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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

I'm the punchline of every joke

59 replies

weirdlonelygirl · 31/12/2016 21:57

Sitting at home tonight. "Friend" has texted mentioning to come over to theirs, in the past I would have gone. But this year even though I feel lonely as hell and completely inferior for having no friends - I'm not going because I know it will be bad for me. To go and see them smirking at me when they think I've said something stupid, hear them constantly try to out-do anything I say and put me in my place, drone on about how well they are doing financially when I lead a more frugal lifestyle.

They treat me like the punchline of every joke, just in a subtle way, and use me as ego massage. I don't want to go and sit there and hear all about how perfect their lives are and how much fun they have with their close friends.

It's scary to opt for no friends at all and be alone, rather than having shitty friendships. But at least I claim back a bit of self respect. I'd like to meet some kinder people to try to be friends with next year.

It seems like everyone but me has friends, I don't get it. Even people I can think of with very complex mental health difficulties which means they can find relationships hard work - they all have close good friends. This makes me feel like I must be a really worthless person Sad

OP posts:
EuropeanSwallow · 01/01/2017 04:52

These are not friends. You deserve better and there are better people out there. Make it your mission in 2017 to find them. Loneliness is often something people fear or look down on but being lonely alone is less to be feared or looked down than being lonely in the company of those who don't value or respect you. They are beneath you. Do not settle for anything less than people who will value you. First step is learning to value yourself

Happy New Year, OP

SallyInSweden · 01/01/2017 06:53

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

665TheNeighbourOfTheBeast · 01/01/2017 10:15

You sound very low and reading the worst into things.
Or they could be
"Bonding by Bitching"..very common behaviour (amongst teenagers and the emotionally underdeveloped) and needs a target.
Doesn't need to be you, move on, let them find another target turn on each other

Ratonastick · 01/01/2017 11:00

Been there! I had a (loudly proclaimed by her) best friend. I felt like I was constantly the butt of the joke, lots of needle digs that I couldn't pull her up on, cracks about other friends who she didn't actually know, etc. All was compounded by the fact that she was having a long term affair which she confided at great length to me. When she and OM started bringing their two families together in some twisted "all friends" way I backed away as I just didn't want a part of it. She kept hoiking me back til I broke and asked her to just leave me alone. And do you know, when I finally broke with her, I felt free and like a great weight had lifted. The world is full of interesting people and you don't need anyone who doesn't make you happy to be in their company.

dailymaillazyjournos · 01/01/2017 11:18

You should be so proud of yourself for staying strong and choosing loneliness over being in shitty company last night.

As others have said if the only way these people can feel good about themselves is to belittle others, then they are the people who deserve your pity. What a sad and pathetic way to.have to.live your life.

I have incredibly well off friends. Due to.fraudulent ex, I live in a 1 bed HA flat and have to watch every penny. No.one makes me feel bad about it or unworthy. We are so.much more than our circumstances.

Look for ways to meet new people. Any interests, anything you fancy foing, WI, walking, sports club etc. You will meet people worthy of the title friend. And again well done on not going last night. You would have been lonelier in their company than on your own I reckon.

weirdlonelygirl · 01/01/2017 14:16

Hi. Good afternoon on New Year's Day! Thanks again for all your replies. I'm glad I didn't go despite being quite down.

To those of you asking am I reading into it wrong, no I'm not. I think they genuinely don't think they are doing anything wrong because it's all so subtle. They would never say shockingly mean stuff. But I come away from every social meet with them feeling worried and anxious, and unable to say exactly why I'm unhappy with the digs and remarks.

OP posts:
Tallycally · 01/01/2017 15:33

My heart goes out to you OP. I found myself in a similar position over twenty years' ago. I formed friendships with a couple of colleagues; we started by getting on brilliantly - lots of socialising at each other's homes etc. Then things took a different turn and I found myself excluded. It was really childish of them but I beat myself up about it. They started saying some quite nasty, undermining things and I struggled at work. They really succeeded in chipping away at my self confidence; it was a dark time for me. Thank god for a lovely older colleague who supported me and made me see that pair for what they really were! At that point I had to start all over again. I had other friends from school and uni but they all lived a long way away. Eventually I made new friends locally; sincere, kind, loyal friends who have been at my side for 18 years now. I did it, OP, and I know you can too. You have already shown great strength of character by refusing to be the butt of their pathetic comments last night. Believe in yourself! Get out there; join clubs, classes, a choir, walking group, women's circle, do some volunteering, local Mumsnet, there are many opportunities. If you have any DC's get involved with toddler groups, the PTA etc. Hugs to you xx

Italiangreyhound · 01/01/2017 15:35

Great news OP about feeling self aware but sorry you feel down. Would counselling help? It is not cheap but can be available on NHS if you have a specific reason.

Chelazla · 01/01/2017 19:50

How are you feeling tonight lonely?

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