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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to think my friend keeps undermining my marriage?

207 replies

suziequeue1 · 02/04/2026 12:47

I don’t know if I’m explaining this properly, but it’s got to the point where I leave conversations with her feeling really irritated and slightly put down, and I’m starting to wonder if I’m overreacting or if it actually is as off as it feels.
For context my friend got married 2 months ago and I've been married 5 years, but even before that she’s always had a bit of a “know it all” streak. Recently though it’s turned into what feels like constant, subtle digs at my husband and my relationship.
It’s never outright rude, but it’s very consistent and always framed as a comparison. For example, I mentioned my husband wants to buy me my dream bag when I give birth, and she said “I find that really weird, it would be nicer if he bought you gold.” Not awful in isolation, but it’s the tone.
I said he’s going away for a month for work because he’ll be getting paid double, and she immediately said “I can’t believe he would leave you when you’re pregnant.” I explained I encouraged him to go as we need the money and I’m fine, and she just gave me a look and said “my husband would never do that.”
She does this a lot - frames everything as “my husband would never…” or implies her relationship is somehow stronger. She was talking about being worried about her in-laws and I said sometimes they say things when your husband isn’t there (as that’s happened to me), and she said “well they know my husband is my best friend and I tell him everything so they wouldn’t dare.” It just felt like a dig, as if to suggest me and DH aren’t close?
What I find odd is she’s actually told me quite negative things about her own husband (e.g. him not wanting her out past a certain time), but then she reframes it as “protective” and uses it to make comments about mine like “I know your husband is less protective” or even “maybe your husband isn’t as dominant” when I mentioned a disagreement I had.
It’s that kind of comment that really doesn’t sit right with me. It feels quite undermining and honestly a bit disrespectful, but because it’s said in a casual way I don’t know if I’m making it into a bigger deal than it is.
Another example that didn’t sit right with me... before she got married she told me she struggles with anger. I opened up and said I used to as well, and therapy really helped me, especially early in my marriage as I had to learn to handle disagreements better (my husband has always been very calm and patient).
Instead of engaging with that, she kept insisting she “wouldn’t have that issue” because her husband is amazing and she only has issues with her family. It felt like she completely missed the point and turned it into another comparison about husbands, which is something she does a lot.
It’s also the fact it’s so frequent now- almost every conversation ends up with some sort of comparison or comment about my husband/relationship.
AIBU to feel like this is actually quite off behaviour? Or am I being too sensitive?

OP posts:
AggroPotato · 02/04/2026 15:48

I'd actually be quite worried about her. She sounds like she's desperately trying to convince herself that she hasn't married a miserable, controlling arsehole.

suziequeue1 · 02/04/2026 15:49

Wildgoat · 02/04/2026 15:43

Gosh it’s like something out the 1800s, whose husband is best. I don’t know how you’ve both not got the ick of each other,

I am not sure I’ve got advice as I can’t imagine playing husband top trump, but I’d really focus on not giving a shit if she thinks her husband is better,

Have I been playing along? No I haven't. So unsure why you're saying don't know how she hasn't got the ick from me???

OP posts:
Catlady007007 · 02/04/2026 15:54

Your post really resonates with me OP.

I have a very old friend and she does this type of thing particularly about her children and schools. She's 'forgetful' about things and will tell me how her kids are really outgoing when I have listened to her for years saying they are not good at interacting. At one stage I was questioning myself as to whether I was losing it!

A sibling does something similar too. Her holiday is always better, her run is always faster. Its like everything is a competition I never engage and try not to tell her anything personal but she can make the most dull thing into a contest. Its exhausting.

I don't know why people do this. I'm reading this thread with interest.

suziequeue1 · 02/04/2026 15:55

Catlady007007 · 02/04/2026 15:54

Your post really resonates with me OP.

I have a very old friend and she does this type of thing particularly about her children and schools. She's 'forgetful' about things and will tell me how her kids are really outgoing when I have listened to her for years saying they are not good at interacting. At one stage I was questioning myself as to whether I was losing it!

A sibling does something similar too. Her holiday is always better, her run is always faster. Its like everything is a competition I never engage and try not to tell her anything personal but she can make the most dull thing into a contest. Its exhausting.

I don't know why people do this. I'm reading this thread with interest.

Sorry you relate because it really is frustrating!

OP posts:
Neemi1201 · 02/04/2026 15:56

These comments would drive me insane. At the bottom of it she sounds like an insecure, possibly jealous person. I would have no time for that type of negative energy in my life.

Newsenmum · 02/04/2026 15:58

She’s having marriage issues.

Catlady007007 · 02/04/2026 16:01

Neemi1201 · 02/04/2026 15:56

These comments would drive me insane. At the bottom of it she sounds like an insecure, possibly jealous person. I would have no time for that type of negative energy in my life.

Not necessarily.

A PP said she might feel superior.

I think in the case of my sibling, she certainly feels superior to me. It could be the same with the OP's friend.

Whosthetabbynow · 02/04/2026 16:05

She’s a competitive drain in your life. Drop the rope

Redpaisley · 02/04/2026 16:06

TheNorns · 02/04/2026 15:02

Who has a 'dream bag'? What a weird concept. It's like those people who've been storing up baby names since they were five, and get cross that the other person involved in producing the baby isn't wowed by whatever ghastly confection her five year old self thought was perfect.

I could be wrong but I think it’s a designer purse which op has put it in awkward words. These bags are expensive and it might be something she loved to have but knew couldn’t justify the cost. A lot of people have these designer bags, why would you criticise her on this when there’s far more eye catching information in her posts?

suziequeue1 · 02/04/2026 16:08

Redpaisley · 02/04/2026 16:06

I could be wrong but I think it’s a designer purse which op has put it in awkward words. These bags are expensive and it might be something she loved to have but knew couldn’t justify the cost. A lot of people have these designer bags, why would you criticise her on this when there’s far more eye catching information in her posts?

Thank you... yes you're right. It is a bag I have wanted for years but would not ever justify buying it for myself. My DH kindly offered to buy me it when the baby comes. There's nothing more to it!

OP posts:
BudgetBuster · 02/04/2026 16:13

suziequeue1 · 02/04/2026 16:08

Thank you... yes you're right. It is a bag I have wanted for years but would not ever justify buying it for myself. My DH kindly offered to buy me it when the baby comes. There's nothing more to it!

A former colleague of mine had a "Dream Perfume". She had bought a magazine with a sample version of it out her very first paycheck... but could never ever afford the real thing. She recently retired and we all chipped in to purchase this "Dream Perfume" and honestly I don't think I've seen anyone so happy.

We can all have dream things no matter the price tag that we just couldn't justify buying ourselves. I think its lovely that your DH is getting something for YOU as opposed to the standard jewellery.

Coclare · 02/04/2026 16:16

Catlady007007 · 02/04/2026 15:54

Your post really resonates with me OP.

I have a very old friend and she does this type of thing particularly about her children and schools. She's 'forgetful' about things and will tell me how her kids are really outgoing when I have listened to her for years saying they are not good at interacting. At one stage I was questioning myself as to whether I was losing it!

A sibling does something similar too. Her holiday is always better, her run is always faster. Its like everything is a competition I never engage and try not to tell her anything personal but she can make the most dull thing into a contest. Its exhausting.

I don't know why people do this. I'm reading this thread with interest.

This is how I feel. I wonder if it’s because I am a doormat and don’t challenge (because I don’t want a friendship where challenging, clapping back, censoring is the status quo) - and maybe everyone else has swerved them and I am the only fool left in the audience. I have noticed that before that whilst I was trying to right the dynamics I was too close to notice that everyone else had stepped right back. It’s a bit of a thing from childhood where I had to be responsible and the fixer - so that’s my ‘normal’ to stay and tolerate icky people.

WheretheFishesareFrightening · 02/04/2026 16:39

Catlady007007 · 02/04/2026 16:01

Not necessarily.

A PP said she might feel superior.

I think in the case of my sibling, she certainly feels superior to me. It could be the same with the OP's friend.

That’s interesting, as I feel superior to most people but I would never point it out to them. I go home and tell my DH why our lives are better than theirs in private 😂

MyMilchick · 02/04/2026 16:42

suziequeue1 · 02/04/2026 13:01

I forgot another comment she made recently about his personality- she was saying how a “husband should be serious” and that she wouldn’t want someone “constantly joking around,” then added “I know your husband is quite jokey but I think the husband should be the serious one.” Again, not outright nasty, but it’s the constant tone of comparison

Sounds like she's pushing this sort of "trad wife" idea of a husband to me.Sounds more like she's trying convince herself more than you. Ime people who are truly happy don't need to put others down to make themselves feel better

BashfulClam · 02/04/2026 16:42

You need to get these comments. If she says ‘it’s be nicer if he bought you gold!’ I’d just look confused and say ‘buy I don’t want Gold I wants bag…I just told you that!’ When she says how her husband is more dominant I’d say ‘aw that a shame we are equal partners we don’t control each other.’ When she says ‘my husband would never do that!’ I’d reply ‘well mine is and we’re happy, it’s good for the future..’

Luxlumos · 02/04/2026 16:43

It sounds like she’s in denial about the problems in her own relationship. I’d be more concerned whether she’s actually ok.

Anywherebuthere · 02/04/2026 16:49

Stop talking about your husband to her and she won't have a reason to talk about him either.

If she does speak about him, don't engage. Don't engage in conversations about her husband either.

If there is nothing left to talk about once the husband comparisons is off topic then you'l have more clarity what your actual friendship is about.

Dancingintherain09 · 02/04/2026 16:50

suziequeue1 · 02/04/2026 12:47

I don’t know if I’m explaining this properly, but it’s got to the point where I leave conversations with her feeling really irritated and slightly put down, and I’m starting to wonder if I’m overreacting or if it actually is as off as it feels.
For context my friend got married 2 months ago and I've been married 5 years, but even before that she’s always had a bit of a “know it all” streak. Recently though it’s turned into what feels like constant, subtle digs at my husband and my relationship.
It’s never outright rude, but it’s very consistent and always framed as a comparison. For example, I mentioned my husband wants to buy me my dream bag when I give birth, and she said “I find that really weird, it would be nicer if he bought you gold.” Not awful in isolation, but it’s the tone.
I said he’s going away for a month for work because he’ll be getting paid double, and she immediately said “I can’t believe he would leave you when you’re pregnant.” I explained I encouraged him to go as we need the money and I’m fine, and she just gave me a look and said “my husband would never do that.”
She does this a lot - frames everything as “my husband would never…” or implies her relationship is somehow stronger. She was talking about being worried about her in-laws and I said sometimes they say things when your husband isn’t there (as that’s happened to me), and she said “well they know my husband is my best friend and I tell him everything so they wouldn’t dare.” It just felt like a dig, as if to suggest me and DH aren’t close?
What I find odd is she’s actually told me quite negative things about her own husband (e.g. him not wanting her out past a certain time), but then she reframes it as “protective” and uses it to make comments about mine like “I know your husband is less protective” or even “maybe your husband isn’t as dominant” when I mentioned a disagreement I had.
It’s that kind of comment that really doesn’t sit right with me. It feels quite undermining and honestly a bit disrespectful, but because it’s said in a casual way I don’t know if I’m making it into a bigger deal than it is.
Another example that didn’t sit right with me... before she got married she told me she struggles with anger. I opened up and said I used to as well, and therapy really helped me, especially early in my marriage as I had to learn to handle disagreements better (my husband has always been very calm and patient).
Instead of engaging with that, she kept insisting she “wouldn’t have that issue” because her husband is amazing and she only has issues with her family. It felt like she completely missed the point and turned it into another comparison about husbands, which is something she does a lot.
It’s also the fact it’s so frequent now- almost every conversation ends up with some sort of comparison or comment about my husband/relationship.
AIBU to feel like this is actually quite off behaviour? Or am I being too sensitive?

She sounds insecure. I'd bet if anything it's more that she is jealous of you and she has obvious issues in her relationship that she is hiding.

Isittimeformynapyet · 02/04/2026 17:10

Itsseweasy · 02/04/2026 14:00

Yuck she sounds awful. She wants to feel superior to you all the time so is clearly extremely insecure.
If that was my so-called “friend” she’d be waved goodbye and packed off to find someone else to spout her narcissistic crap at 😂

She's not a narcissist, she's very insecure. I don't think narcissists do insecure.

Go on - say she's gaslighting OP too, then I can tick off another square on my MN bingo card.

Catlady007007 · 02/04/2026 17:14

WheretheFishesareFrightening · 02/04/2026 16:39

That’s interesting, as I feel superior to most people but I would never point it out to them. I go home and tell my DH why our lives are better than theirs in private 😂

Do you think that people get that vibe from you? You may think they don’t know but it might be very obvious?

OriginalUsername2 · 02/04/2026 17:17

It sounds like she’s trying to convince herself of these things.

IsItBeesThoughLooshkin · 02/04/2026 17:24

suziequeue1 · 02/04/2026 14:32

We're both of the same culture

Asian?

UnhappyHobbit · 02/04/2026 17:29

I had a friend like this. Her marriage was put on a pedestal while she looked down on everyone else’s. Every comment was about how her and her DH were untouchable. Every anniversary was a big affair.
To be fair, her DH doted on her, so I believed it all.

You can imagine my shock after she did a runner from him. Looking back she was massively overcompensating for how she felt towards him.

SpryCat · 02/04/2026 17:37

She likes to put people down to make herself feel better about her own life.

Liveshives · 02/04/2026 17:40

Very normal for a birth gift to be something special to the mum.
OP, she sounds absolutely tedious and unhappy and insecure in her relationship.
Invest in other friends, this one is not going to survive.