To feel like my "friend" is avoiding me?

[GLJ189]

I have a friend who I met through work. We became friends during lockdown, then when lockdown finished we met up a couple of times as and when our work schedules allowed.

Then I got a new job and honestly since then it feels like I’m the only one putting any sort of effort in.
I’ve been in my new job 6 months and every time I try and make plans to hang out there’s always a reason why they can’t. I can’t remember the last time they answered the phone when I’ve called and even text conversations feel more “forced” than they used to.
I’ve given them the benefit of the doubt because I know they’ve had some stuff going on and haven’t probably been in the best place emotionally, but honestly it’s starting to feel hurtful at this point and it upsets me.

A couple of weeks ago I had some time off work and reached out yet again to try and meet up, they said they couldn’t because of work and so I left it be, because I know our work schedules can be terrible. A couple of days ago I found out that on one of the days they were apparently working, they were actually at a party with their colleagues (my former colleagues). I know our shift patterns, and I know that being at work doesn’t allow for party time 😂

AIBU?

They're obviously not very interested, so to be honest I would let the friendship go. Just stop making the effort.

Hi OP

You seem quite invested for someone love met out of work twice. You've admitted it feels forced. I dont think they've done anything wrong though, saying no because of work can include a night out with colleagues. And they are not ignoring you or cancelling last minute they just for whatever reason not wanting to see you. Yes that hurts but you probably need to try and accept that and move on

Let it go. People drift

When you say you became friends during lockdown, what does that mean, did you spent time together or was it more of a text exchange? It’s not nice when effort into a friendship isn’t reciprocated but it looks like your friend is not interested in pursuing a closer relationship- best to move on rather than keep pushing.