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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:
Hohumitsreallyallthereis · 04/04/2026 11:20

I would spend less time with her

WildLeader · 04/04/2026 11:55

suziequeue1 · 02/04/2026 13:11

I do say something back eg with the protective comment, I did say 'my husband is protective but he trusts me so he doesn't really care what time I'm out until' and she will generally just give a look and change topic

Nice one.

next time go a bit deeper

”with respect Friend, you’ve been married weeks and have a curfew… my husband working away for double the pay is totally understandable and shows a huge amount of trust and responsibility. Stop commenting on my marriage until you know what you’re talking about”

MellersSmellers · 04/04/2026 12:27

Yes I would find it wearing and would probably want to put some distance between myself and that person. Def once you have your baby.
It's indicative of something though. Like she's a bit disappointed in her marriage and would perhaps like a relationship more like yours, or that she's in a two-month glow which will without doubt wear off when the reality of the humdrum kicks in.

FunCrab · 04/04/2026 13:02

suziequeue1 · 02/04/2026 13:03

I think maybe I didn’t explain properly, it’s not that I feel my marriage is in any real danger or that I’m insecure about it. It’s more that this friend has a pattern of making repeated comparative comments about my husband and our relationship, often implying hers is somehow “better”, I’m just curious if other people would also find that off or exhausting, because it feels a bit disrespectful to me even though I know she probably doesn’t intend to be malicious.

This sounds a bit like 'Married at First Sight' happening off screen.
Have a look if you don't follow.
Have you both got nothing better to talk about?
Bin her or change your approach to her.
If you engage with her on this you will doubt yourself.
Your marriage is your business and if it works for both of you then enjoy every moment and consider your good fortune.
This friend brings no positive energy to you move on!

Allonthesametrain · 04/04/2026 23:36

Sorry but I switched off at the bit of a desired (probably designer) handbag and gold while talking about babies!

While you may be the lesser of need to want and justify what's of materialistic importance, such a sad conversation to have.

Guess I don't have friends like this because I wouldn't choose them. Also, wouldn't expect a pre determined reward of a BAG! Much rather the treat to be breakfast in bed, a spa day, cash to treat myself.

ChocolateAddictAlways · 05/04/2026 00:24

cucumber4745 · 03/04/2026 19:21

My sister does that not just re partners/exes but her in general. I always took it as thinking she is “superior” and just responded with “good for you”. We barely speak now due to her making it all about her and no support/empathy.

I would distance myself from that “friend” it sounds toxic and exhausting

The "good for you" response is excellent because it effectively shuts down the conversation and often throws a self absorbed person...they're expecting a response, they're searching your for expressions looking for that response and I think they go nuts when they can't get a rise out of you. I have found it helpful myself in dealing with a "me me me" colleague/acquaintance

notacooldad · 08/04/2026 08:29

All that negativity would wear me down.
I prefer to have joyful friendships and if she was part of my friendship group I'd be fading her out to be honest!

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