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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To call time on this friendship

30 replies

Pheebzbuffay · 27/03/2023 21:01

Dear dear friend distanced themselves from me at a really crucial moment in my life and a huge double bereavement, both parents, I have no siblings), I occasionally checked in to tumbleweed, got nothing back and then I just gave up, drew a line under the friendship and moved on.

then basically nearly 18 months later, friend got back in contact saying that they were jealous and it hurt and then that my going through a tough time would be too much for them then, but they are in a good place right now and want to rekindle friendship. In truth I had mixed feelings, because on one side its really important to protect your own mental health but then on the other I was super hurt by what she did and even her explanation of why she distanced. There was also some blame put on me for not making enough effort which I didn’t think was fair as I was reaching out and getting nothing back.

now we’ve arrange times to catch up, one of which she’s been a no show and basically stood me up and others is been last minute cancellations, she’s profusely apologetic and promises next time will be different and proposes a new time and location to meet. It’s happened 4/5 times now. I’m finding it quite hurtful.

aibu just to call it a day and say next time she reaches out that it’s ok, I wish her well but I think we’ve outgrown our friendship and that’s ok, let’s just leave it there, no hard feelings but knowing that we’re at two different stages in our lives right now. We’re now in our 40s so it’s not a petty falling out but rather stepping away from a relationship that’s not working

OP posts:
Ludo19 · 27/03/2023 21:03

I'm sorry she left you high and dry when you needed her support.

I'm also very sorry for your loss.

I'd cut all contact she's not a friend.

Happygolucky49 · 27/03/2023 21:03

100 percent walk away from this

MajorCarolDanvers · 27/03/2023 21:04

Absolutely walk away.

Pheebzbuffay · 27/03/2023 21:05

thats what my gut was saying too, yes friend had some reasons, mental health and a toxic relationship but I’m not sure in truth I can move past how let down I felt and actually how the continued cancellations are still making me feel let down

OP posts:
ThatshallotBaby · 27/03/2023 21:05

I’m sorry for your losses. I really think the best thing for you is to walk away from this. She’s just hurting you all over again. That’s not ok.
Your time is precious, and I’m sure you have more rewarding things to do, than wait in vain for her.

Pheebzbuffay · 27/03/2023 21:06

Would you let is fizzle or would you actually say, I feel let down by xyz and I’m not sure I can move past it and we’re at different stages in our lives, let’s just leave it there

OP posts:
ThatshallotBaby · 27/03/2023 21:07

Why was she jealous?
Seems a bit odd.

BluebellBlueballs · 27/03/2023 21:07

If she's cancelled on you 4 or 5 times in a row I think she's laughing at you.

She'll suggest it again to laugh at you again

She sounds unhinged

Let this loser go

Pheebzbuffay · 27/03/2023 21:07

ThatshallotBaby · 27/03/2023 21:07

Why was she jealous?
Seems a bit odd.

that her relationship was toxic and mine wasn’t by the sounds and my husband and I have children

OP posts:
newname2022 · 27/03/2023 21:08

100% walk away. Forget about them. They will do it again...and again and again and hurt you over and over unless you cut ties.

I'm sorry for your losses and what you've had to go through.

rosiebl · 27/03/2023 21:08

Just block her on everything. She will get the message. If you see her in the street, pretend you don't know her.

Pheebzbuffay · 27/03/2023 21:09

BluebellBlueballs · 27/03/2023 21:07

If she's cancelled on you 4 or 5 times in a row I think she's laughing at you.

She'll suggest it again to laugh at you again

She sounds unhinged

Let this loser go

That seems really mean? I’m not sure what she’d have to gain by doing that? I think truthfully it’s that I’m not a priority so she just forgets and puts other things ahead of her plans with me

OP posts:
glowfrog · 27/03/2023 21:10

Pheebzbuffay · 27/03/2023 21:06

Would you let is fizzle or would you actually say, I feel let down by xyz and I’m not sure I can move past it and we’re at different stages in our lives, let’s just leave it there

Just stop responding to her. Block her if you like as well. You don't owe her an explanation and telling her how she's let you down will either result in HER not responding and making you feel ignored again, or just more defensive messages or excuses.

Am sorry you've been treating that way but trust me, it'll make you feel better to regain some control this way.

pictoosh · 27/03/2023 21:10

Pffft no. Sorry to be blunt (I’m tired and grumpy tonight) but you’re basically showing her she can dismiss you on an whim and you’ll keep coming back for more.
Don’t be that doormat. God.

Pheebzbuffay · 27/03/2023 21:11

pictoosh · 27/03/2023 21:10

Pffft no. Sorry to be blunt (I’m tired and grumpy tonight) but you’re basically showing her she can dismiss you on an whim and you’ll keep coming back for more.
Don’t be that doormat. God.

No you’re right! Sometimes you need someone else to say it

OP posts:
Pheebzbuffay · 27/03/2023 21:11

glowfrog · 27/03/2023 21:10

Just stop responding to her. Block her if you like as well. You don't owe her an explanation and telling her how she's let you down will either result in HER not responding and making you feel ignored again, or just more defensive messages or excuses.

Am sorry you've been treating that way but trust me, it'll make you feel better to regain some control this way.

That’s really sound advice! Thank you

OP posts:
NigellaAwesome · 27/03/2023 21:17

The friendship has run its course and sometimes things just can't be reignited.

I wouldn't even be arsed with giving her a reason. Perhaps just say that you are really busy at the moment and will be in touch in a few months - then don't bother.

Sorry for your bereavements Flowers

JemInher40s · 27/03/2023 21:18

You're not being unreasonable, I'd cut ties.

Mammyloveswine · 27/03/2023 21:19

What a selfish bitch!

Block and move on.

I'm so sorry about the loss of your parents. Sending Flowers

Weallgottachangesometime · 27/03/2023 21:22

Personally if it were me then yes I’d call time on the friendship. Id say no thanks next time she asks to meet up and tell her as she’s cancelled so many times you’re not Interested in trying anymore.

why waste your time and effort. She’s just going to continually disappoint and frustrate you.

raspberrycordial · 27/03/2023 21:26

Protect yourself and your mental health and just block and move on. why should her mental health take precedence over yours?

slowquickstep · 27/03/2023 21:26

She isn't a friend.

sonjadog · 27/03/2023 21:32

She is a shit friend if she can't put aside her jealousy for someone who has just lost both parents. Sounds like an immensely self-centred person. I would walk away from this one.

kessiebird · 27/03/2023 21:41

I've ended a few friendships in my 40s. It was the right thing to do, but in hindsight 10 years on, I'd have liked them to all end amicably and there's a couple of people I miss. I'd take a large step back and see what happens. Let her come to you to make the next date, if she doesn't just leave it, if she does then weigh it up then... I suspect she's still jealous which is such an awful emotion.

SunshineAndFizz · 27/03/2023 22:00

The friendship is already over. Just neither of you are admitting it.

As pp said, don't bother with explaining as she'll likely just ignore you, which is more annoyance for you.

Just stop replying to messages.

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