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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To feel upset that my closest friend hasn't been in touch since I told her my sister is going to die *possible trigger*

107 replies

Floottoot · 11/11/2018 17:17

Just that, really.

My sister was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer out of the blue in August. She started chemo, seemed to be doing ok and then things suddenly started to go wrong and at the beginning of this week, we were told that there was nothing more that could be done for her. She was moved from hospital to her home yesterday, by ambulance, to spend what little time she has left at home. She is unable to eat and they have stopped feeding her, so it's only a matter of time now.
As a family, we are completely heartbroken, not least because she loves in a different part of the country to me, my mum and my other siblings and she doesn't feel she wants to see us before she does (she's already very weak and bed-bound, and she doesn't want us to see her like that).

I messaged my closest friend what was happening as soon as I found out. She didn't really say much (I get it - it's not easy to know what to say), but she hasn't been in touch at all since. Not a word. Nothing.
We've been best friends for years, talk all the time on messenger, see each other regularly (she lives less than 15 minutes from me) etc, so it is not normal behaviour from her.
Other friends have messaged, if only to let me know they're thinking of me.

At such a bloody awful time, it seems ridiculous that I'm dwelling on whether someone's messaged me or not...but I am. I've found myself feeling more and more angry as the days have gone and still no word from her. I've always done my best to be there for her, as I have for all my friends, always celebrated her family's highs and tried to help her though the lows, so I just feel hurt by her silence.

I'm being unreasonable, aren't I?

OP posts:
springydaff · 20/11/2018 13:14

She sounds... unhinged.

MulticolourMophead · 20/11/2018 14:03

I think she's using the notion of "privacy" as a way of avoiding having to deal with anyone else's emotions, including her own son Sad

Whether it's because she doesn't know how to deal with them or is simply selfish, I couldn't actually say. But I'm going with selfish.

AnastasiaVonBeaverhausen · 20/11/2018 14:25

in response, she lectured me on how death is a private thing, and that there was no point in asking how my sister is, because she's dying etc.
Needless to say, I'm even more stunned now.

This just incredible. Not least because, apologies for how this may sound, she is your friend, so it's not really about how your sister is, it's about how you are and how she can best support you. Death needn't even come up if she's that obsessed with it being private. And with the greatest of respect to her, you are the judge of what is private and what is not in your life.

I'm so sorry for everything you're going through, I'm so sorry you're losing your sister and that your friend is being like this. Life is an unrelenting shitbag at times.

Kittykat93 · 20/11/2018 14:33

Op just completely ignore her now and focus on your family. When my parents died I was very hurt by a close friend who was no support to me even though she lived literally next door at the time. No texts, no popping round to check on me (even though I was alone at the age of 21 having lost my mum and dad)

I now have very little contact and have explained how hurt I was. Does she get it? I honestly don't think so as she's never been through something like this. She's never apologised or explained why she acted the way she did.

You don't need so called friends like this around you right now.

So sorry about your sister Thanks

Alsoplayspiccolo · 23/11/2018 11:13

Just to say, my sister died this morning. It was peaceful in the end.x

hellsbellsmelons · 23/11/2018 12:08

I'm sorry to hear that OP.
I went through the same earlier this year.
Except my DSis absolutely wanted to see me every day and we were all with her when she died.
After nearly a year of suffering, treatment and pain, it was, in some way, a relief that she was finally at peace.
Grief is individual but all of my friends were there for me.
I'm so sorry yours wasn't.

Your family will see you through the next months.
Well over 6 months on and I'm still in the denial phase.
But reading your story has me crying again.
Be there for everyone and make sure they are there are there for you.
The next bit is horrible as well.
Cry, scream, get angry, do what you need to do to get through the days.
My coping mechanism was reading - a lot!!! It was a good escape from the real world I was facing.
Condolences to you and your family.

ElspethFlashman · 23/11/2018 13:02

FlowersFlowersFlowers

Grauniad · 23/11/2018 13:12

Oh, you poor love. Look after yourself.

comedycentral · 23/11/2018 14:33

So sorry OP x

FaithInfinity · 23/11/2018 14:40

So sorry for your loss. Be kind to yourself Flowers

NitrousOxide · 23/11/2018 16:00

OP, I’m so sorry Flowers

Your ‘friend’ is selfish and arrogant. She could’ve apologised for getting it wrong, but instead she’s saying that she knows your mind better than you do, and she knows what you need better than you do. Even though you’ve told her what you need, she’s ignoring you and trying to make you the unreasonable one.

She needs to get her head out of her arse and realise not everything is about her, and when your friends are in a bad place you do what they need, not what you think they need or what you’d need in that situation.

cleanasawhistle · 23/11/2018 16:00

I am so sorry to hear about your sister op.
Try and put your friend to the back of your mind for now...

I had the same from 3 friends when I was diagnosed....
The first friend I messaged her and told her my news,she replied take care.....she got in touch about 4 months later to ask how I was.
Didnt really expect anymore from her to be honest.

Another friend sent me some flowers.I phoned her to thank her.She asked how I was then said to me if you are pssing pop in. I told her I couldnt drive for a while so if she wanted to call on me that was fine....she never came.

The 3rd friend was the most hurtfull. She was one of the first people I told.....at first she was good at messaging and visiting.......then when others were around she would keep getting digs in at me.If anyone asked about my treatment she would trivialise anything I said (oh I know someone who had to have that,it wasnt so bad,they did there weekly shop the day after)
My friend had been through an awful expience a few years earlier and we had all rallied round....I just dont think she liked someone stealing her limelight.

The first 2 ladies I am friendly with but the 3rd I avoid like the plague.

Such an awful time op to find out who your friends are.Take care xx

stopfuckingshoutingatme · 23/11/2018 19:53

Oh OP
May she rest in peace
I am so so sorry for your loss and the loss of her family
Blessed she did not suffer to long since your last post

Sending all my best wishes . Hard times
No way to deny that

Blessing to you all xxxxx

PinkFluffyFairy · 23/11/2018 20:13

So sorry, OP. X

MulticolourMophead · 23/11/2018 21:16

I'm so sorry for your loss Thanks

springydaff · 23/11/2018 21:21

Ah I'm so sorry piccolo.

Bless you and your family 🌸 💐 Flowers

BumbleyBum · 23/11/2018 21:24

I’m so sorry op Flowers It’s times like this that you sometimes find out who your true friends are

HumphreyCobblers · 23/11/2018 21:36

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Flowers

ChasedByBees · 23/11/2018 21:52

Sorry for your loss OP Flowers

loubluee · 23/11/2018 21:57

Flowers xXx

LibbyJeffries · 23/11/2018 22:11

OP, I'm so sorry. Thinking of you and sending strength and love x

daughterofanarchy · 23/11/2018 22:37

I’m so sorry for your loss OP. Sending you and your family love. May your sister rest in peace.

cleanasawhistle · 23/11/2018 23:52

So sorry OP xx

Tellmeagain · 24/11/2018 00:07

I'm so sorry for the loss of your sister. Take care of yourself.

I had two awful losses earlier this year and have been quite overwhelmed with how hurt I have been with the same sort of treatment from a couple of key people I considered closest. It has made me re-evaluate my friendships but still pains me. I have had massive, unexpected support from other, less close friends.

tablelegs · 24/11/2018 00:09

I'm so sorry to read about your sister op ThanksThanks

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