This mum is totally unreasonable isn't she? Help me word a reply!

[WaitrosePigeon]

My son went to his friends house for a play and tea yesterday. They are both 5. They went to a local soft play.

I went to pick my son up and the husband was there, all good. Had a great time.

I text the mum to say thank you etc and I had this reply...

'No problem! They had a great time at soft play and then they had some dinner there. It came to £10.00. You can give me the money at the gates tomorrow. Have a nice evening! X'

Erm what the fuck? Is that normal? What do I do?

After a trip to legoland etc for her ds, can't believe she took your £10. Has she no shame??!

Despite all ending happily, I wouldn't take her ds anywhere costly again.

I'd reply:

"Sorry - I didn't mean to make you feel awkward. As you were happy for me to pay for your dc when I took them to Lego-land and various other play dates I assumed that this would be mutual. No worries - I didn't realise how hard up you were. Maybe if we just make sure that we clear it with each other first when we take the kids to paid for activities, so we can pay up front? Maybe that will work better for you?"

I'm glad it's resolved but please order the biggest most expensive coffee tomorrow and maybe a pricey slice of cake too.

Whatever you do, do not take your purse with you tomorrow and yes, order something lovely and say, gosh thanks, what a treat.

I may just do that Matilda

I will let you all know how it goes!

I reckon she has realised you are not the pushover she thought but she is about to spin you some epic sob story in order to justify her utter grabbiness. Be prepared to be sceptical, OP.

Well, I really don't understand. She was supposedly upset about her behaviour and apologised to you. Her behaviour involved asking for money yes? Then she took the money anyway?
You're a mug OP!

I would send her a link to this thread

I second what a few PP have raised, this insistence on getting the money and the fact she took it makes me wonder if her DH is behind it. This is the sort of thing my ExH would have done, keep going on & on until I got it back. He was financially abusive. I would have used other stress as an excuse too rather than tell the truth.
I'd use the coffee & cake tomorrow to try & see if there's something like that going on. On the other hand she may just have a brass neck but would be nice to try and find out if there was something behind it.

I agree. The fact that she took the money anyway is making me
A lot.

Can't that is the only reason I can think of to explain her taking the money as well!
Then I thought nah...probs being dramatic there. But there is no other scenario in which her taking that tenner would be acceptable.

I just wanted to keep the peace to be honest and so did she!

I don't see how taking your money is keeping the peace. You offered, she should have refused, no doubt about that. Ah well enjoy the coffee and cake you will have bought for the both of you tomorrow.

I will - especially knowing that we are remaining friends

Good on you op

Waitrose How did the coffee go?

Very shitty behaviour on her part, esp in context of LEGO-BLOODY-EXPENSIVE-LAND!!

You paid up?

Mug.

I would spent the rest of eternity ensuring eveyone knew abut her tight fisted, scrounging ways.

Just realises today is NOT actually Friday...

[gets coat]

The only thing op is a that you now know never to bring her dc anywhere without payment.

Wonder if she will cancel tomorrow now she has her money.

I would spent the rest of eternity ensuring eveyone knew abut her tight fisted, scrounging ways

What would have been the point though? We will see each other until our kids are 11. That's 6 more years. I don't want any school gate drama and now I won't have any hopefully

I'd also rather not be called names please.

Just order a lovely piece of chocolate cake tomorrow op. Glad it turned out ok.

ENorma don't be a dick. The OP is happy with how the situation was resolved, so no need to call her names.

don't behave like a dick that was supposed to say.