To think my friend was incredibly unfair?

[Refreshed]

I look after a friend's 2 primary school DC's when they've finished school, every Monday. They often have swimming lessons so I take them to that, whilst I have a short swim with my DS and then get ready to get them.

They are on a small break from it so we did a fun swim instead. Their mum asked me to take them to Pizza Express for dinner. The one she was thinking of is no longer there so I took them to Pizza Hut style place instead.

My own DS was asleep and wasn't having anything. We got a huge pizza with bottomless drinks for all of us. The kids had an ice cream each. This all came to £16 so a fairly good deal. Loads of pizza was left over so I packed it up for the kids.

When we got to their house I handed over the change (the mum had given me £40 for their food). The receipt for it all was coincidentally in there to.

I've just received a text from friend saying ''Hi, was your drink at the pizza place paid for by you? Just wondered as the money was for [NAME REMOVED] and [NAME REMOVED]. The pizza was obviously huge so not bothered at that being shared! "

In truth I didn't pay for my own drunk, no. It was £2.70. Yet I don't charge if I've ever picked something up for the boys quickly. I don't charge for petrol going to and from their school or swimming.

Was I really being that cheeky or is she rude?

[Edited by MNHQ to remove RL names]

I’d like to know why my post was deleted for quoting someone else’s post when I didn’t quote anyone else’s post! Well done OP... and sorry this woman has took massive advantage of you for just a strop in return. I know it’s hard, but she was no friend. You deserve better than that x

I can understand that you feel saddened at how it worked out, but you’ve had a lucky escape. That woman was no friend.

Wow, she’s a lovely friend- what a treat . You provide childcare to her every Monday and she begrudges you a £2.70 drink, what a petal.

Dear OP, she was using you in a shameless way and knew it. I am glad you are not being treated like a mug any more. And about the remote control...i would have nicked it back, even though to just chuck it in a waste container on my way home...

Sometimes people who are a bit vulnerable/isolated can attract the wrong type of people who are only targeting you for what they can get ie a new controller and free childcare and transport to swimming every week.

These people were never your friends, the wool has been removed and you can see them for what they are, shameless individuals.

You are better than them, by a mile.

@Refreshed Has she been in touch

Did you out the thieving 'friend' @Refreshed?

Sorry you're feeling lonely I can completely empathise. I travelled for school so although I live in the same village as my parents raised me in, I don't actually have any local friends and it's lonely without that network for just a cup of tea or something.

I can understand that you feel sad at the loss of your friend but try to remember that she was never really a friend, she was just using you and taking advantage of your kind nature.

Fingers crossed you'll make some other true friends soon. In the meantime I think you've got plenty on here.

I have long since worked out the primary school days can be some of the loneliest.

So many requirements from child, school and life and living in a goldfish bowl of life. I have found myself much happier since those days are past me where I had felt the need to befriend mums at the school gate.

When they move on from Primary you finally start having a bit more time for you, they can be left a bit longer, you no longer factor in the time for the school gates that I found I could start being me again.

Don’t fall over yourself to befriend people you wouldn’t usually or who would take advantage of you. Be you and find lovely things for you to do for you and life will reward you for being you.

Hope this ‘friend’ realises the error of her ways.

Any updates OP?

this is horrible. Sorry OP that this is happening. I think parenting is a social nightmare. Hideous!

Tell her what it would actually cost her if she were to send her children to a childminder, work out the exact cost of the petrol and deduct the drink from that tell her that’s the very least she owes you then tell her she can find alternative arrangements for childcare from now on. What a CF!

@Refreshed
I hope you are doing ok.

Awful. You well rid. Petty bringing up the drink cost considering you took her kids out. Glad my kids older now as dont have meet school mums/dramas!