To ignore these absolutely inane text messages?

[FeliciaFancybottom]

My friend seems to have gotten into the habit of texting every thought that pops into her head and almost giving a running commentary on her life. I'll get the same messages every day: 'I've just been for a walk, I've been for lunch, it's cold here today, work is busy, I'm going to hit class'. On and on it goes, and I'm running out of things to reply with. How many times can I say "oh that's nice/good/interesting/whatever"?
I don't need this level of info about her life, and it's getting on my last nerve. I'm starting to expect her to text me that she's just had a pee!
How can I tell her that I won't be answering these kinds of messages, or do I just ignore them? I'm not massively fussed about texting; other friends get in touch maybe once or twice a week, and that's plenty for me.
I know I sound mean btw but who has the time and the interest for this!!

Even if she is lonely, it's not OPs problem to find a solution to.

Just ignore or give vague replies or an occasional message. Hopefully she gets it but if she doesn't, just have it out with her.

The toilet photos thing is very......odd...

We had lunch together on Saturday as we do most weeks.

Even if she is lonely, it's not OPs problem to find a solution to
Thank you for saying that.

Yes. Why so many posters seem to think the onus is on OP to address assumed loneliness when this woman has just got engaged, has a social life and a full time job.

Maybe you could entertain yourself by turning her text messages into song? There's some good ones on tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/search?q=text%20messages%20into%20song&t=1779125475823

At least you could get a laugh out of it! (don't ask me how though!)

This would do my head in ... id ignore only reply to messages that need an answer ..if she pulls you up on it or you could just day jeeze you don't have to give step by step account of your day with a lol .

I’ve known people like this who have to give you a running commentary of their life. It’s definitely a dominance/ego thing and being on the receiving end makes you feel a bit used. In my experience these people don’t see you as a friend just someone to ego dump on. Fortunately these are just texts OP so ignore them or block, depending on the level of relationship you have or want with this woman.

Maybe pop a 👍 or a ❤️ on the message to acknowledge it? Takes about a second.

This.

Friend is obviously lonely. Recent break up?

Reply only when you actually want to.

That or actually talk to her and explain it’s too much.

@FeliciaFancybottom i sympathise . I have constant texts from my mom (who i don’t get on well with) and I cannot stop them. Endless questions and trying to keep me talking. It’s exhausting dealing with someone like this !

No, don’t do this, and the OP has already been doing that

High intensity Training

Each to their own and all that, but in no world would I ever start an AiBU about a close friend and opening her up to ridicule and criticism to mumsnet of all places about her “inane messages”.

@FeliciaFancybottom, what was she like in person when you met for lunch? Was it a normal two way catch up? Is she just strange on messages ?

Just don’t open them as soon as they arrive, leave till the evening and respond to all at once saying ‘busy day here too, night!’

they sound bored/lonely though… has something happened in their life that might be having a bit of a crisis??

Yeah most people see that as an acknowledgement and an end to that message session, but I know people who see it as a reply and will reply to that!

Sorry just read it all.
The fact her life appears pretty exciting on the surface is relevant. And you seeing her most Saturdays is also very relevant.

Someone who I was friendly enough with to see regularly - I’d raise it next time you meet up… just tell her you don’t have time to read and respond to all her messages individually.

I have a group chat with a couple of friends and it’s pretty active, I regularly have nothing to respond to what they’ve said, especially if it’s a subject I am not interested in (like sports on TV) or if it’s school related as my kid goes to a different school to their kids… so I use my judgement and if it’s just an informative text I’ll just thumbs up it, if it’s an announcement of something I’ll put a sad face or heart. Or a brief response.
For example at the moment there’s lots of GCSE talk. My DC is year younger so not doing them this year. But they’ll say they have math exam today and are stressed about it, and I feel that needs a response of ‘wish them all luck from me, ‘ but other statements I just respond with an emoji as like I say, it’s a pretty active chat

Just message her when you have a spare minute & explain that you're busy at the moment & will reply to her text messages when you're free & ask that she understands & doesn't think you're ignoring her. Then text her once a week with your own news & gossip.

Its HIIT High Intensity Interval Training lol