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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

With old friends, is honesty ever really the best policy?

80 replies

FluffyRabbitGal · 10/11/2024 22:45

Met friend at university, over 20 years ago. We had both moved to a new city to study, having lived about 15 miles away from one another pre uni however had never met.
After uni, I moved again to another part of the country (not home) whilst she stayed in the city we both attended uni. Since then, we managed to see each other a couple of times a year however when covid hit, things have really dried up.
I’ve messaged her a number of times, however invariably I either got no reply or “sorry I thought I replied to this!” But with no real interest in meeting up. As upsetting as I found this, I have accepted that we’re probably on different pages now, after all she has a family of her own now, whereas I do not.
I have tried to keep things bright and breezy when I’ve heard from her. However things have appeared to have changed, she turned 40 this summer and I got added to a “group chat” where I was expected to pay an absolute fortune to go glamping with her and a group of her pals. I have also been added to “group chats” for her hen party and wedding, which are happening overseas. She completely forgot my 40th and has only remembered my birthday once in at least 10 years.
Aside from the group chats she has added me to, I haven’t actually heard from her directly since last year until today. Where I got a glib message she was sorry about forgetting my birthday, she is a terrible friend and did I want to catch up next weekend.
I’m really tempted to reply “you’ve remembered my birthday once in the last 10 years, you’re right, you are a terrible friend and appear only to remember I exist when you want people to spend money celebrating you!”. Whilst all of that feels true, would I be unreasonable to say this or is this a little too honest? Also, not remotely interested if this is outing!

OP posts:
Rainbowdottie · 11/11/2024 20:01

Whilst I'm no longer in my people pleasing era (it's marvellous!) I'm also in my "soft era". I cba with any drama, any fall out, any "you did this, you didn't do that"....I don't care. Leave me alone. I'm enjoying living a small life filled with small things that make me happy. And tbh I'm not having anyone disturb that. From what I've read, the friendship has died, neither of you are bothered, you've both moved on in life....no biggie, it happens to lots of people....sometimes the only things that tie us to people is the past we share...so I'd just politely decline, leave the groups and forget all about it 💐🌻

BuildbyNumbere · 14/11/2024 06:36

I’d just leave it, leave the groups and don’t bother to message her again. If she messages you just give a short, friendly reply but don’t bother asking to meet.

NoCarbsForMe · 14/11/2024 07:05

MrsMorrisey · 10/11/2024 23:07

Just move on. It appears you have different lives and different friends.
She did invite you to her chats so that was nice of her to include you.
I've had these type of friendships end and it's no one's fault. You can't be friends with everyone forever.

This

ChocolateBubbleBarsmakemefat · 14/11/2024 09:48

Just leave the whatsapp groups. That action says it all for you really. She has only put you in them to make up numbers and get you to fund the things that benefit her. She is not your friend, she is a user. Be done with her once and for all.

BleekHaus · 14/11/2024 10:05

I don’t think you need to be so scorched earth about it. If you don’t want to attend the events - which is fine - then just decline. If you want the friendship to end, then just let it die naturally. I don’t see what the message achieves, other than getting it off your chest. You never know, this friendship might blossom again.

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