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AIBU?

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Original poster

To feel like I’m 13 again feeling excluded?

129 replies

ScullyD · 04/06/2026 04:52

I decided to go back to uni as a mature student last year. I won’t go into detail in case of recognition but it’s something where at the end of it I hoped I might meet like minded people to set up a company with if I was lucky.

I met lots of people I get on with casually, but two in particular I hit it off with, Robin and Kay. We became close friends. A few months ago we had a group assessment and Robin asked me to work with her, Kay and 3 other women were friends with. We were all aligned on our pitch and got a high mark, and said we should make the idea a reality after graduation.

Now it turns out Kay and Robin have launched their own company doing exactly what I hoped and I’m gutted. Other people on the course sent lots of good luck etc messages to the group chat we’re on when they announced it and I noticed that none of the other women from the original assessment said anything either. So I’m assuming they also feel left out.

AIBU to question whether I want to remain close after this? Am I being pathetic? Maybe I’m being petty but it’s showed me we’re not that close and would’ve loved to be part of it. Unless I’m prepared to support them while being upset and leaving my pride out of it…

OP posts:
Original poster
ScullyD · 04/06/2026 05:07

@SalmonOnFinnCrisp will likely be harder solo and not just financially. I’m not ruling out if it’s the only option.

OP posts:
Original poster
ScullyD · 04/06/2026 05:06

TheTortiePuffinNeedsHerBreakfast · 04/06/2026 04:58

I can see why that stings, but is there any reason you can't do similar with the other women from the group? Set up your own version if some or all of them are keen? Robin and Kay don't have exclusive rights to do this, and you don't owe them any loyalty.

I had really hoped and thought I would have done it with them if anyone and they are the people I would’ve chosen to do this with. You mention others, I’m not sure for now.

I do find myself wondering why they didn’t ask me and yes it does sting. I find it hard to imagine keeping up friendships with them when being a good friend will be showing an active interest in how this is going for them. Hard to do when I wanted to be part of it.

OP posts:
SalmonOnFinnCrisp · 04/06/2026 05:04

Whats stopping you doing the same either solo or with some of the 3 others?

I'd also say from a business context being mates isnt always helpful.

Fwiw I wasnt a mature student. You sound way closer to your classmates than I ever was

TheTortiePuffinNeedsHerBreakfast · 04/06/2026 04:58

I can see why that stings, but is there any reason you can't do similar with the other women from the group? Set up your own version if some or all of them are keen? Robin and Kay don't have exclusive rights to do this, and you don't owe them any loyalty.