My friend and I have known each other for about 15 years. In many ways we get on well. She is great fun and has generally been supportive, particularly emotionally.
There have always been things that I have found difficult though. She is a constant stealth boaster which I take with a pinch of salt but is annoying. She is very conscious of social status and constantly looking for ways to improve her own. This tends to involve running others down often with gossip that isn’t kind and making friends with the right people.
There are little digs at me. For example I was considering a career change and she was dismissive. She also told me not to move to a particular area as I just wouldn’t fit in there.
She also often shows a lack of respect for my feelings. She will ditch me at the last minute when a more exciting arrangement usually with a more interesting acquaintance comes up. She is also often hours late when we meet. She will arrange to meet mutual friends, tell me about it but make it clear that I am not invited.
Over the last couple of years I have tried to distance myself a bit but she doesn’t seem to get the hint. This is further complicated by there being a couple of mutual friends in the mix.
So my AIBU is should I focus on the good and ignore the rest or is it time to make the call? I’m just starting to think that life’s too short!
Is it worth trying to explain how I feel? I have once in the past but she just started to tell me defensively how her life was very difficult. I was just hoping for a simple sorry and acknowledgment of my feelings.
I should add that I have been very supportive towards her too, to the point that sometimes I’ve felt that I am being taken advantage of.
Thanks Mumsnet!