Every half term / school holiday I nearly always end up feeling very frustrated with my mum of 3 friend when it comes to trying to meet up and since becoming a new mum myself and returning to work I'm feeling extra annoyed and wondering if AIBU to feel this way.
Pre motherhood I've felt we often go round and round in circles and end up not meeting up or I feel I've wasted the majority of the day preparing to meet up for her as she would push back a lot and we'd end up meeting in the evening so this half term I tried a different approach.
Me: fancy meeting up this half term, I'm free on Mon and Tuesday - Tuesday DH is away - I mention this so she knows I have house to myself so there's the option to come over. Which she's done before and I've cooked for her kids, gone to local stuff etc. Or if HT is a bit busy we can give it a miss.
Her: replies and goes of on tangent.
Me: reminds her about dates and asks if she's free?
Her: picks one of the days that I don't have husband around, says it will be after he returns from work so already I know that's likely to be an evening meet up ...she suggests dinner or theatre and she also asks if there's any other dates that are better?
I call, her phone is switched off, I messaged to tell her I called.
Me: sends social media post for kid friendly exhibition taking place on day DH isn't around (seeing as that is the day she says she's free) along with captions something to take kids to?
Her: says it looks like such and such art gallery
Me: it is.
Silence
More texts on Monday about what she's up to etc etc no call back, no comment about suggested activity.
Tuesday morning I tell her I'm heading to art gallery and ask if she's already been or something , wondering why didn't seem more enthusiastic. she says no, says she's sad she missed out and her kids would have enjoyed and if my toddler really enjoys it maybe we could go again?!?
Err noooooo!!!!
First time with toddler on public transport and navigating half term mayhem so I think I won't be doing that again in a hurry lol.
I really feel this friend makes it so much more complicated than it has to be to meet up. She's a seasoned pro at taking her kids out and about in London and her youngest is 7/8 so I don't think it was due to hassle or anything. Anyone reading this would think friend just doesn't want to meet up and that's the vibe she's giving off. She also told me on Monday she'd call yesterday afternoon and that she is desperate for catch up.
It's frustrating because yesterday morning I sent the exact same social media post to another friend at 7am and said I think I might brave going to this with toddler, fancy coming and she replied I'm up for it if you are - she also has baby same age - and it was as simple as that*!
*Leaked nappy, lift out of order on public transport, forgotten to pack enough snacks kinda simple of course.