She’s not really my friend is she?

[Cabbageandpeas]

It’s my birthday today. WhatsApp group messages this morning sending birthday wishes etc. I said thanks and that we were looking forward to watching the football! I sent a cheery photo of my football-themed birthday cake which my mum had made. I have 2 boys who really like football too - and are really really excited.

One of my friends messaged the WhatsApp group about 5 minutes into the match and said : “can’t believe you’re watching it. Football is disgusting sport. All supporters are awful. Disgrace to the country etc” She won’t let it drop.

I just … don’t understand. I’m not supporting thugs, I’m just enjoying a sport with my kids! She hasn’t acknowledged it’s my birthday, just laid into me for watching a football match.

Am I being stupid here, or is she being pretty unkind?

I agree with her, but I refrain from expressing it to known football fans on their birthdays during Euro finals.

@Figmentofimagination

Firstly Happy Birthday!

I hate people like this who's opinion is more important than anyone else's. You should be doing whatever you want for your birthday, and fuck anyone else who think they know better.

I've had similar messages from a friend in a group chat today but about the opposite as it's also my birthday. She asked me what I had planned, so I told her. She asked if I watching the football and I said no as it doesn't interest me.

Apparently I'm miserable as it's a huge national event that hasn't happened in a long time and not in our lifetime, and I should be celebrating. I should let my 4yo stay up late to watch (not a chance, he gets cranky around 6:30ish), and spend my birthday celebrating with everyone else.

I've told her no twice, she's not let up so I'm now ignoring her comments about football. I will discuss anything else but football is off the table. I've had a lovely day with my family and now my husband is watching in the next room, whilst I read and drink gin. A nice relaxing way to end the day.

Oh happy birthday to you too! Tbh, the match is quite tense - sitting quietly and drinking gin sounds quite appealing at this stage!!

The context of what she is saying would make me wonder if she was a bit unwell so I would let it go. Maybe I’d just say something like “each to their own - have a good evening”

@Cabbageandpeas it also helps that I've been eating a Jammie Dodger Blondie from my favourite bakery (after having cake for lunch as well 😂)

Enjoy the rest of your birthday and your cake.

Has she maybe not read the rest of today’s messages?

Or does she has form for being nasty?

Bleddy fun sponges.

Happy Birthday! 💐
Tell her you’re peed off that she thinks you’re a thug but as it’s your birthday you’ll pop round and kick her bins over after the match!
PS I hate footie but my adult children are watching it, they hate tennis but I watched that. Each to their own.

Is she in a relationship? Any possibility she's scared? Any history of being nasty to you?

Hi @Cabbageandpeas she sounds a bit shit, tbh. Happy Birthday for yesterday! 🎁🧁🎂🧁🎁 It was my birthday too, and the same group of friends who insist upon big birthday do’s forgot entirely about mine… again. Except for the nicest but weakest member of the bunch who sent me a message on facebook 🎆🎇🎆 Big whoop. I’m busy for the rest of the year. (I’m in Australia, so they can’t even blame the football.)

Happy Birthday!!

I would just enjoy your birthday with your family doing what you want !!

Does she have a history of being like that or is it unusual behaviour ?

She sounds unpleasant

'Good job you aren't in our house then ;) '

Thanks for your kind comments! They have helped me feel a bit better. She’s got a partner now, but she has had difficult relationships in the past so it’s possible that it’s very triggering for her. Certainly it’s made her very angry (she’s still shouting about it now, long after anyone else has given up trying to keep chat neutral) but I’m keeping quiet.
And happy birthday to those also celebrating this weekend!

Was she drunk or on some other mind-bending substance OP?

Someone to gradually fade out of your life perhaps?

Also (belated) Happy Birthday!! 🍷 🎁🌹