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Friend taking advantage of me. I am not a hotel!

593 replies

brownbreadd · 18/05/2024 20:55

it's a long one!!!! Buckle in!

So I met a new friend online on a Facebook forum locally whereby we realised that we had a lot of the same interests, and therefore decided after a little while of talking to me up for coffee.. eventually things progressed in our friendship and we became quite close...fast forward 2 years are now very good friends!

I have recently started to notice a few things that do not sit well with me and I would consider to be red flags. I don't know if it is just me being paranoid or sensitive so I wanted to pop something up here to get others opinions. 🤷🏼‍♀️

A few months back, DH and I finally sold our house after having been on the market for quite a while... things were going really well, and it was naturally a very busy time for us. We found another property that we liked and we had progressed quite far down the chain in regards to getting the move going!

During this time, my friend would hound me sometimes four times a day (yes really, I've got the screenshots!) about different holidays and trips that she wanted to go on because her annual leave calendar had been updated for the year.
As I say this was a very busy time for us and we were constantly having to get things sorted legally, attending appts etc and so I kept telling her that unfortunately at this point in time I cannot guarantee when or if I can go away with her because I have so much going on at home. My husband and I were also about to start a new job each at the time.. so it was really all very hectic!

She would absolutely hound me from the moment that I woke up to the minute that I would go to bed and even though I kept being polite and declining the offers and explaining my reasons why, she would constantly bombard me with messages and screenshots of holidays. Got to the point where I dreaded opening my phone when I saw a message from her in the morning, and she was putting me in such a negative headspace that I was taking it out on my poor DH. 🥺

Eventually, she caught me on a really hard day through other reasons that I won't go into... and I ended up caving and booking something with her for a few months time. I am really not looking forward to it to be honest and would much rather be here at home as I recently started my new job and I'm missing vital training time. This is by the by, I cannot do anything about it now. It is a holiday for just me and her, my husband is staying at home due to working commitments.

Anyway, in the end, unfortunately a couple of months after the sale etc our buyers had to pull out for financial reasons. It was gutting, we lost chunks of money and the home we loved and were accepted on... but I guess we are able to go on the holiday, but it just feels completely tainted in the fact that she would not take no for an answer from me, even though I was continuously explaining my reasons..

Fast forward to now and she has met a new man who I have met only a small handful of times. He seems nice enough, but I do not know anything about him literally other than his name and profession.

A few weeks ago, my friend started hounding me about an event that she wanted to go to locally one weekend. I suffer greatly with extreme anxiety and ASD and drinking and clubs is really not my scene at all. It makes me highly anxious and it's honestly just my worst nightmare being in that type of situstjon. She went on and on at me so much that again I ended up cracking and saying that I will go with her. It was quite odd. She even made me pinky promise.. Confused

As I mentioned earlier, I am now in my new job, and have since had my rots through for this point in time whereby I am actually scheduled to work the following day on an early shift, so I am actually dreading going out even more now because I want to be able to excel in my job and function properly at work the following day. It's likely I won't be home until early hours of the morning of the day I'm expected into work. My job is set on high performance targets and I don't function well regardless on no / little sleep. I won't be hungover as I don't drink, but I will be shattered!!!!!

Anyway, as I mentioned earlier, she has now met said new man and he has been asked to come along with us to said event, along with my husband now, too. She has said she wants to make it a double date BlushConfused

This morning I received a message from my friend asking if her and her new man can sleep round at mine and DH's house the evening of this event because they have looked into hotels and they are coming out too expensive so they want somewhere free to stay overnight. They both still live with family at home.

My initial reaction to this message was that it was extremely cheeky and rude to ask. I have work the next morning and I have also got a viewing scheduled on our home that morning too. It would not be suitable to have guests in the house that morning when I need to tidy up and prepare for the viewing!

That aside, I do not know this man at all, I don't know anything about him, what he's like etc. I feel in a vulnerable position because the house is often empty due to mine and my partners working schedule, and I don't know who this man might know / what he could do. Not saying he would, but I'm extremely wary already living in a remote location.

I took me a good hour to muster up the courage to text her back. I did, and told her unfortunately this would not be possible because I have work the next day and I also have a home viewing. Yet again, my word was not good enough for her, and she has gone on and on about the fact that accommodation in the area we are going out in is too expensive and they just want to spend one night together...BlushConfused

this obviously makes me feel really uncomfortable, not only the fact that I don't know him but also the fact that they want to spend the night together under my roof!!!!! All day she has been going on and on about the fact that it would just be one night and that they would be out of our way by the morning.

Is it weird that I almost find this more insulting?! It's like they are just using me as a place to sleep together before heading out for the day the next day!!! I just feel completely used and as though my word NO is not good enough or respected.

Not only does she do things like this, but she also often has her deliveries and parcels directed to my home address without having ever asked me if that is okay. I often come home to find parcels of all shapes and sizes on my doorstep addressed to her, and a couple of weeks ago I was getting ready for bed at 11 pm when my ring doorbell alerted me movement outside of my home. I checked my ring doorbell and it was her at 11 pm on my driveway collecting a parcel from my front doorstep. She did not once ask me if she could come at that time of night or even if she could have anything delivered to my address AT ALL. in fact she has never asked!! HmmShock

when I asked her about this, she told me that she cannot have things delivered to her home address since she still lives with her family and they become concerned with her spending habits because she continually has parcels arriving. So, she has to have them delivered to my address to hide that from the family.

Through all of this, I am trying to run my home, maintain a good relationship with my poor DH who is constantly working. I am also trying to excel in my new job, and maintain the house for the market and viewings... to be honest it feels as though she is trying to make things difficult for us.

I am not entirely sure what I am asking here...

I guess I just need an outsiders perspective? I feel like I'm being used and abused for my Home, my address for her parcels, and as somebody that she can fill her free time with. I just feel as though the friendship is very one-sided...

I think I mentioned above, I do suffer extreme anxiety and ASD, so I am sure if it is overreacting or being paranoid... I just feel as though I want this holiday over and done with and then I want to try and distance myself from her a little.

Almost as soon as this holiday was booked, she was then sending me other holidays for later in the year. When I was saying no to the first holiday; she kept telling me that she cannot function without a years worth of plans in advance and that she doesn't know anyone but me, she needs to book up as much as she can with me.

I tried to gently explain to her that I have also got my own things that I want to book, such as special anniversary trip with my husband later in the year!! I think she has been so used to almost being the third person in our relationship for so long, she almost feels as though it is a given that she will attend anything like this with us! I have just tried to make her feeling included where she has been continuously saying how lonely she is.

There is nothing odd going on (!!!) but for example, if DH and I are popping out for a bite to eat, and she is asking me what I'm doing, I will offer for her to come along etc.

When I mentioned about the fact that I will also want holidays later in the year with my husband, she became funny about the fact that I had not asked if she wants to come along. I can only hope that now she has met this new man, hopefully they can start to organise things together themselves.

I feel bad as my fuse is getting shorter, but I am really struggling to regulate my emotions around this situation, and feel as though I am being used and abused. I have plenty of other friends who are low maintenance and lovely and would never be like this to me. Sad

As I say, I'm not really sure what I'm asking here but perhaps an outsiders perspective would help me!

Thank you in advance and thank you for reading if you got this far!!! BiscuitDaffodil

OP posts:
disaggregate · 19/05/2024 20:03

brownbreadd · 19/05/2024 08:26

To answer the other questions about why I feel this way, I think this best explains it.,

She came into my life at a time when i was going through a really horrible friendship breakdown, with my old friends. Looking back I guess she came in and isolated me to the point where I only had her and vice versa. I do have other more normal friendships too, with people I've known much longer which she doesn't approve of.

OP, if you have ASD you might be a little gullible and overly trusting. This person is not your friend, she's a bully and control freak who is displaying no respect for you. You need to write her a message and then block her.

Just say something along these lines:

Hi X,

After a lot of thought and some counselling I'm writing to tell you that for now, I need to focus on my home life and my work and will be taking a step back from our friendship as it has become too intense for me. I won't be able to go on the holiday, and will need to cancel our night out as well. Please stop sending parcels to my address, and please don't try to contact me. I won't be able to engage in any further communication at present, but wish you all the best.
Thanks for your understanding, brownbreadd.

RampantIvy · 19/05/2024 20:17

disaggregate · 19/05/2024 20:03

OP, if you have ASD you might be a little gullible and overly trusting. This person is not your friend, she's a bully and control freak who is displaying no respect for you. You need to write her a message and then block her.

Just say something along these lines:

Hi X,

After a lot of thought and some counselling I'm writing to tell you that for now, I need to focus on my home life and my work and will be taking a step back from our friendship as it has become too intense for me. I won't be able to go on the holiday, and will need to cancel our night out as well. Please stop sending parcels to my address, and please don't try to contact me. I won't be able to engage in any further communication at present, but wish you all the best.
Thanks for your understanding, brownbreadd.

And then block when you can see that she has read your message.

disaggregate · 19/05/2024 20:26

disaggregate · 19/05/2024 20:03

OP, if you have ASD you might be a little gullible and overly trusting. This person is not your friend, she's a bully and control freak who is displaying no respect for you. You need to write her a message and then block her.

Just say something along these lines:

Hi X,

After a lot of thought and some counselling I'm writing to tell you that for now, I need to focus on my home life and my work and will be taking a step back from our friendship as it has become too intense for me. I won't be able to go on the holiday, and will need to cancel our night out as well. Please stop sending parcels to my address, and please don't try to contact me. I won't be able to engage in any further communication at present, but wish you all the best.
Thanks for your understanding, brownbreadd.

PS if you wanted to, you could send her the address of a parcel motel or whatever is available locally and tell her she needs to get her post delivered there in future.

therealcookiemonster · 19/05/2024 20:28

disaggregate · 19/05/2024 20:26

PS if you wanted to, you could send her the address of a parcel motel or whatever is available locally and tell her she needs to get her post delivered there in future.

I mean anyone can collect their parcels from amazon lockers or post offices.

didn't know there were such things as parcel hotels. do they have a turndown service?😂

disaggregate · 19/05/2024 20:38

therealcookiemonster · 19/05/2024 20:28

I mean anyone can collect their parcels from amazon lockers or post offices.

didn't know there were such things as parcel hotels. do they have a turndown service?😂

Just seen that they no longer exist, and have been replaced by OOOHPod (in Ireland and NI). Anyway, I assume there's something like https://www.evri.com/parcelshops/lockers - or a post office to use. But seriously, OP should cut this woman out of her life as much as possible for now, she's a bully and a user.

Parcel Delivery & Collection Lockers | Collect Parcels | Evri

Use Evri parcel Lockers to send, collect and return your parcels quickly and easily. Find out how to use Lockers for all your parcel needs.

https://www.evri.com/parcelshops/lockers

therealcookiemonster · 19/05/2024 20:44

disaggregate · 19/05/2024 20:38

Just seen that they no longer exist, and have been replaced by OOOHPod (in Ireland and NI). Anyway, I assume there's something like https://www.evri.com/parcelshops/lockers - or a post office to use. But seriously, OP should cut this woman out of her life as much as possible for now, she's a bully and a user.

100% agreed. in her place I would tell the cf to redirect parcels and then bin any subsequent parcels

brownbreadd · 19/05/2024 20:50

Thank you all for your help and comments, I've been trying to read through as many as possible. I've still got a complete sinking feeling about the holiday.

She has been as bit off towards me today, commenting after a photo of the garden that I put on my social media stories; whereby she asked why I didn't tell her that I'd finished work and wanted to know where I am... I told her I was at a family members enjoying the sunshine.

OP posts:
sunglassesonthetable · 19/05/2024 20:51

Don't get involved suggesting things or trying to SORT OUT the parcel issues for her!!!

That's exactly how this has all happened.

She&s a grown woman. She can google!

She googles holidays all the time.

Just " No, not anymore sorry. "

Keepthosenamesgoing · 19/05/2024 20:55

brownbreadd · 19/05/2024 20:50

Thank you all for your help and comments, I've been trying to read through as many as possible. I've still got a complete sinking feeling about the holiday.

She has been as bit off towards me today, commenting after a photo of the garden that I put on my social media stories; whereby she asked why I didn't tell her that I'd finished work and wanted to know where I am... I told her I was at a family members enjoying the sunshine.

She seems very intense! I'd just pull back from replying so frequently. Perhaps mute or something.

disaggregate · 19/05/2024 21:00

sunglassesonthetable · 19/05/2024 20:51

Don't get involved suggesting things or trying to SORT OUT the parcel issues for her!!!

That's exactly how this has all happened.

She&s a grown woman. She can google!

She googles holidays all the time.

Just " No, not anymore sorry. "

It's not sorting things out, it's putting everything in one final message and making it clear OP knows she doesn't 'need' to use OP's address and then blocking her.

disaggregate · 19/05/2024 21:05

brownbreadd · 19/05/2024 20:50

Thank you all for your help and comments, I've been trying to read through as many as possible. I've still got a complete sinking feeling about the holiday.

She has been as bit off towards me today, commenting after a photo of the garden that I put on my social media stories; whereby she asked why I didn't tell her that I'd finished work and wanted to know where I am... I told her I was at a family members enjoying the sunshine.

You need to put an end to this, she just has no respect for you - to keep up this friendship would be just masochism on your part.
Send her one short message saying
'Hi X, I'm writing to tell you I need to withdraw from our friendship for now including our planned holiday, our night out and taking in parcels for you any more. Please don't contact me as I can't engage with you at the moment. Thanks in advance for respecting this' and then block her on social media, block her on your phone, just block her. End of story.

sunglassesonthetable · 19/05/2024 21:05

It's not sorting things out, it's putting everything in one final message and making it clear OP knows she doesn't 'need' to use OP's address and then blocking her.

And she'll be back with

too expensive
not in my area
not secure
blah blah blah

It's just feeding the beast. It's how she uses OP. OP has to show her it is irrelevant that she might 'need' something or not.

This kind of person can only understand NO.

@disaggregate

RampantIvy · 19/05/2024 21:24

brownbreadd · 19/05/2024 20:50

Thank you all for your help and comments, I've been trying to read through as many as possible. I've still got a complete sinking feeling about the holiday.

She has been as bit off towards me today, commenting after a photo of the garden that I put on my social media stories; whereby she asked why I didn't tell her that I'd finished work and wanted to know where I am... I told her I was at a family members enjoying the sunshine.

Just grey rock her and do NOT respond to any comments and please try and find the courage to tell her that you won't be going on holiday with her or to the event.
And tell her you will no longer accept any parcels for her.

Nothing will change if you don't change anything.

She walks all over you because you allow her to.

You don't get any medals for being a martyr
Where is your husband in all of this. Doesn't he have an opinion?

Livingtothefull · 19/05/2024 21:34

brownbreadd · 19/05/2024 20:50

Thank you all for your help and comments, I've been trying to read through as many as possible. I've still got a complete sinking feeling about the holiday.

She has been as bit off towards me today, commenting after a photo of the garden that I put on my social media stories; whereby she asked why I didn't tell her that I'd finished work and wanted to know where I am... I told her I was at a family members enjoying the sunshine.

You don't want to go on the holiday; so don't go. Once you have made up your mind not to go it will put a stop to the 'sinking feeling' and will be such a relief.

You are still giving her too much headspace and seem to feel you have to explain your whereabouts on demand and appease her. I am not having a go.....you just need to ease into a new habit of thinking, where you know you don't have to explain yourself to her. She is not your boss.

If she asks you where you are you say 'I am busy'. Or (perhaps even better) don't bother responding at all.

StaunchMomma · 19/05/2024 21:42

brownbreadd · 19/05/2024 20:50

Thank you all for your help and comments, I've been trying to read through as many as possible. I've still got a complete sinking feeling about the holiday.

She has been as bit off towards me today, commenting after a photo of the garden that I put on my social media stories; whereby she asked why I didn't tell her that I'd finished work and wanted to know where I am... I told her I was at a family members enjoying the sunshine.

You don't have to tell her where you are all of the time, OP.

She has a very demanding, controlling idea of a friendship. If your DH was badgering you so much and demanding to know where you are etc then I think people may suggest your relationship was abusive,

I think you'd be doing yourself a huge favour by telling her you can't go on the holiday and you & DH won't be going on the night out with them either. These things are only good for her, not you.

It sounds like a very one way friendship, in that regard.

ilovesushi · 19/05/2024 21:47

I posted before recommending you just tell her no about the holiday, the night out, the parcels etc, but if you are really struggling with it, it might be better to simply block her and cut all contact. Start now if you are up to it. I really think her behaviour warrants it. How dare she blight your day by hounding you and guilt tripping you. Find your anger and either give her a piece of your mind then freeze her out or just freeze her out. She sounds absolutely awful. Please please get this woman out of your life.

Takenoprisoner · 19/05/2024 22:00

brownbreadd · 19/05/2024 20:50

Thank you all for your help and comments, I've been trying to read through as many as possible. I've still got a complete sinking feeling about the holiday.

She has been as bit off towards me today, commenting after a photo of the garden that I put on my social media stories; whereby she asked why I didn't tell her that I'd finished work and wanted to know where I am... I told her I was at a family members enjoying the sunshine.

You need to stop responding to messages like this. she doesn't need to know. Ignore messages that aren't any of her business to know, she thinks you owe her, you don't. I've stopped answering certain messages from certain people, and only respond to ones that are important

LookItsMeAgain · 19/05/2024 22:06

brownbreadd · 19/05/2024 20:50

Thank you all for your help and comments, I've been trying to read through as many as possible. I've still got a complete sinking feeling about the holiday.

She has been as bit off towards me today, commenting after a photo of the garden that I put on my social media stories; whereby she asked why I didn't tell her that I'd finished work and wanted to know where I am... I told her I was at a family members enjoying the sunshine.

Put this 'friend' on an information diet straight away.
It's absolutely NONE of her business where you were. NONE.

If you do nothing else, stop telling her stuff that she has no right to know.

Pipsquiggle · 19/05/2024 22:15

brownbreadd · 19/05/2024 20:50

Thank you all for your help and comments, I've been trying to read through as many as possible. I've still got a complete sinking feeling about the holiday.

She has been as bit off towards me today, commenting after a photo of the garden that I put on my social media stories; whereby she asked why I didn't tell her that I'd finished work and wanted to know where I am... I told her I was at a family members enjoying the sunshine.

@brownbreadd
Nothing will change unless you change your behaviour towards her.
You have let her walk all over you for nearly 2 years.

You need to say 'No' - to everything, the holiday, the stop over, the parcels.
Initially it will be difficult. Assertiveness is a muscle you need to work on. You need to start ASAP. You could send her a WhatsApp this evening saying you don't want to go on the holiday.
Sounds like you won't though.

therealcookiemonster · 19/05/2024 22:26

@brownbreadd I don't really understand why you are still going on holiday? just say you had to change plans and then block her

OP there is absolutely no reason to put up with this woman. if you feel awkward saying this to her, get hubby to write a text from your phone and then block and delete. if she ever comes to your door, don't answer.

JammyJellyfish · 19/05/2024 22:37

you need to say no & mean it. No explanation required. If you don’t want to block her you can put her on mute. Make it a habit to check her messages once a day max & just send one reply.

right now she reminds of that stalker on baby reindeer.

Louise303 · 19/05/2024 22:39

brownbreadd · 19/05/2024 20:50

Thank you all for your help and comments, I've been trying to read through as many as possible. I've still got a complete sinking feeling about the holiday.

She has been as bit off towards me today, commenting after a photo of the garden that I put on my social media stories; whereby she asked why I didn't tell her that I'd finished work and wanted to know where I am... I told her I was at a family members enjoying the sunshine.

She sounds like a pyscho from a lifetime movie why would she need informing that you finished work? Don't believe the reason why she is getting parcels to your address. Its just another excuse for her to contact you or turn up to your house anytime.

sunglassesonthetable · 19/05/2024 22:40

right now she reminds of that stalker on baby reindeer.

Funny you said that, and me.

Nanny0gg · 19/05/2024 22:44

brownbreadd · 19/05/2024 20:50

Thank you all for your help and comments, I've been trying to read through as many as possible. I've still got a complete sinking feeling about the holiday.

She has been as bit off towards me today, commenting after a photo of the garden that I put on my social media stories; whereby she asked why I didn't tell her that I'd finished work and wanted to know where I am... I told her I was at a family members enjoying the sunshine.

Stop telling her where you are! None of her business!

OhcantthInkofaname · 19/05/2024 22:51

I think you need to learn to just say no and mean it.

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