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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think our friend can't be bothered with us any more?

14 replies

Ichbineinbelieber · 25/10/2022 19:44

I have a lovely group of friends whom I met at university but don't see very often now. Three of us still live in the same city up north, the other one moved back south after uni. The latter friend is coming up to visit early December and asked us ages ago (I think it was the summer) to keep that weekend free, to which we all agreed. Now our other friend is suddenly saying she will probably be too busy around that time. She has 2 young boys and is a SAHM. Her DH works a lot. I generally like him but from what I've gathered he might be somewhat controlling, and they both seem to be under the impression that he is the more important person in the relationship as he's the one earning the money, and it's her job to take care of the house + kids whilst he works and spends most weekends practising his hobby. Her social circle seems to mainly consist of her DH's friends and mums she meets at playgroup.

I do understand somewhat where she's coming from 'being busy'. Toddlers are tough (my youngest is roughly the same age as her DC). However this is not the first time she's cancelled a meet-up (part of the reason why our other friend asked us months in advance if we could keep that weekend free). We've tried to be accommodating, saying that we can do whatever works for her (e.g. meet near where she lives) and that she can of course bring her DC if unable to get childcare. However, she still claims it will probably be too much for her to meet up. I work fulltime un addition to caring for my children, meaning I'm basically ALWAYS busy and yet I'm still managing to make time for a reunion with old friends. AIBU to think that my friend just isn't that bothered with us anymore, or could there be another reason and do I need to reach out?

OP posts:
Dacadactyl · 25/10/2022 19:49

Could she be depressed? I wouldnt just write her off yet.

Shoxfordian · 25/10/2022 19:50

If she’s in a controlling relationship then that’s why

GaslitlikeaVictorianparlour · 25/10/2022 19:50

She's in a relationship with a controlling man who doesn't appear to allow her a lot of downtime.
I don't think she's giving up on you. I think she's struggling to see you. Please don't give up on her. She'll need you one of these days.

bringincrazyback · 25/10/2022 20:08

GaslitlikeaVictorianparlour · 25/10/2022 19:50

She's in a relationship with a controlling man who doesn't appear to allow her a lot of downtime.
I don't think she's giving up on you. I think she's struggling to see you. Please don't give up on her. She'll need you one of these days.

I agree with all of this.

Ichbineinbelieber · 25/10/2022 20:24

It's so tough. Whenever I've asked her if she's OK she just says she does whatever she can to support her DH and is happy that way. It sounds terrible to me, but then I'm wondering if I'm projecting and she might really be happy with this lifestyle.

Even with her DH not letting her have a lot of downtime, would she not be able to bring the kids and meet up with us whilst he is busy doing something else/unrelated? Or would she be so shattered on the weekends that she feels she can't commit to anything?

I do want to make sure she's okay and be there for her really...

OP posts:
Dacadactyl · 25/10/2022 20:28

Well being a SAHM is exhausting so it may be that, combined with the husband being a bit controlling.

I think you need to remain available for her if she needs you.

StaunchMomma · 25/10/2022 20:28

Why not just ask her rather than guessing?

girlfriend44 · 25/10/2022 20:29

Leave her. She dosent want to come. She'll come if she wants too. Maybe she's happy with her lot.

WhenISnappedAndFarted · 25/10/2022 20:34

I was in a relationship like that, it could have been written about me a few years ago. Truth was I wasn't allowed. Each time I thought it would be different but every time he found a reason for me not to go and if I did - he made it very very difficult for me.

Ichbineinbelieber · 25/10/2022 21:07

@StaunchMomma I feel like I have to be very careful asking questions as she appears to put her DH on a pedestal and is not very keen on sharing their business with everyone.

@WhenISnappedAndFarted I'm sorry you've been in that situation. Well done to you for getting out!

OP posts:
Ichbineinbelieber · 25/10/2022 21:07

*with anyone

OP posts:
Gruffalo101 · 21/12/2022 04:07

As someone who has gradually reduced my socialising and narrowed my friendships over the last number of years, ( I was relieved during covid not having to interact) I have come to realise I suffer with social anxiety. This has nothing to do with the individuals but more to do with my feelings of inadequacy and ineptitude. Forcing me into social situations is exhausting and often demoralising for me. I don't hate the people, just myself. So bear this in mind.

DuchessDandelion · 21/12/2022 05:06

Argh I think yabu AND yanbu

Cos who knows really??

I'd stop going out of your way to accommodate her and leave the old metaphorical door open.

Porkyporkchop · 15/02/2023 20:09

Give this friend the best gift ever, keep your hand held out for her and let her reach you when she is ready. Controllers cut you off and isolate you, and there will come a day when she will need her mates so please be understanding and leave the door open for her .

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