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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

to feel insulted by my friend?

94 replies

WhatAWomble · 20/04/2019 04:51

Genuinely not sure if IABU.
Backstory is i've been friends with this woman since our kids were babies - so about 7 years. Met at a baby group and had a friend in common. Friend had PND, which I suggested at the time only to be sharply told I was 'catastrophising' by her. Didn't mention it again but was supportive in whichever way I could be. She has recently admitted she probably did have it. We've both had various struggles and become single mum's since then; her ex is around and she has family in the same town. My ex isn't and my sole family member lives miles away, so less support.

Recently we got together and I had said I was feeling emotionally delicate (mainly issues with money, low confidence, no job prospects and lack of direction). We met up, I made dinner and found things for kids to do. We had some wine and got chatting. She managed to say in the conversation that I always think of the worst option and go with it. I was a bit hurt tbh as it's not as if I am not trying and the reason I felt delicate was because it has been hard, not that I haven't even tried because it would be hard. However I brushed over it and acted fine because I do sometimes spiral with anxiety and thought she could have a point and tried to take it as advice/constructive criticism.

Anyway this last week she has been low and was messaging me that all she can think to do is drink. There was an issue with a man turning her down and stress in her workplace. I invited her over for dinner.

I cooked what I could in advance. She turned up 45mins late and barely apologised. She bought her kid, who she had said would be with her mum. I like him, but my daughter struggles a bit as they get on but have few shared interests. So that was kick No. 1. actually adding the late 1&2.

We sit in the sun and she has some of the wine I bought. She immediately asks how much I spent on it and calls me a 'cheapskate'. We are both single parents and my income is low as she well knows. I brush it off at the time but now see that as kick No.3.

We talk about her issues and try to put the world to rights. I go in and finish off the cooking, despite her saying they ate before they got here - kick No. 4 as I messaged her at 10am asking if what I was going to cook was OK. Had already left it half an hour past our usual dinner time as her son had said he wasn't hungry. It seems they were late because they ate en route in town Hmm.

I serve up and she immediately says "it's cold!" and insists on microwaving it. Had done rice for kids in advance but cauliflower rice for us as she is very concerned about her weight. Doing both meant the rice wasn't steaming but the chicken was... so of course I say "Oh no! Yes do microwave it, sorry!" - kids are tucking in regardless and it's fine for me. Maybe I'm just taking umbridge in hindsight but that was rude I thought, so K5.

She sits to eat and pushes it around her plate a bit. Suggests cauliflower rice isn't as nice as she had thought it might be. Leaves half of her chicken - K6. Kids polish it all off as do I.

We go back outside into the evening sun and do egg hunt for kids that I bought chocolates and eggs for. I bring out a choc egg from Aldi I got for myself for us to have while kids eat theirs. It was pretty grim tbh and I said "Ugh, sorry for the horrid chocolate, Aldi is usually pretty good but I can't eat it!" she then went on about how the kids had M&S mini wrapped eggs and I tried to feed her the rubbish Aldi chocolate! I had explained it was actually my egg for Easter, which I don't even usually do, but I wanted to share it with her... felt that was a bit rude too so K6.

We then talked about holidays we'd like to do with the kids and a mutual friend who lives abroad. Got the distinct impression she didn't want to make plans with us and she kept saying "we won't be as organised as you usually are you know, no advance planning or anything". Then tried to railroad me into going on holiday with her and her ex instead! I have spent 7 years listening to how horrid this man is and why she would want to go away with him is strange to me. I manage to wriggle out of it as I fear she merely wants me to bear witness to his odd parenting or to share the 'load'.
She then talks about her dream holiday - not likely to happen in next 5 years and v. expensive. I mentioned that the area is volitile atm and I personally would be a bit scared to go there. She immediately snapped at me "thanks for completely shutting down any hope I had for my ideal holiday situation with you incessant worst case scenario attitude. FGS!"
I was Shock as it was pretty forceful and went quiet for a few seconds tried to explain I wasn't trying to be negative but she repeated the same over me. Kick 7. I changed the subject and we moved on.

She goes on to say I am basically ruled by my daughter and whatever she says goes. I am not a "shouty" parent like she is. I am very calm and only shout when I really need to. DD and I have a good relationship but recently she is being more defiant and I had confident it is challenging at times. This felt like she was using it against me and I said actually I do tell her off and cited something just this morning - she smirked at me and insisted that was "nothing" (K7). About 10 mins after this she declares her taxi is outside and they rush off! She hadn't event told me she had booked a taxi (thought she was being rude looking at her phone tbh!).

So, AIBU to feel that it was a bit of a shitshow, despite my efforts, and my friend has been U?

OP posts:
Zoflorabore · 20/04/2019 08:44

Just to add op that with the friend I mentioned previously, I ended up saying to her "don't mistake my kindness for weakness" she couldn't even reply to that.

She is one of these people that has 2 personas.
Will be a right mouthy cow and will criticise people in front of an audience. She would count the kisses on a text message and question if they weren't consistent or whatever! Seriously.

Then when she was on her own with me, had a drink etc, she was so bloody paranoid
and miserable and used the first personality as an act i believe.

She sucked all the joy out of me, I began to distance myself ( even though she only lives NEXT DOOR! ) and she's now got the message.

I noticed the other day that she has a new "friend" who will soon be in the same boat I was.

You sound absolutely lovely and the type of friend I would actively choose. Don't put up with this anymore. Your time is as precious as anyone's so don't waste it on this emotional vampire.

Rumbletum2 · 20/04/2019 08:46

Seriously OP. Listen up.

I’ve no idea why some PP are being so nasty. This woman sounds ghastly. I know people who are “forthright”. They are still nice people who are able to behave decently.

You sound lovely.

This woman however is HORRIBLE. Make no mistake about that and don’t listen to anyone who tries to suggest otherwise.

JoinTheMicrodots · 20/04/2019 08:48

She sounds like a complete bitch! She certainly wouldn’t get the chance to treat me like that again. Stop doubting yourself, grab your self-respect with both hands and tell her to fuck right off!

OoohAyyye · 20/04/2019 08:48

I think the point scoring is a bit much and shows how much you are looking into every detail.

Regardless, she doesn't sound like a good friend. Some things you've listed are of course very rude examples of her behaviour and others I think just show that, putting her rudeness aside, you are perhaps incompatible as friends.

I would distance myself from her but if necessary I would message her and say "I feel like our personalities are clashing at the moment so it's best we keep some distance."

IdblowJonSnow · 20/04/2019 08:51

Agree that 'friend' sounds horrible and mean.
I wouldn't contact her again. If she asks why, tell her.
Even if she does see you as weak, not saying you are, it's very bullying to treat someone like this just because you can.
I have a friend who has behaved a little like this at times. She is nicest to me when I'm low - I keep her at quite a distance these days.

Ironmanrocks · 20/04/2019 08:54

I haven't read all of these - but one thing that has struck me is the fact that she said she can't stop drinking.....was she a bit drunk? I don't mean wobbling all over the place - I mean a couple of drinks for 'dutch courage' as sometimes that opens your ability to speak without thinking. She sounds unkind, but equally I feel that there may be a deeper reason behind it.
For what it's worth, I think I am a bit like you - but I am getting better at standing up for myself and at letting things go if I am not comfortable in a friendship.

FookMeFookYou · 20/04/2019 08:58

She's an asshole and causing you stress, get rid of her. You are going through a tough time so the last thing you need is ppl using up energy you could put towards improving your own situation. Don't give her the headspace

FriarTuck · 20/04/2019 09:01

She does sound fairly grim but it is worth considering if you are prone to a bit of negativity - your comment about her dream holiday is an example because the socially acceptable comment would be 'how lovely' etc, not a practical one however true (even though it's exactly what I'd say!). To be fair nothing else you've said really suggests it but I have a mother who is massively negative about everything and it's very, very tiresome so maybe think about it just on the off chance that she managed to say one thing that was in some way reasonable!
(And cauliflower rice is very disappointing Grin)

AnnieMay100 · 20/04/2019 09:01

She’s a bad friend she’s using you for her own gains when it suits her. I think keeping your distance is the best thing for your own stress levels now. If you do meet make it somewhere like a park so you can leave if she’s rude to you, but don’t invite her to your home. She has no right speaking to you like that depressed or not.

gamerwidow · 20/04/2019 09:05

She’s not your friend she’s a user. You’re fine for when she needs support but it’s all one way.
What do you get out if this friendship?
She’ll probably come running back next time she’s sad but don’t give your time to someone who cares so little about your feelings.
Honestly she behaved appallingly and you have every right to be upset.

Isadora2007 · 20/04/2019 09:09

Just work on your own boundaries with her as she is speaking to you in quite disrespectful ways. A good answer is “did you mean to be so rude/mean/bitchy”? whenever she says anything you’re count as a “kick” as you are clearly noticing things now but still not actually acting on them. Start to call her out on them and see what happens.

Or don’t. Depends on what you actually gain (if anything) from the friendship.

I have a friend a bit like this but I want to stay friends due to another link we have. That means it is harder work and I now notice that she always makes these little digs at me too. It can be wearing but I just don’t see her often but make sure I message just to keep in touch.

Dieu · 20/04/2019 09:11

She sounds not very nice at all, and you sound sensitive. I don't think it's healthy to count up all the slights against you. I'd have laughed off the bit about giving the kids the good chocolate eggs, while the adults get the crappy ones!
Basically, I don't think you're compatible Thanks

Aeroflotgirl · 20/04/2019 09:23

I would distance myself from her, she does not sound like a very good friend.

CandleWithHair · 20/04/2019 09:30

She was rude, although I think you were a bit rude about her holiday fantasy. I really enjoy visiting places lots of people probably would choose to avoid for similar reasons you gave her, and it does my nut in when people voice these (usually Ill informed) negativities.

Doesn’t sound like you’re well suited as friends. Give yourself a break and keep a distance from her OP.

Sockworkshop · 20/04/2019 09:31

Crikey she sounds awful!
I think you are right that she is making herself feel better by putting you down.
The holiday comment was a bit negative ,but her response to blame you that she wont ever achieve her dream rolls eyes

Dont allow her to treat you so nastily and ditch her.I dont think things will improve if you stand up for yourself -it will just turn into constant arguments.
Look up The Shark Cage theory surrounding boundaries OP.

If you invited me I would be delighted at the meal and chocolate Smile

TheInebriati · 20/04/2019 09:41

I don't think pp know what 'point scoring' is; running through a list of events to analyse them isn't point scoring.

What OP's 'friend' does is point scoring. She is constantly looking for a chance to get in a cheap shot at OP's expense.

dayswithaY · 20/04/2019 09:46

I had a friend like this. She once came to my home and looked around obviously looking for things to criticise. Then it started - Why is it so cold in here, these mugs are so chunky I prefer china, your wallpaper is so thin I like expensive wallpaper. She had previously been like this but that night the scales fell from my eyes and I thought I will never see you again after tonight. And I didn't - she kept ringing and I kept screening. Several years later she heard I was pregnant and phoned me out of the blue. I said I was in the middle of dinner and put the phone down. She just saw me as a soft target to vent her frustrations and make herself feel better. If I had challenged her at the time she would have stopped. Life's too short.

BlueMerchant · 20/04/2019 09:58

She's not a friend.
She's using you to feel better about herself. Friends bolster each other's confidence when they are low. She is stamping all over your confidence and undermining you in any way she can. She's making you feel like crap about your choices, your parenting, your personality to feel better about herself and make you think she is better than you. ( She likes you to feel low- makes her more superior) She's no friend! I don't care whether she's low or not.

stayclosetoyourself · 20/04/2019 10:00

She sounds horrendous.

Only thing I can say on her behalf is she felt possibly exposed and embarrassed having messaged you that she wasn't feeling good and couldn't talk about it face to face so was anxious and irritable.

But stop worrying about her and your own style, and wind it down.

Mememeplease · 20/04/2019 10:01

I think she puts you down to make herself feel better - or she is just not a very nice person.

Friends should be there to make you feel good. She's a drain not a radiator.
Concentrate on your other friends. It's telling that one of them commented on how badly she treats you.

magoria · 20/04/2019 10:07

She is bloody rude.

She knew you were cooking and kids generally eat at certain times but ate with her kid on the way to yous making her late to arrive and as a polite host you pushed back you and your DC dinner.

She then insulted all your offerings and called you a cheapskate despite knowing you are a single parent on a budget.

arseabouttit · 20/04/2019 10:08

You did not enjoy spending time with her. You used to and now you don't. It's pretty simple - just don't see her! You do not have to spend time with anyone who makes you feel bad - concentrate on developing friendships with the people who make you feel good. Life is too short to waste on people like "your friend". I don't care what she's going through, there is never any excuse for treating people badly and being rude.

If this was your partner you would have had a few ltb by now and been told you are being gaslighted!!

GregoryPeckingDuck · 20/04/2019 10:09

You are very sensitive and she is very mean. It’s not going to work between the two of you. I suggest you find a different friend.

Taytocrisps · 20/04/2019 10:11

Sorry to hear that your evening was such a disappointment and also that you're feeling quite low atm. Your 'friend' was quite rude and made it obvious that she didn't want to be there and wasn't enjoying herself. It sounds like this friendship has run its course. I would avoid meeting up with her in future as it can't be good for your self-esteem. It's a shame because you're both in a similar situation and you could be a great support for each other. I suspect your friend is unhappy with her life right now and is lashing out at you. She's not in a position to be the caring, supportive friend that you need. And maybe you're not in a position to be the positive, upbeat person that she needs i.e. pouring cold water on her dream holiday.

I hope you've planned something nice for you and your DD for the Easter weekend.

ZeldaPrincessOfHyrule · 20/04/2019 10:34

I really sympathise, OP. I had a similar friend when DS1 was born, she nitpicked at me and it grew and grew into resentment. In the end we drifted apart and I did nothing to 'save' the friendship, so we haven't seen or spoken to each other in years now.

I do think though that she has a point about worst case scenario - as PP have said the detail with which you've looked into the day and points/kick scoring doesn't leave much positivity to speak of in your friendship. If that's an accurate representation of how she is, then there's nothing to like about her and no support for you from her, so she's not a friend anyway. Friendship is two-way, and she's draining. But if it's simply an account of all the bad things she did that day, without any of the lovely bits, then you're kind of presenting the worst case.

That said, when I had someone like her in my life, I didn't realise how negative everything ended up being. I'd dread seeing her because it would be an afternoon of answering her questions about why I hadn't improved my life in some way yet (When are you going to pass your driving test? When are you going to get a new job?) and she never made me feel like I was 'good enough'. Once we were no longer friends, my whole outlook on life changed. She's not a horrid person, I'm sure she has wonderful friendships with like-minded people, I'm just not one of them and that's OK. And it's OK for you to walk away without a huge fight or anyone being 'to blame' OP. You sound like you'd be much happier if you let it drift, life's too short for draining friendships that are this much work.