DD is turning 6. She loves her two closest school friends whose mums I have distanced myself from. Over time I realised how bitchy they were and I didn't want to be part of the constant gossiping and slagging off of other mums for ridiculous reasons. I decided to avoid out of school activities with them but still say 'hello' and be civil etc. They both picked up on this and now either blank me or just stare at me without saying anything. They often stand at the school gates chatting looking over at me and sometimes laughing. I try to ignore this but feel like I'm back in the playground and have come to hate the school run. DD has other friends and parents who we still hang out with.
The problem is DD's birthday is coming up and of course she wants her 2 best friends there. What can I do? Invite them and ignore these bitchy women and sit through 2 hours of hell? I do suffer from anxiety and birthday parties make me nervous anyway. I know there are bigger problems but please advise, I have never been in this situation. I would feel so guilty if DD doesn't have a party or exclude the 2 children but how do I cope with it all? We were going to have a party at home but maybe somewhere outside is better?