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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:
DanielGault · 22/05/2024 10:49

Soberinthecity · 22/05/2024 10:46

Exactly!! Only teens ghost ppl…luckily she’s got some pretty sound advice from the majority, though

Nope. Some people require ghosting. And tbh it's quite a dignified way to divest oneself of an unwanted friendship. No ranting or raving, just something akin to Homer Simpson slowly walking backwards though the bush 😁

Trainingfairy · 22/05/2024 11:27

@brownbreadd this isn't a friendship, call it what you like, it's time to end it - and you're going to have to be brutal because this person has no filter. I don't see any point in you messaging her as she doesn't listen and she plays on your sensitivities and feeds off your responses to her. So starve her of communication; block her on every channel that you have between you so she can't e-mail, call or message you. If she comes to the house you will see her on the ring doorbell - ignore.
Sounds like you have a lovely supportive husband so get him involved to step in if she pursues it. This will be tough for a while as she will aim to try and play on your kindness and also your reaction to pressure from her. But it will pass - you just need to dig in, do not crumble and get on with your own life. Keep reminding yourself how much better and easier your life will be without her. This person is not a friend, it's a toxic relationship and you don't have to have her in your life. Stay strong and consistent and look forward to happier, easier times.

disaggregate · 22/05/2024 12:21

DanielGault · 22/05/2024 10:49

Nope. Some people require ghosting. And tbh it's quite a dignified way to divest oneself of an unwanted friendship. No ranting or raving, just something akin to Homer Simpson slowly walking backwards though the bush 😁

Ghosting isn't all that dignified, although I do think the OP needs to cut all contact - one final message giving a short explanation would be more mature and empowering I think. That can be as simple as 'I'm writing to let you know I have to step back from our friendship now as I'm finding it too intense, and need to prioritise my work and home life. As I'd like a clean break and don't want to engage with you about this, I won't be answering any calls or messages. All the best' and then block their number.

DanielGault · 22/05/2024 12:26

disaggregate · 22/05/2024 12:21

Ghosting isn't all that dignified, although I do think the OP needs to cut all contact - one final message giving a short explanation would be more mature and empowering I think. That can be as simple as 'I'm writing to let you know I have to step back from our friendship now as I'm finding it too intense, and need to prioritise my work and home life. As I'd like a clean break and don't want to engage with you about this, I won't be answering any calls or messages. All the best' and then block their number.

I think I said up thread, but often these types will argue the toss so it's better not to give them anything to argue with. I disagree that ghosting isn't dignified, it's literally just going silent. There's nothing undignified about that.

MoonWoman69 · 22/05/2024 12:40

therealcookiemonster · 21/05/2024 23:38

you had me at cat...

Excellent, I'm in the team then?! 😁

Pumpkinpie1 · 22/05/2024 13:18

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.

The fact you don’t want to go is a good enough reason .
“This friend “ sounds like she is making you feel ill.
Thats not good.
You have the right to say no . Don’t feed into her drama or bullying . Badgering You is bullying.

therealcookiemonster · 22/05/2024 13:51

MoonWoman69 · 22/05/2024 12:40

Excellent, I'm in the team then?! 😁

yes. absolutely

RampantIvy · 22/05/2024 13:57

Can you imagine it - a job where you also indulge your passion for cats and cake, and get to help people out of a pickle? Sounds like heaven.

LookItsMeAgain · 22/05/2024 14:08

brownbreadd · 21/05/2024 19:34

No I absolutely hate the drama. Trust me, I don't WANT it.

I have actually just told her I'm not going on the holiday.

I am thrilled, genuinely thrilled and relieved for you that you have told her about the holiday.

Can I ask you @brownbreadd how you feel, now that the holiday is no longer an issue and how you feel having told her you're not going on the holiday?

Soberinthecity · 22/05/2024 15:38

DanielGault · 22/05/2024 10:49

Nope. Some people require ghosting. And tbh it's quite a dignified way to divest oneself of an unwanted friendship. No ranting or raving, just something akin to Homer Simpson slowly walking backwards though the bush 😁

Nope. Ghosting can have massively detrimental effects on ppl. If you’re unable to express yourself as an adult in a short, succinct text, you’ve got bigger problems.

disaggregate · 22/05/2024 15:44

Soberinthecity · 22/05/2024 15:38

Nope. Ghosting can have massively detrimental effects on ppl. If you’re unable to express yourself as an adult in a short, succinct text, you’ve got bigger problems.

Yep - far more empowering for the OP to state it to the friend than just shrink away. Just one short text for closure, otherwise she'll be paranoid that the friend will be hunting her down or trying to bump into here - much much worse.

AcrossthePond55 · 22/05/2024 16:29

brownbreadd · 21/05/2024 19:34

No I absolutely hate the drama. Trust me, I don't WANT it.

I have actually just told her I'm not going on the holiday.

OK, that's great!!

You can expect to hear back from her and I'm sure her texts will be voluble and most likely manipulative. Have you thought about how you might want to handle her replies if they are?

BustyLaRoux · 22/05/2024 17:39

Perhaps compose a final message. I agree with people who say ghosting isn’t ideal. I had a situation recently where I needed to let a friend go. We’d been friends for 20 years but he had always behaved in a way that made me uncomfortable. In the end I decided enough was enough. I’d put up with it for far too long. I didn’t want to just block him as that felt cruel. So I wrote a message which explained I found his behaviour inappropriate and that the friendship had run its course. My friends helped me refine it and cut it down as it started off far too long and apologetic. I sent it and then blocked him on all platforms. I know he will be upset but at least he has my explanation. I wasn’t interested in him apologising or anything so blocking felt right. I don’t want any more contact as the dread I used to feel when he messaged (which was fairly frequent) is now all gone and I feel liberated!!!

Maybe prepare your goodbye message. Send. And block. And sigh a sigh of relief.

brownbreadd · 22/05/2024 21:58

I'm sorry for my delay reading and replying, I've been working today.

I have had a mixture of guilt tripping, angry, sad messages etc all over the last 24hrs since I broke the news.. I am trying my best to keep my composure and stand my ground until we come to a solution r/e the holiday going to somebody else. Once done I'm hoping to slowly fade it out.

OP posts:
LAMPS1 · 22/05/2024 22:05

Good plan ! Stay strong OP.
Stand your ground.
The hardest bit is done.

therealcookiemonster · 22/05/2024 22:19

brownbreadd · 22/05/2024 21:58

I'm sorry for my delay reading and replying, I've been working today.

I have had a mixture of guilt tripping, angry, sad messages etc all over the last 24hrs since I broke the news.. I am trying my best to keep my composure and stand my ground until we come to a solution r/e the holiday going to somebody else. Once done I'm hoping to slowly fade it out.

you are dealing with it really well OP. just ignore her. eventually she will move on and leech from someone else

BigMandsTattooPortfolio · 22/05/2024 22:43

Yes, this is the script for this type of highly manipulative individual OP. It’s all a performance. Ignore, ignore, ignore.

ilovesushi · 22/05/2024 22:55

@brownbreadd well done for letting her know you are not going. Step away now and let her deal with own arrangements. You don't owe her reasons or explanations or anything. This is really positive step. She is most likely going to give you a hard time now, but keeping moving away. You will feel so much better once you are free of her. Remember all that guilt tripping is her revealing her true self and showing how little regard she has for you.

MercyDulb0ttle · 22/05/2024 23:31

What’s she been saying??

3luckystars · 22/05/2024 23:45

Just stay firm, don’t break Bull.

IHateLegDay · 23/05/2024 00:24

Cancel the holiday. You'll lose the deposit but that's nothing compared to the stress you'll experience being away with her.

Tell her you're not going on the night out with her and she's not staying at your house.
Tell her to stop sending parcels or you'll throw them away.
Tell her she doesn't respect you so you're done with her.

Then you block her and breathe a sigh of relief.

MumsGoneToIceland · 23/05/2024 04:31

OP now is the time to either cutoff the friendship or if you value the friendship albeit on different terms state what they are. E.g friend, I enjoy. Your company, however I am finding it far too intense for me and for my mental health and happiness need to make some changes. If I say No to things, I need you to respect that and not keep badgering me (e.g future holidays, staying over). Also please stop having parcels delivered to my house. If I don’t answer messages straight away it’s because I’m occupied with something else or there are too many messages for me in one day. If you wanted to you could also reference your ASD etc and say that because of this, you need a different type of friend dynamic to perhaps the one that works for her. Good luck but well done for being assertive so far.

BustyLaRoux · 23/05/2024 07:26

brownbreadd · 22/05/2024 21:58

I'm sorry for my delay reading and replying, I've been working today.

I have had a mixture of guilt tripping, angry, sad messages etc all over the last 24hrs since I broke the news.. I am trying my best to keep my composure and stand my ground until we come to a solution r/e the holiday going to somebody else. Once done I'm hoping to slowly fade it out.

Funny isn’t it, because as a fellow people pleaser and someone with terrible RSD if I got a message like yours I’d be sorry! I wouldn’t send messages guilt tripping or being angry or letting you know how sad I was. In fact I’d be mortified and I’d tell you I had no idea you felt that way and I was sorry our friendship had caused you upset. Then I’d crawl off and be mortified somewhere and leave you alone so as not to make it even worse!

The idea she thinks she can ‘win you back’ by hounding you with messages about how she feels and trying to emotionally guilt you into relenting just goes to show what a self centred person she is. A real friend would care more about YOUR feelings right now. She’s only interested in her own!

You must feel relieved to have stood up for yourself and that soon this will be over. Well done! It’s not easy for people pleasers to put their own needs first.

isthismylifenow · 23/05/2024 08:00

brownbreadd · 22/05/2024 21:58

I'm sorry for my delay reading and replying, I've been working today.

I have had a mixture of guilt tripping, angry, sad messages etc all over the last 24hrs since I broke the news.. I am trying my best to keep my composure and stand my ground until we come to a solution r/e the holiday going to somebody else. Once done I'm hoping to slowly fade it out.

She really is revealing her true colours now isn't she OP.

I am not sure it is on you to have to find a replacement person to go with her. I assume it is all paid for and you are not claiming those monies back. So now it is up to her to either go alone, take someone else, or also not to go at all.

Don't let her pressurize you into this as well.

BMW6 · 23/05/2024 14:03

You've told her you're not going now (well done!)

Now simply block her. If she rings hang up. If she calls round don't answer the door, or ask DH to tell her to Fuck Off.

Any Deliveries for her send to her address or get DH to take round.