To never speak to her again- CF!

[Peanutbuttermandms]

I have a long term school ‘friend’, let’s call her S. I hear from her very sporadically and most recently, when she wants something: sponsorship money from me for one of her ‘challenges’ to stay in my central city home (!)… but folks, I give you the best one to date today…

Text out of the blue.. not even a ‘how are you’.. can I pick her son up from the airport (!) on Wednesday as he’s flying in alone (he is 10) from his dad’s abroad. You’re thinking wtaf, right?

The text goes on.. she can’t and her new DP are holidaying in the south of France and their flight doesn’t get in to airport until 5pm.. so the wee mite is alone for 4 hours after travelling alone. At 10. Jesus!

It ends ‘would obviously be great to see you too!!’

AIBU to think cheeky fucker and never speak to the self centred cow again?

Absolutely don't reply and cut the friendship. She didn't even have the grace to call and ask, just sent a text! If you don't reply that should send a clear message. If she sends another text with flight details etc the yes answer with

Then answer with a hard N.O

@MrsMiddleMother

Personalised I would reply saying no, I won't pick him up. You should get an earlier flight back. Do not contact me again.

Personally*

@DameFanny

And you're quite sure *@NumberTheory* that the airline hasn't been given the OP's details? Because they don't have protocols to check in advance that the contact given even exists.

What difference does it make whether they’ve been given her details or not or whether OP responds to CF or not? She won’t be there to pick him up so they won’t let him leave on his own. He won’t be in any danger. He’ll just be a bit bored while they sort it all out.

Sorry OP I think you're letting the pendulum swing too far the other way. You've been used for far too long and now you're putting your foot down. There is no reason to continue this non friendship. But why would it harm you to text her two letters, N and O before you block her? Why won't you just remove any chance of her thinking it's OK?

You've posted the whole situation, and you've asked whether you're BU to never speak to her again. Nobody thinks you have to carry on putting up with this shit. But given the circumstances that you have described most of us think you should do a no. No more, no less, just no. Then block. You're letting pride and anger stop you spending two seconds to remove all possibilities. Because like a PP but unlike you, I don't think silence is unambiguous.

If you literally only hear from her when she needs something then she is not a friend.
I had a 'friend' like this until I realised that we never saw each other socially or called or text for a chat. I only heard from her when she needed childcare or pet sitting. I started being unavailable and that was the end of that!

I tell a lie.
I can find 1 airline still doing it into the UK.

Have you blocked this cf?

@Blackberrycream

Actually, I would probably do as *@Yaya26* and previous posters suggested. I would pick up the child. I would also contact social services. It’s actually pretty appalling.

Genuine question, what do you think the risk is that social services would be interested in?

@Blackberrycream

Actually, I would probably do as *@Yaya26* and previous posters suggested. I would pick up the child. I would also contact social services. It’s actually pretty appalling.

If the child is collected, then Social Services wouldn't give a damn. They've got enough on their plates.

IDK how UK airlines work, but in the US airline personnel normally walk unattended minors off the plane and would contact airport security if a 10 year old wasn't met at the gate or the security area.

I think I would respond: "No, I'm not able to pick him up as I am out of town myself. But I am sure that the airline will alert the airport authorities that a 10 year old child has deplaned and no one is there to meet them and he'll be safe until you arrive".

@Cuppaand2biscuits sorry it happened to you too, it’s rubbish when the realisation that you’ve been used hits home. I’ve had a fair amount of epiphany’s recently in this regard and I’m determined it’s no more!

@BananaPB yup

I think I would respond: "No, I'm not able to pick him up as I am out of town myself. But I am sure that the airline will alert the airport authorities that a 10 year old child has deplaned and no one is there to meet them and he'll be safe until you arrive".

God, don't give her ideas! The CF friend will probably think that's the answer to her prayers.

@YoungGiftedPlump I've just checked and virgin allow children as young as 5 to travel unaccompanied using their unaccompanied minor service.

You don't have to respond, of course you're not responsible

I would though with 'it's half term we're away. Hope you can get him a flight after you get in'

@CallmeHendricks sadly I think you’re right- can envisage her extending her own holiday and ordering more g and t’s at the pool safe in the knowledge she’s devoid of any parental responsibility.

Very cheeky.
Poor child though

@Suzi888 yes, indeed. It’s very telling.

If she hasn’t actually given you the flight details then you don’t need to respond.

Had she provided the full list of times, flight no, pick up process then I would respond with a blunt “absolutely not”.

But if you don’t know the details then of course no one could argue you were lined up to collect!

@CallmeHendricks nope. But my commitments and transport options weren’t even considered, of course (would have to use DP car)

I personally would respond, if you don't and she doesn't find anyone else you by default would become responsible ( she sounds that cheeky) I wouldn't do a hard no either as then you become the "bad guy" as you say, I would reply saying you have a wedding/ event that day and can't do it, but enjoy your holiday, be super nice, she knows exactly what she's doing .........& then block!

"Nope, you couldn't?" Or "nope, you don't have anything else on."
(Not that it matters. I think you're entirely right to take this stance).

@Tuirseach nah, I’m just going to leave it. She doesn’t matter to me now and therefore I don’t care what she thinks. I’m confident I’ve done nothing wrong. She’s morally reprehensible for allowing this situation in the first place.