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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Dedicated a book to friends dcs and she's not mentioned it

339 replies

Trampire · 11/12/2017 12:24

I'm braving AIBU. To be honest I'm not sure where to put this...

I'm feeling a little confused. I'm a professional illustrator. I've had hundreds of books published. I often get asked to include a dedication in the book. Over the years I've included my own dcs, my dh, my mum and dad and friend's children.

I few years ago I reconnected with an old school friend who is shared a flat with in London when we were in our 20's. We're in our mid 40's now. My dcs are slightly older than hers but we met up a few times and had a great time, all got on well. We regularly sent birthday and Xmas cards. I sent through copies of my new books to her dcs etc. When my dad died earlier this year she was really supportive, lots of phone calls and we met up for a dog walk. She sent through a photo of her daughter on World book day dressed up as one of my book characters - I was really touched.
So when I was asked for a dedication for my latest book I put her dcs names forward. When the title came out I sent her a few copies along with a birthday card for her. I explained that I'd dedicated the book to her dcs as they were always supportive and interested in my books.

Thing is, since then I've heard nothing. I left it a whole as I know life is busy. We normally communicate by text. I sent her a text a month later asking if she was ok and did her dcs like the books? No reply.

Wtf? Could anyone possibly be offended by a book dedication? Maybe it's nothing to do with that and I'm over thinking it? She doesn't do SM but her husband does. I've taken to looking at his fb page to see if something tragic had happened but from what I can see it's business as usual.

I'm so confused. Shall I leave it? I'm not offended or angry about the book really (I dedicated a book to my dh's niece once and my BIL and his de could not have been less interested!) and just so confused as it's do out of character.

OP posts:
Dragonbait · 30/12/2017 22:40

Sounds like it may be worthwhile. I've slowly retrained my mind to not assume things are about me - or to ask if people are alright to give them an opportunity to tell me if I've done wrong. 100% of the time since I've started doing this I've found it has never been about me. It's helped me to recognise when those close to me are struggling rather than being so absorbed with 'what did I do' questions that I wasn't able to read the signs.

cowssheephens · 30/12/2017 22:44

I think what you have done is wonderful OP. A dedication is a wonderful gift.

You have tried your best, I wouldn't send another text, let her contact you.

MadMags · 30/12/2017 22:47

Fuck her! Even if she hadn’t seen the dedication, just completely cutting contact for no reason is weird, rude, and hurtful.

I 100% feel your pain about the dedication, btw. I’ve been tempted to dedicate my new releases to coffee cups. Who, incidentally, have more to do with the fruition of the books than some of the people to whom I’ve dedicated them!

Trampire · 31/12/2017 19:48

I've heard from her!

Text message saying they're all well and wishing us all a happy new year with love.

Still no mention of the book but I'm just relieved to have contact. The Book is something I can drop into conversation later. Still a bit odd, but phew!

OP posts:
LoveProsecco · 31/12/2017 19:57

Great news. I hope you see her next year and can get to the bottom of it

MMcanny · 31/12/2017 20:05

I also wondered if you’d misspelled a name or maybe left out stepkids or a stillborn baby’s name that might have caused hurt? I didn’t read all 14 pages though, apols if this has already been discussed.

LizzieSiddal · 31/12/2017 20:39

Oh that’s good news! You can relax now.

I do wonder if the book actually got to her?

Motoko · 01/01/2018 02:50

Yay! Happy New Year OP. Hopefully you and your friend can have a fresh start.

BitOutOfPractice · 01/01/2018 08:19

Oh that's a relief. Thank goodness!

How's the next book that you're dedicating to me coming along? Wink

cowssheephens · 01/01/2018 09:58

I don't understand why she hasn't thanked you. Oh well, at least she has been in contact and put your mind at ease.

CurlJunkie · 22/01/2018 20:29

OP, have you had any more news from your friend over the past three weeks??

bananagrabber · 23/01/2018 06:28

I'm also wondering! In a sort-of-but-not-really similar situation...

teal125 · 05/07/2018 19:04

Did your friend ever thank you in the end?

Ladybirdbookworm · 05/07/2018 20:27

I clicked on here thinking that it rang a bell.
Hope the OP was thanked in the end.

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