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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think it’s not fair to say I’ve ‘cancelled 4 times’?

483 replies

floorbird · 06/03/2022 13:01

NC as identifiable.

Fairly new friend, we met via an activity our DC attend. She saw an ad for another activity (for DC but to be honest it’s more of a parent social thing as babies don’t get much out of these things I suppose) and we agreed to go together.

The first time we planned to go to this activity I stupidly mixed the dates up. I have no idea how, I just had it in my head it was on one day but it was the day before. She went, asked what happened and I explained and apologised. We then went to the next one together and had a great time.

The next week, I couldn’t go as I was waiting for PCR results (neg).

The week after that, I had to cancel as I’d been in contact with a covid pos person. Can’t be helped. She went alone. I wondered if she seemed a bit short in her texts but assumed I was imagining it because it’s not like I could do anything about being in contact with a positive person.

The next week (a couple of days ago) I was unable to go because I’d been visiting sister in another city and with the baby being up all night and one thing or another the day got away from me (as it does with a young child!) and I wouldn’t have made it back to the place the activity is on time. I explained this to her and apologised profusely (I understand this would have been really annoying but it couldn’t be helped). She didn’t reply.

I texted her today to arrange us going to the next event together and she said seeing as I’ve cancelled four times she’ll just see me there if I make it. I haven’t cancelled 4 times?! The first time was a genuine mistake. 2nd time was waiting for covid test result. The 3rd time I was isolating. The 4th time yes I will admit I cancelled. But that’s one time. I haven’t replied yet, I’m annoyed that she’s acting like I’ve said ‘can’t be bothered’ 4 times! Confused

AIBU to be annoyed that she’s annoyed? Also it’s not like me not being there means she can’t go or enjoy the event. It’s not as if I had invited her round to mine and then just not answered the door!

OP posts:
Sofiegiraffe · 06/03/2022 13:32

I see nothing wrong with her reply. I'd definitely be seeing you as someone who isn't reliable or interested in maintaining a friendship at this point and would just think "if she's there bonus, if not I'll make new friends". I wouldn't make another plan to go with you, though, sorry.

TidyDancer · 06/03/2022 13:33

It's surprising that your reaction is anything other than to be apologetic to her for how it's been so far. Because she could've pointed out how unreliable you've been and refused to make any future plans with you at all. What she's done is very polite and a good middle ground. I would reply apologising and move mountains to make it in future.

Theluggage15 · 06/03/2022 13:33

She’s probably made some new friends during the times she’s been going and really isn’t bothered whether you turn up or not.

trevthecat · 06/03/2022 13:33

Regardless of the reasons, you did cancel, 4 times! As a new friend I would be annoyed too.

BobbinHood · 06/03/2022 13:33

I don’t think her reply is rude at all. She’s explaining why she will just see you there if you can make it. Because you’ve cancelled 4 times.

RoseGoldEagle · 06/03/2022 13:33

Part of the problem is that after missing once accidentally, then having two weeks in a row with the covid reasons (admittedly that you couldn’t help)- most people would then make sure they tried extra hard to make the next one- realising that if they didn’t it would make the previous excuses seem less genuine. I’d have possibly given you the benefit of the doubt for the first three, but after the fourth I’d have given up on you. I have two acquaintances that I can’t rely on- their excuses always sound genuine but I’ve given up arranging anything that relies on them now. Just own it OP, accept not making 4 in a row, for whatever reason will mean this person you don’t know very well will think you’re flaky, it’s understandable really.

Sofiegiraffe · 06/03/2022 13:33

@Theluggage15

She’s probably made some new friends during the times she’s been going and really isn’t bothered whether you turn up or not.

Yes, very likely this.

Floralnomad · 06/03/2022 13:34

I don’t think she’s been rude at all , she goes to the group and as she said she will see you there if you go , seems a reasonable response to someone who’s only actually attended 1/5 meetings

bluesugar · 06/03/2022 13:34

I'd be annoyed too, OP.
You don't seem to be able to understand that you have messed her around.
I hope she finds more reliable friends.

OatSprout · 06/03/2022 13:35

I wouldn’t hold the 2 covid related times against you, but I think the problem is that you didn’t prioritise the event following the isolation so in her eyes, you just aren’t that bothered. I think that’s probably a fair assessment.

If it was as important to you as it is to her, I think you’d have made more effort to go. Or if your circs really are that unpredictable (mine are so I get it!) then you have to realise that cannot commit to things like this involving other people or you end up disappointing them.

donquixotedelamancha · 06/03/2022 13:35

yes I found her reply quite rude.

I don't think you can afford to be too judgy about others being rude.

Beees · 06/03/2022 13:35

yes I found her reply quite rude. As i said, me being unable to attend didn’t mess up her plans

Just because it doesn't ruin her plans doesn't mean you're not being incredibly rude. Additionally you know what is more rude, than her not at all rude reply, is cancelling plans with someone with little or no notice.

I'm just impressed she even bothered to reply. You obviously don't care about seeing her or want to know that you're in the wrong, it seems like you're just looking for an argument or point of view which you can use to blame her.

Howshouldibehave · 06/03/2022 13:36

You have cancelled 4 times though!

I have a covid positive DH and two kids and am still expected at work tomorrow to teach my class of 30. Where are you that you need to isolate for having been in contact with someone positive??

MayorMargeret · 06/03/2022 13:36

yes I found her reply quite rude. As i said, me being unable to attend didn’t mess up her plans

Well, how about someone else asked her to do something or even go to the same venue with them? Each time she might have had to say sorry, I have plans with floorbird.

You're completely in the wrong and I'm surprised you're surprised.

Hercisback · 06/03/2022 13:36

Her reply is factual.

You have not gone 4 times in a row. 80%of the times you were supposed to be there, you weren't.

The two covid ones aside, there's still 2 times that you messed up. Even 2/5 would be a pretty bad letdown rate.

GatoradeMeBitch · 06/03/2022 13:37

Considering you missed three times, I think it was a bit shoddy to say the fourth time "the day got away from me", you must be able to see how that looks like you don't value her company or the plans you made.

TheOriginalEmu · 06/03/2022 13:37

No point asking these kinds of questions on mumsnet @floorbird, around here even if you were dead it would be your fault if you can’t make
it.

whitewashing · 06/03/2022 13:37

But you did cancel 4 times. I’d ditch you.

Butchyrestingface · 06/03/2022 13:38

It's one thing to be a flake. Takes things to a whole 'nother level when you're a flake who takes the arse at friends mildly pointing out the perfectly bleeding obvious.

Laptopsandmouses · 06/03/2022 13:38

yes I found her reply quite rude. As i said, me being unable to attend didn’t mess up her plans

You can’t be serious? You made a commitment and repeatedly messed her around and were beyond rude. She was positively restrained in how she responded.

You don’t get to treat people badly then demand they are nice to you. She wasn’t rude. You were.

NuffSaidSam · 06/03/2022 13:39

@TheOriginalEmu

No point asking these kinds of questions on mumsnet *@floorbird*, around here even if you were dead it would be your fault if you can’t make it.
The question wasn't about whose fault it was it was about whether she cancelled or not, which she objectively did.
floorbird · 06/03/2022 13:39

@TheOriginalEmu

No point asking these kinds of questions on mumsnet *@floorbird*, around here even if you were dead it would be your fault if you can’t make it.
😂 agreed! I’m surprised mumsnetters aren’t more understanding of how a baby can make things difficult!
OP posts:
Erinyes · 06/03/2022 13:39

@TheOriginalEmu

No point asking these kinds of questions on mumsnet *@floorbird*, around here even if you were dead it would be your fault if you can’t make it.
Well, in fairness the OP and this woman are very new acquaintances — she doesn’t know whether the OP is dicing with death or just careless, uninterested or disorganised.

I think what some people are taking issue with is the fact that she didn’t hide her annoyance. I personally think that’s better than being all sweetness and light and then fuming about it anonymously on here.

Laptopsandmouses · 06/03/2022 13:40

Op are you just clinging to the couple of posters who agree with you and ignoring everyone else🤣🤣🤣

Erinyes · 06/03/2022 13:40

But @floorbird, that other woman also has a baby, presumably?

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