Fb: what would you do?

[MynameisML]

Recently sent a friend request to two old friends from high school. We had been Fb friends before but I deleted my profile years ago and come back.
One has accepted and interacted with me, very lovely. I was about to message the second friend to tell her about how much I appreciated her kindness to me during high school - I had a difficult time back then and she was one of the few people who were nice to me.

But I just checked and she has rejected my request.

It was a very long time ago and I’m more sentimental than most people. Equally though I worry I was not as nice to her as she was to me (but I really don’t remember).

Would you still send the message anyway?

I’m concerned about having some self respect vs expressing my appreciation. You probably get the gist…

She looks like a lovely person plus has lots of Fb friends so it’s not like she keeps her circle tight. I’m a bit ….Ouch!

Send the message but keep it short, and don't expect a reply.

Probably not

If your friend wanted to stay in touch, the request wouldn't have been declined

I decline lots of friend requests from peers in my secondary school years. I don't have the best memories of those years (school and home life). I don't feel.the need to go back in my head of memories of those days.

So don't take it personally (unless you were an utter cow to her).

She is still friends with our mutual friend but they were closer and remained friends IRL. Thanks that really helps. I really don’t think I was as I’m not inclined to be unkind to people at all, but who knows maybe I wasn’t nice in some way that I don’t remember. Perhaps I should just let sleeping dogs lie.

How can you tell if someone has 'rejected' an FB friend request?

If you look at your sent requests it will no longer be pending as the person removed the request.

I didn't know that.
Though to tbh I don't often remove - I just the request hanging there. I'm not a big FB user.

Usually people ignore requests. Unless it’s a stranger or I actively dislike someone for good reason, I personally don’t reject requests because I know how painful that can be. So I admit to being a bit hurt/worried. Only Fb though so perhaps I should take it with a pinch of salt.

Honestly, don't overthink it.
I don't think I hate/dislike anyone from.school. I just don't need frequently reminding of when my homelife imploded and I probably was hard work for my friends for a while. I shudder at the thought.of those years.

I keep in contact with a couple of friends who were supportive and had lovely fun times with.

This is the exact same thing for me. Awful times. I guess for me this person was the only good thing for me at that time. She was kind when no one else was (plus other friend). Perhaps I was a bit too much.
Or it is just a very long time ago!

Could it be a mistake.
If not it's her Facebook just forget it and move on.