To think this was weird?

[zipperkz]

Had to take DS to an appointment today and we had to catch the bus. At the bus stop, a woman was there with her toddler and once we got on the bus asked where we were going, I told her the hospital and she said she also was. She then started telling me all about her child's disabilities etc, and then she asked about DS’s I told her I didn't feel comfortable telling her, she then asked if I wanted to meet up for a coffee after their appointments, I politely declined and told her we had plans.

Has anyone experienced anything like this before, I never had and it was rather odd but maybe that's just my opinion, AIBU?

It sounded as though she wanted a friend, tbh.

She sounds as if she's lonely. I've done it myself when I was desperately lonely and in need of a friend

I agree. That's how I'd interpret it too.

Poor woman was just trying to be nice. I doubt she has many friends!

God op 'I told I didn't want to tell her' bizarre.

How do you make your friends op?

@EscapeRoomToTheSun she probably does that thing 'no is a complete sentence' oblivious to the awkwardness of real life..

I think it's sad that someone striking up a conversation is considered odd tbh, the world is becoming a really unfriendly place

She thought you seemed like a nice person in a similar situation and probably would understand how each other feel having a child that is unwell.

I think it’s really obvious that this was a lonely and probably isolated woman reaching out to try and make a friend or chat to another adult for a little while. Obviously you are under no obligation to oblige but to say it’s really odd says more about you than her to be honest.

Exactly this. Why is it weird? How else do you make mum friends? That's how I did it.

I think it’s weird as well and tbh never heard of people making friends this way

Sounds like she was just trying to find some common ground with someone. Your reaction was bizarre.

Agreed

If you live in your old hometown and have tons of friends and a big supportive family close by, then you don't need to make new friends, but not everyone is in that position. If she was going to the hospital with a toddler who had something wrong with him and she didn't have anyone with her to support her, then I can see why she would think that the OP might be a sympathetic new friend who's in the same boat.

What way? Talking to other people? Making polite conversation with another parent?

^This

The world is a cess pit of hate. No wonder I prefer my dog.

Not weird at all.

She was trying to make friends. And if your child has SEN too she probably thought you and she would be able to support/understand each other well.

I always joke having a child is like having a dog, other parents just strike up conversation because you instantly have something in common. I bet it took her a lot to start that conversation, I feel quite sad for her.

She probably that she could try to make a friend that understood.

Obviously not.

Someone's behaviour was lacking today, and it wasn't the woman that wanted a friend 🤔

I find this overwhelmingly sad.
The lady sounds as though she was lonely and trying to bond with you over a shared experience. A fairly traditional and dare I say it, normal way to spark a friendship.

Same, I hope it’s not knocked her too much.

No I wouldn’t go for a coffee with someone I met on the bus and never have nor have I been asked let’s not
pretend it’s a normal situation to happen!

Poor woman was just being friendly and passing the time on the bus and no doubt thought you seemed nice enough to chat with later since you were both at the hospital. No weird at all.

Aww this is really sad. My guess is she's quite isolated and thought you two had hit it off. I've just moved to a new area with DS where i don't know anyone, and would've probably taken her up on the offer!