Too 'poor' to keep up

[BrianBlessed01]

I have been a single mum (my partner died) for some years now. Have a number of friends who I've known for 30 years, who are married, ie have joint salaries, and are increasingly enjoying holidays together as couples, and I just can't keep up. We are still friends, in that we still meet up, but I'm just feeling so low and bitter. It's not their fault that my kids' dad died, but it's not my fault either. We've all been friends for so long, but I feel I'm being phased out, for being 'inconvenient.' Can anyone relate?

Hi
This is me. I am not single but partner has been in and out of work for nearly 5 years now and it's really hard

I think true friends focus on inclusivity. That’s not to say they can’t holiday together too, but they should also make sure they do plenty of things where you can join in too.

Yes. Also a single parent (divorced) and all my friends are either joint income families or no kids (or both!). I find it really tricky at times because most of them know I earn a decent salary but it's not the same. I think people don't really understand that (e.g. 2 people on minimum wage would have 2 tax free portions, someone on their own doesn't have the same outgoings).
I'm definitely noticing it being more of an issue in the last few months as prices just seem to be going up and up.

Thank you for making me feel less alone, although I'm sorry you're in a similar position. xx

I relate, I just can’t seem to keep up with the cost of living at the moment.

Over 12/18 months ago we had a decent standard of living, the kids did multiple clubs, we had weekends away and 7-10 days abroad. That’s not looking likely this year as business has taken a massive hit. I earn a reasonable amount too or I did.

I’m surrounded by joint income friends and family. I’m trying so hard not to compare but I must admit it’s starting to get me down.

Depressingly, I'm the common ground between my friends from uni - so, my girlfriends from there, have started hooking up without me, with their husbands.

I understand, I have a group of friends who did expensive things during a skint period. It was not easy - I made it my mission to find other friends!