to prove you have the better relationship and your respective husband loves you the most, it'll make it a lot harder for her if she ever needs to ask for help. Plus, it's hardly a dignified way for two presumably grown women to behave.

PS If this is not new behaviour and she's always been a bit like this, then she's just insecure. Silence and pitying smiles will probably work best.

Coclare · 03/04/2026 20:24

namechangeabc123 · 03/04/2026 18:12

OP I’ve got a friend who is doing this to me as well, and she also makes subtle digs about my clothes. I had a think about whether I wanted to continue the friendship and I have decided for the time being that I do, but i made the decision to see less of her. If she crosses the line too far I’ll stop seeing her, but for the time being I see her as someone to do nice things with like shopping or spa days. I don’t trust her as much now though, so I would never share anything personal with her. I try to keep our conversations light.
There are a lot of jealous friends out there and I think that’s what it comes down to.

There really isn’t a lot of jealous friends out there - and if you keep this one she is taking up the space that could be filled by someone else who you would have a much more fulfilling, respectful, authentic and reciprocal relationship with. Your future self is missing out by allowing this ‘bed blocker’ to stay in place.

BeddysMum · 03/04/2026 19:54

I used to have a "friend" like this. She is not your friend. She is a passive aggressive frenemy. Don't be fooled!

LeopardStar1 · 03/04/2026 19:52

WheretheFishesareFrightening · 02/04/2026 12:55

Well it screams that she’s insecure in her marriage. But be nonchalantly defensive back:

”Well I’m just glad my husband knows me well enough to buy the bag I want instead of the gold I don’t”
”Isn’t it weird that your husband wouldn’t do his best to provide for his family when they need it most! I’m glad mine does.”
”I’ve found in laws aren’t always that perceptive to realise we tell each other everything!”
“Oh there’s a fine line between protective and controlling, my husband will tell me if he’s concerned but totally accepts I’m my own person and I can make my own decisions about how late I’m out!”
”Are you okay with your DH being so dominating, I don’t think I could cope without my independence”

I suspect it’ll be a bit exhausting at first, but hopefully she’ll realise her way isn’t the only way, or get bored of hearing how great your DH is and shut up.

Brilliant responses ♥️

User33538216 · 03/04/2026 19:47

suziequeue1 · 02/04/2026 14:09

I don’t drive, I can take public transport easily but my appointment aligned with the time she goes to work so I asked for a favour bc that's what we do for each other, but honestly it’s all smooth and manageable and I’m not far along in my pregnancy. The bag is something my husband wants to gift me after the birth, so it’s not about “why now,” just a personal gift.
I’m definitely not envious of her marriage- most of what she’s shared about it has been things I personally would not want, and I try to be supportive and uplifting.

The bag is a lovely gift OP. It doesn’t need to be something gold and sparkly - just something you would love.

My husband bought me a designer watch I’d had my eye on and some new pillows when I had our daughter - it can be anything you want it to be.

Sartre · 03/04/2026 19:36

So she’s very obviously miserable and insecure. Stable, happy people don’t do shit like this.

cucumber4745 · 03/04/2026 19:21

My sister does that not just re partners/exes but her in general. I always took it as thinking she is “superior” and just responded with “good for you”. We barely speak now due to her making it all about her and no support/empathy.

I would distance myself from that “friend” it sounds toxic and exhausting

Tuesdayschild50 · 03/04/2026 19:13

She sounds Insecure and unhappy.
I'd ask her and say is everything ok with you only you keep making comparisons like everything is a competition.
Shall we have some space .. would wind me up .

PolkaDotPorridge · 03/04/2026 19:05

This woman is NOT your friend. Google frenemy. Then get rid of her pronto.

Frillysweetpea · 03/04/2026 19:02

I pity her, really. She sounds like she has a controlling husband and no identity beyond that of Stepford wife. People who are psychologically secure can handle being with people who think and behave differently from themselves. She sounds very insecure and anxious and so lacking in insight that she has to put you and your husband down to make herself feel better. I can't stand being around people like this because they have very little capacity to genuinely care for others.

Coloursingreydays · 03/04/2026 18:53

Are you two from the same cultural background? Your friend & you I mean

MMUmum · 03/04/2026 18:41

suziequeue1 · 02/04/2026 13:01

I forgot another comment she made recently about his personality- she was saying how a “husband should be serious” and that she wouldn’t want someone “constantly joking around,” then added “I know your husband is quite jokey but I think the husband should be the serious one.” Again, not outright nasty, but it’s the constant tone of comparison

Sounds more like she is covering up and justifying her husband being controlling and domineering, she's justifying her husband not being as kind and caring as yours. I'd feel.sorry for her tbh

namechangeabc123 · 03/04/2026 18:12

OP I’ve got a friend who is doing this to me as well, and she also makes subtle digs about my clothes. I had a think about whether I wanted to continue the friendship and I have decided for the time being that I do, but i made the decision to see less of her. If she crosses the line too far I’ll stop seeing her, but for the time being I see her as someone to do nice things with like shopping or spa days. I don’t trust her as much now though, so I would never share anything personal with her. I try to keep our conversations light.
There are a lot of jealous friends out there and I think that’s what it comes down to.

ChocolateAddictAlways · 03/04/2026 18:02

I think there are lots of alarm bells here OP. A more grown up person may suggest discussing it to clear the air but honestly, I would just back away from this friendship.

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