"I have no partner or husband to spoil or support me: you are so privileged""

[Motherofgorgons]

What would you think if someone said this to you repeatedly in several different ways at every meeting?

I think she is clumsily trying to take ownership of being late forties and single. My SIL does the same. It's not meant with any mal-intent but because some small-minded but loud corners of modern society fucking stupidly label middle-aged, single and childfree women somehow as having "failed' they overcompensate with excessive self-deprecation. Ridiculous that these people are made to feel this way. I would move forward with a friendship and she won't feel the need to draw attention to her situation.

I'd think she was unhappy.

I've fairly recently been widowed. Day to day I'm OK, I have a good life and an active social life, but it did hit me recently that for the big birthday I have coming up, there's no one to organise any treats for me. I can sort something out for myself, but it's not the same.

She's having a dig at you. I wouldn't want to hear stuff like this. How does she know your partner isn't an arse?
(I'm not suggesting for one moment that he is!!) 😉

Thanks everyone for your feedback. Will give it some thought. @TheReddestJohansson and @DetailMouse I have taken particular note of what you have said because I do not think she means any malice. Some of this definitely has to do with the pandemic.

She is manipulative and jealous of you. Sad.