I’m not sure whether I’m completely misunderstanding a certain friend (either by WA or in person), or whether she’s in the early stages of dementia, or whether she’s actually playing some kind of mind game designed to make me her voice and develop her judgmental comments. So I thought I’d put it to Mumsnet to see whether anyone had experienced anything similar.
One of my friends - an acquaintance who has evolved into a friend who I see in person now and then on an organised walk, and also who I WA within between book club meetings - can be quite critical of other people. Our conversations are always in between ourselves. Being a bit of a people pleaser, I sometimes add a supporting comment to her criticisms, whereupon she will say ‘I don’t know what you mean!’ or ‘That sounds quite crititical’, leaving me feeling put down and wondering what on earth is going on. The lead-in always comes from her, yet I’m left standing there like the bad guy. I wish I’d just shut up and not said anything. I would stress the conversation is just between ourselves and as far as I’m aware nobody overhears.
Has anyone experienced anything similar to this?