Friend sending me endless pics of her month long Carribbean holiday

[Carwashandthemoog]

I'm at my lowest ebb ever. I'm trying to cope with some horrible chronic health issues which have really flared up over the last few years. Last year I left work as a result of my struggles with my health issues but now I can't find a job so money is tight which is stressful. I'm also helping to care for my parent who suffers from dementia. Watching my mum slowly die from Alzheimer's is bloody depressing.

I am so low and right now my life feels shit tbh.

My friend (I love her dearly and we've been friends for decades) travels a lot and has recently set off on a month long mexican cruise and Carribbean island hop.

I'm more than happy for her but she keeps sending me pics of her holiday. Pics of beautiful beach scenes and of the lovely food she's enjoying (I have digestive issues and follow a very basic and boring diet).

She's just been trying to video call me, I ignored it, I'm having a shit day as my mum didn't know who I was this morning and that has broken me. Friend then messaged me saying she just wanted to show me the glorious scenery as she made her way to her relaxation class on the private beach. (Friend is fully aware of my health issues, my lack of money and my mum's health).

I truly am happy for her but in all honesty it's made me feel even more shit about myself. I can't even afford a weekend away in the UK right now and even if I could I feel too crappy physically to enjoy it.

I feel I can't ignore her WhatsApps but I don't want to see endless pics of her wonderful 5 star month long holiday right now.

Would it be bad to not open her WhatsApps and come up with some excuse!

Could you say something like you have WhatsApp set so the photos sent to you save automatically to your camera roll and it’s filling up your memory really quickly so you are glad she’s having a good time, but you will look at the photos on her phone when she is back.

She does sound a bit thick skinned. However no point in falling out. I agree. Say will catch up when you get back and don't look at any more or reply.

I really doubt this is the case.

Thoughtless, bit tone deaf. One poster suggested a misguided attempt to include the OP. Holiday friend is possibly lonely and actually not having that great a time. All possibilities that are far more likely than an otherwise lovely friend the OP has had for decades suddenly turning into a nasty bastard on holiday.

Yup agree. Makes me a little depressed sometimes to read some of the suggestions that so many MNers wade in on. A lot of them have a very black and white view of life. What you’ve said is more likely. OP said she loves her friend dearly so she must have some pretty good qualities but turns into a self centred, boastful person wanting to rub her friends face in it on holiday?! 🙄

Really?

Thanks @MoominMai

We all get stuff wrong sometimes and are thoughtless. We're human.

Sounds like the OP is handling it well

Yes, really

That’s nicely put, and if she’s really a good friend she’ll understand. The big question is, when she’s sending these pictures, is she also asking how you are/things with your health/mum etc, and lending a willing ear, or is she simply saying hey, look what a wonderful time I’m having. That will show you how true a friend she is.

This, I'd say that things are a bit much at home and will catch up when you're back x