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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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:
Lindos · 21/05/2024 11:30

Cancel everything and if she still won’t take no for an answer block her

drusth · 21/05/2024 11:43

JudgeJ · 21/05/2024 11:17

I think your choice to openly bitch about her on mumsnet says a lot about you.

Why is that some people are supportive of everyone except the person whose life is being made miserable?

I don't always agree with you @JudgeJ , but this is spot on 👌

BigMandsTattooPortfolio · 21/05/2024 14:45

I just have to say, that it’s incredibly uncomfortable and distressing for some sensitive personalities to assert themselves and that may be frustrating for those outside of the situation. For myself, it’s been the times when I have had to do this, say ‘no’ I don’t want to do this, or when I have to defend a personal boundary with someone that afterwards I feel incredibly guilty, full of self-admonishment as well as fear that I’ve hurt someone. But these feelings have to be fought, and our comfort zones broken out of if we want to be a whole person in our own right, worth of self respect. Assertiveness counselling might help, and I wish the OP well.

StressedOutButProudMama · 21/05/2024 15:10

I think you need to stand up to her and make it 100% clear it isn't happening. If you don't want to go somewhere don't. Just say no and if she asks again tell her ryou have her the answer and if she can't respect that maybe a bit of space would be better.

Honestly as someone on the spectrum myself sometimes it's hard I know but it's best to be clear with people about your boundaries and focus on you not her. When she gets parcels delivered I'd put a stop tot hat. I know she says it's because EOF her family and spending but it's more slowly that she's claiming some sort of benefit and is also doing Avon or something similar or worse handling knock offs, stolen good via your property. 2 years isn't enough to know this woman inside out. Sneaking in at 11 to get a parcel is suspicious not many firms deliver that late and even if they had delivered earlier why didn't she get it then. The whole lot sound alike she's taking the P out of you, not a friend you need.

sunglassesonthetable · 21/05/2024 16:11

Sounds like two crazy grown women who were looking for friendship online. It was never going to end well. Your hostility towards her new bf is weird you have a husband and claim she is your good friend yet don’t want to double date…

Dear me @Hmm1234 you've read this thread and think OP claims she is her " good friend" ???!

And OP is hostile??😂😂😂

Read again👍🏻

brownbreadd · 21/05/2024 18:11

Thanks all. I've had messages today that I've not yet replied to, asking what the matter is with me cause I've not spoken to her today. I don't honestly know what to do.

Family say go, relax whilst there but keep her at arms length (I can't because we are sharing a room. She didn't want separate rooms 🙃)

I still don't want to go but I honestly can't think of a reason why.

OP posts:
DanielGault · 21/05/2024 18:14

brownbreadd · 21/05/2024 18:11

Thanks all. I've had messages today that I've not yet replied to, asking what the matter is with me cause I've not spoken to her today. I don't honestly know what to do.

Family say go, relax whilst there but keep her at arms length (I can't because we are sharing a room. She didn't want separate rooms 🙃)

I still don't want to go but I honestly can't think of a reason why.

You have to put your foot down here. You're the only one with the power to sort this problem. There doesn't need to be a reason. Just say you're not longer in a position to go.

Eistigi · 21/05/2024 18:17

@brownbreadd I said it yesterday but am saying it again now - Give your phone to your husband, ask him to reply on your behalf telling her to not message again until you contact her, you need a break from this.

You DON'T NEED a reason not to go, just tell her you're not up for it so are not going. Honest to god, it will be the best money you've ever spent.

3luckystars · 21/05/2024 18:19

what do you want to do, honestly now tell us, unfiltered what you want to happen and we will help you.

(Not by slamming your fist on the table and shouting but by untangling yourself as gently as possible, at your own speed and with your own words.) This place is a really supportive place, I know some of us are nuts but we will help you get through this.

You need your life back and, this woman is causing you huge stress every day, you can put in boundaries in a nice way, and we can help and support you.

Keepthosenamesgoing · 21/05/2024 18:20

brownbreadd · 21/05/2024 18:11

Thanks all. I've had messages today that I've not yet replied to, asking what the matter is with me cause I've not spoken to her today. I don't honestly know what to do.

Family say go, relax whilst there but keep her at arms length (I can't because we are sharing a room. She didn't want separate rooms 🙃)

I still don't want to go but I honestly can't think of a reason why.

Why don't you just reply and say that you've been feeling down and stressed and you've been having a rethink on all your plans. That you'd appreciate a little space whilst you work through things and you'll get back to her.

pineapplesundae · 21/05/2024 18:22

You don’t need an excuse other than you don’t feel like going! You’re in charge of you!

therealcookiemonster · 21/05/2024 18:22

brownbreadd · 21/05/2024 18:11

Thanks all. I've had messages today that I've not yet replied to, asking what the matter is with me cause I've not spoken to her today. I don't honestly know what to do.

Family say go, relax whilst there but keep her at arms length (I can't because we are sharing a room. She didn't want separate rooms 🙃)

I still don't want to go but I honestly can't think of a reason why.

OP you need to be harsh, I am sorry

just tell her you have a lot going on, you can't go on holiday and will be off grid for the next few months. tell her you can no longer accept parcels. tell her after sending that msg you will no longer be able to receive msgs until further notice. After sending and ensuring it's delivered, block her immediately

that's it. there is no other to do it. otherwise you will never get out of this situation.

Santiago1 · 21/05/2024 18:23

Keepthosenamesgoing · 21/05/2024 18:20

Why don't you just reply and say that you've been feeling down and stressed and you've been having a rethink on all your plans. That you'd appreciate a little space whilst you work through things and you'll get back to her.

This. This is perfect. Please don't go if you don't want to.

Pipsquiggle · 21/05/2024 18:23

YOU DON'T NEED A REASON NOT TO GO.
YOU JUST DON'T WANT TO IS ENOUGH.

I am not shouting at you. It's more for emphasis. You are over thinking this. I have not been on trips / holidays just because I haven't wanted to - it's absolutely fine not to justify it any further.
If you feel you have to, you can quite truthfully say 'I would rather go on holiday with my DH'

HisNibs · 21/05/2024 18:25

Eistigi · 21/05/2024 18:17

@brownbreadd I said it yesterday but am saying it again now - Give your phone to your husband, ask him to reply on your behalf telling her to not message again until you contact her, you need a break from this.

You DON'T NEED a reason not to go, just tell her you're not up for it so are not going. Honest to god, it will be the best money you've ever spent.

^
This OP

Maybe her new BF could even buy your portion of the holiday and you get some of the money back too but for me, I would forgo getting that money back and consider it money well spent.

You do not need a reason. "No I'm not going" is a valid position.

DanielGault · 21/05/2024 18:25

Santiago1 · 21/05/2024 18:23

This. This is perfect. Please don't go if you don't want to.

Tbh I wouldn't even go into that much detail. Pushy people will latch onto the smallest thing and offer a reason why it's not a problem. 'I can't go' is enough. No explanation needed.

Keepthosenamesgoing · 21/05/2024 18:28

DanielGault · 21/05/2024 18:25

Tbh I wouldn't even go into that much detail. Pushy people will latch onto the smallest thing and offer a reason why it's not a problem. 'I can't go' is enough. No explanation needed.

I was more trying to address the point that the friend is texting asking what is wrong.
OP may just need some space to gather thoughts and approach to holiday etc

squirrelnutkin10 · 21/05/2024 18:33

Why are you keeping a friendship that gives you endless stress?

Isolates you from other friends

Impinges on your marriage

Adds considerably to your anxiety?

I would send her this;

I am afraid we have grown apart, whilst l have enjoyed past time together with you, for the forseeable future l am focussed only on my home, work and my husband.
This will not change, and l ask that you do not have parcels left here and do not contact me. Please respect this or l will have to block you. I wish you well.

Shabzzz · 21/05/2024 18:36

Maybe read your original post and you'll figure it out while you read...?

Purplebunnie · 21/05/2024 18:40

OP contact with this person is making you ill, it really needs to stop

I think it's now got to the stage where you /your DH need to send a message telling her that the constant harassment is making you ill/annoyed whatever you think best and that you can't go away with her and then you need to be strong and block her.

After this all communication regarding cancelling the holiday/her partner buying it from you or whatever you decide needs to happen/not happen needs to go through your DH

I don't like telling you this because as I think you being told things is putting you under more stress but you really do need to put yourself first now

happinessischocolate · 21/05/2024 18:47

Apart from anything else I think you need to check that these deliveries aren't being put on accounts she's registered at your address otherwise you could have bailiffs turning up before you know it.

Daleksatemyshed · 21/05/2024 18:58

@brownbreadd I thought of you today when I read another thread on MN. Their DD's best friend was being bullied by other girls who wanted to be friends with the DD, but it looked as if this was made up, in fact the best friend was trying to keep these other girls away so she had her friend to herself. They were only young girls but already the best friend was overbearing and possessive, which should sound familiar to you?

I'm glad you're trying hard to change things Op, I know as a people pleaser it's hard to say No but you would get a much quieter, easier life if you could just hardened your heart a bit.

Livingtothefull · 21/05/2024 19:02

brownbreadd · 21/05/2024 18:11

Thanks all. I've had messages today that I've not yet replied to, asking what the matter is with me cause I've not spoken to her today. I don't honestly know what to do.

Family say go, relax whilst there but keep her at arms length (I can't because we are sharing a room. She didn't want separate rooms 🙃)

I still don't want to go but I honestly can't think of a reason why.

You do not have to apply to her messages at all. If you do, just say you are busy (don't say 'sorry') or write to her as some people have suggested.

You must know this is all really abnormal. Personally I can go days/weeks/months even without talking to family members or friends, and they just assume I am busy and don't expect immediate responses. But then they respect my space.

Do your family know what is really going on, because their advice to go along with the holiday seems really unhelpful. You have said you don't want to go on holiday with her so don't go....your decision and only yours to make.

LAMPS1 · 21/05/2024 19:10

Oh OP, you have a perfect reason already not to go, especially if you are sharing a room. You can’t possibly do that. It’s far too much.
You don’t need to think of another reason.
Use the honest reason you already have inside your heart. it’s nothing to be ashamed of.

Her demands give you chest pains.
The doctor would tell you to avoid the anxiety of this chest pain threat to your health that she causes.
She is bad for your health.
You are allowed to actually tell her the truth. The truth is, you need a break from her.
You owe it to yourself to take care of your own health first. Nobody else will do it for you. She would do it for herself in a heartbeat.
She is completely selfish with her demands, always at your expense and your health can’t afford it any longer.

In a way, it could be said that you owe it to her too, to tell the truth. Otherwise you are deceiving her. Don’t deceive her, tell her the truth. You can do it in a kind way even though we all feel here, that she isn’t owed much kindness at all.

Protecting yourself isn’t unkind, it’s sensible …we must always set out to be sensible as others will suffer the consequences of our foolishness as well as ourselves. And that’s not fair.
Protecting ourselves is what our instincts tell us to do. Your instincts are screaming out at you. They are telling you to save yourself. We are foolish to ignore our instincts. Your body is also telling you to cut this trigger.
Take those chest pains seriously !

You have a duty to yourself which you are ignoring OP. Simply because you are afraid to upset her. That’s very wrong. Wrong of you. Wrong for your husband, for your work, for your other friends, for yourself.

You could just tell her that you are sorry to have to tell her something she won’t want to hear; but your health is suffering now from her friendship style and the anxiety it causes you is giving you chest pains. Tell her that you find you can’t juggle your marriage, your family life, your work life, your social life, your down time as well as her constant texts and insistence on doing everything her way. Tell her that her tendency to argue you down every time you try to assert your own wishes, has had such a negative effect on your health that you must now put yourself first and give yourself a long break from her very high-energy demands on you. Tell her this means that you will not be going on the night out, you will not be able to host her, you will not be going on the holiday and you will no longer be accepting her deliveries. Tell her you now realise you never actually ever wanted those things at all, but you weren’t strong enough to insist until now you have taken advice. Tell her this feels right for you now, as a way forward to get yourself back on track to good health. Ask her to therefore kindly respect your wishes and not to contact you again until you let her know that you feel better. Wish her well.

Keep it honest and friendly.

Help yourself out OP.

sunglassesonthetable · 21/05/2024 19:10

Do you think your family really understand how stressed you feel about this?

Have you told them about the chest pains OP?

Is it the money that you have spent
that is affecting their opinion?