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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Friend has cancelled on me last minute

564 replies

hungryowl · Yesterday 12:21

Due to go away this weekend from Friday to Monday. Friend has been having rocky patch with husband. She has messaged me today saying she can no longer come as she needs to focus on her family and not have a boozy weekend away. I paid for the whole thing and she was going to cover activities. She has just done me a bank transfer for the full amount so I’m not out of pocket.

We have had many outings before but in the message she specified that at 42 she no longer really fancies boozy weekends and she feels that I haven’t made an effort to reach out at all in recent months and just doesn’t want to go anymore! I think she’s peri menopausal but it should be no excuse cancelling last minute. I wanted a break away from my family as well. I have told her she needs to prepare more for her kids going to uni this month and preparing for empty nest feelings. I don’t like her husband and have been questioning her relationship with him to her whilst they have been arguing and advising heavily to leave him because as she’s getting older she’s now going to pottery and walking groups and spending more and more time with him and I feel like we are losing our connection. I want to go out and be social like we normally are and she’s being extremely boring. Her husband has issues with me because I had an affair but was fine with me before now he seems to think I am a scary influence.

AIBU to just cut her off now?

OP posts:
Tryagain26 · Yesterday 13:49

What's wrong with pottery and walks?
It sounds as though you are still living as though you are in your 20s and she doesn't want that anymore.
People change and want different things. Perhaps you don't have anything in common anymore

Ethelspagetti · Yesterday 13:51

I do think she’d been unfair to you to let you down, when she’d agreed to it. I think her relationship isn’t in a good place right now so I’d back off and leave her to it. Focus on your other friends instead. If she does contact you asking to meet up then perhaps do something that doesn’t involve drinking, like a spa, meal, theatre, bowling or shopping etc.

TheOlderIGetTheStayerIHome · Yesterday 13:53

and I’ve booked us into clubs and bars in town and she doesn’t find it appropriate. I’m fuming to be honest. I find her really selfish.

She told you she’s cutting down on drinking and wanted a chill weekend, yet you booked bars and clubs. Aye, right Hmm
IF this is real, then it’s not her that’s the selfish one.

AprilMizzel · Yesterday 13:54

I'd be upset about someone cancelling even with a week notice but she has re-funded you the money.

I do think there are issues round alchol - it sounds like it was more an issue for her and it's standard advice I think to avoid triggers like boozy weekends and old freinds who encourage drinking. Also telling her to leave her DH is overstepping.

I think this may be a friendship that has run it's course.

Tryagain26 · Yesterday 13:54

hungryowl · Yesterday 12:28

I haven’t been preachy. I’ve been factual. In the last two years she’s stopped drinking and is doing things like following him along to his hobbies and sitting with his friends wives. She asked him to help her stop drinking but this seems to mean she doesn’t drink at all when she’s out which I find controlling on his part.

She may have very good reasons not to want to drink anymore. That have nothing to do with with her husband. People who can only have a good time by drinking too much alcohol are very boring.
You don't sound like a very good friend if she wants to stop drinking why did you think she would want a boozy weekend?

PurpleThistle7 · Yesterday 13:55

Also amused that my recent afternoon out with a couple friends was indeed pottery and a walk 😂

SleeplessRoads · Yesterday 13:56

hungryowl · Yesterday 13:33

I just don’t understand if everyone is focussing so much on being a good friend why she is allowed to be a rubbish friend by bailing last minute to prioritise a man??

She’s transferred you the money back, she’s not a rubbish friend. She just doesn’t want to go on a boozy weekend with you for reasons that seem far beyond “some man”.

Yes she probably shouldn’t have said yes in the first place, but there’s nothing stopping you going on a now free weekend away.

AnswerIsNo · Yesterday 13:56

If Carlsberg did.... rage-bait

but on the 1% chance its real, it would be quite insane boundary-crossing to go around to her house today and let her know that "I can't believe you won't prioritise a weekend of clubbing with me over saving your marriage with your boring, teetotal life of 2 years, that's so unfair!"

Yes, being cancelled on last minute sucks, but it sounds like your friend just doesn't want to go and if you are the type to storm around to someone's house, perhaps she's been apprehensive about letting you down??

TwisterSister208 · Yesterday 13:58

I would cut her out ff immediately; for her sake. You are an incredibly selfish friend.

AltitudeCheck · Yesterday 13:58

Most people hit a life stage where going out to bars and clubs and drinking enough to cause a bad head the next day loses all its appeal. Your friend has got to that stage and you haven't caught up yet.

You openly admit you dislike her husband and say she has become 'boring' since she stopped partying. In her and her husband's eyes, you are that boozy friend from the party days that's now a bit of a liability on a night out, gets hammered, gets chatting to random men, has had an affair and thinks your friend should leave her husband!. Surely you can see why someone trying to drink less and work on her relationship doesn't want a boozy weekend out on the town with you?

AbsintheMakesTheHeartGrowFonder · Yesterday 13:59

hungryowl · Yesterday 12:54

I find him controlling. She’s always been into boring stuff in my eyes but now she’s hit 40 it’s like she’s fully settled into being a complete adult. He advises her when he can see people using her to their benefit and got her to go to therapy and she’s turned into someone I don’t know anymore

You are using her, though. She obviously feels she has a drink problem and you're trying to encourage her to drink because you want to go out socialising and chatting up men and you want her to do that with you even though it's something she's not interested in.

You also keep describing her interests as 'boring'. It's not boring to her. Just because you find it boring, that doesn't mean she isn't allowed to enjoy them. Other people don't exist to entertain you.

why she is allowed to be a rubbish friend by bailing last minute to prioritise a man??

She's prioritising what is very clearly her recovery from alcoholism, and her relationship with her partner and kids. As she should, because both those things are more important than you going out and getting pissed all weekend.

I'm still calling reverse on this one because nobody, NOBODY is as selfish and deluded as this, surely.

IronEverything · Yesterday 14:00

This is becoming comedic at this point.

PrettyPickle · Yesterday 14:01

@hungryowl Its unfortunate that she has decided a week before the intended event that she no longer wants to go, I appreciate its short notice and a shock, but I think if she has refunded the costs for both of you, she is acknowledging that, or have I got that wrong and she just refunded her money, leaving you with a paid break just for you and no-one to go with?

I think you are right to be upset but are looking at this from the wrong direction, you should be thinking why she is so adamant she now wants to cancel the weekend and is prepared to lose financially to do so?

Can I ask, you say your husband is a lot younger than you, is this the same husband you cheated on?

You sound young, vibrant and outgoing, not yet ready to slow down for a gentler existence without the boozy nights out, dancing and ying -yang with the opposite sex. Its great you are still there and are enjoying that type of life. Your younger husband will most likely still be on that phase too or at least he is young enough to see that as the norm.

Unfortunately for you, you friend is probably married to someone more her age and they are reaching that stage in their lives where they are slowing down, get their kicks from other things and no longer feel the need for the "crack" in life. This is perfectly normal and comes to us all at different stages in our life. She is just behind her husband but is getting there and it sounds like she has been telling you this and you are interpreting this as her being controlled by her husband and restricting your playmates joy de vivre. This is not boring, its just another phase in life and priorities change for many. Neither viewpoint is wrong, you just differ.

So you booked and paid for the break and she was to pay for the activities, but it seems that despite everything she has told you, you have decided that your needs trump hers and that you have gone off and planned everts that your friend has clearly told you she didn't want and she has told you it creates problems in her marriage.....and yet you persist., this is where it seems to have gone wrong. Its sounds to me like she has fired warning shots, which you chose to ignore.

Friendships change as you age and as many other posters have said, the only positive spin would be that you are at different life stages. She is struggling, you know that, would it really have hurt you to just had a girly weekend that was simply that, a girly weekend doing shopping, maybe a show and nice meal, quality talking time. You claim you have tried to support her, why is that too much, why does it have to be all about your wants and desires?

You have a choice to make, if she hasn't already made it for you.

You can accept the change in the friendship, to female companionship, mutual support and openness and a calmer activity range, or you can accept that the relationship has run its course.

Forgive me but you sound like you still enjoy the crack, the chase with men, whether you mean to follow though or not and she is past that. Its not desertion, or abandonment, its development. She has been honest about her wants and needs and you have tried to override them and continue as you want the relationship to be. And that is fine, if that is the lifestyle you want, but she is clearly signalling, that she does not, for whatever reason. You may feel her husband is controlling but you are trying to control her too and she is prioritising her marriage.

Sorry, I know I am not explaining this well but, its time for a change, either a change in your social relationship with her or walk away in a friendly fashion and for you to seek someone more alike in their needs to socialise with.

Big hugs OP, its tough when your much loved friends go in a different direction from you, but it doesn't have to be daggers at dawn,

Maddy70 · Yesterday 14:01

You don't sound like much of a friend. She's trying to repair her marriage. You should be supportive of that to her.
She's told you she doesn't want boozy weekends etc. Listen to her

Happyjoe · Yesterday 14:02

hungryowl · Yesterday 13:42

She could have mentioned this before we were due to go! She’s told me she doesn’t feel I’ve reached out- well I’ve been busy with my own stuff too

Yes, you are right, she should've let you know in advance. But I get the feeling that you're one of life's 'railroaders'. You have a strong opinion on everything and don't listen to others much.

I have told her she needs to prepare more for her kids going to uni this month and preparing for empty nest feelings. I don’t like her husband and have been questioning her relationship with him to her whilst they have been arguing and advising heavily to leave him

As I said before, a good friend supports their choices even if they don't agree. While leaving you in the lurch over your weekend away (but as at least paid you back) is pretty naff, I get the feeling she doesn't want to listen to more of your 'advice'. It must be awful from her, being pulled from both directions. It would also do my head in if I had to listen to this and I wouldn't want a weekend away of it.

Support your friend if you want to stay friends. You want to go over and find out what's going on. Why not change that to a kind message? Say that the change of plans is not what she normally would do and just want to make sure that she is ok. Offer to meet up for a meal or something at a later date as a catch up instead of clubs/bars. Then leave it and see if she gets in touch.

hungryowl · Yesterday 14:02

IronEverything · Yesterday 14:00

This is becoming comedic at this point.

Why? So if you had a holiday booked for months and your mate let you down last minute you’d be all sunshine and rainbows about it??

OP posts:
middleagedmermaid · Yesterday 14:02

hungryowl · Yesterday 13:42

She could have mentioned this before we were due to go! She’s told me she doesn’t feel I’ve reached out- well I’ve been busy with my own stuff too

I am a similar age to your friend and pre-menopausal and, without being too detailed, this is such a weird time of life and you do so much thinking and obsessing and changing and preparing (menopause coming, kids going, partner/husband midlife drama, health, new interests, ageing family to name but a few!) that you start to feel a completely different person. Of course this looks hurtful from your side and has upset you because, to you, it's come out of nowhere. I have friend that I know from pilates and groups/classes but that is where our friendships live as their social lives are just not my pace anymore. I stick by my earlier advice that, if you want to maintain this friendship, you need change the way you spend time together and you really need to let the husband stuff go. He might not like your lifestyle based on what he hears from his wife, which means that she doesn't like your lifestyle. He can express an opinion and give advice based on her asking him for help. It doesn't mean he's controlling or abusive because he's not saying what you want to hear.
Edit: misunderstood earlier comment so removed incorrect info

Asunciondelaflata · Yesterday 14:03

Dear god, not everything is down to being peri menopausal, and most women do not take leave of their senses. It sounds as if the friendship has reached an end.
You're not out of pocket, just enjoy the weekend on your own.

Happyjoe · Yesterday 14:03

hungryowl · Yesterday 14:02

Why? So if you had a holiday booked for months and your mate let you down last minute you’d be all sunshine and rainbows about it??

That's such a tiny part of your problems, sorry.

EmeraldShamrock000 · Yesterday 14:03

Oh my. It is a lot to unpack. It is rarely recommend that you tell your friend she should leave her husband, unless she has asked for your advice and even then.
Maybe she is looking forward to the new chapter with him without the children. It may or may not frizzle out but she’s made her feelings clear.

Don’t criticise him anymore.

The messenger always got shot even with good intentions.

She was unreasonable to cancel at the last minute. It’s a bit odd to not be in contact for months and then book a weekend away.

shhblackbag · Yesterday 14:04

ColdAsAWitches · Yesterday 13:35

She's prioritising her marriage at a difficult time! And her health!

Edited

And she sent you back the money. Just leave her to her priorities.

hungryowl · Yesterday 14:07

EmeraldShamrock000 · Yesterday 14:03

Oh my. It is a lot to unpack. It is rarely recommend that you tell your friend she should leave her husband, unless she has asked for your advice and even then.
Maybe she is looking forward to the new chapter with him without the children. It may or may not frizzle out but she’s made her feelings clear.

Don’t criticise him anymore.

The messenger always got shot even with good intentions.

She was unreasonable to cancel at the last minute. It’s a bit odd to not be in contact for months and then book a weekend away.

The holiday has been booked for months. She said I hadn’t been about these last couple of months prior and that I call her for everything but she can’t call me now she’s just told me because I don’t make it a safe space I make it an attack

OP posts:
EmeraldShamrock000 · Yesterday 14:09

If she asked her DH to help her quit drinking, and has commented on your lack of support, it’s more than just she doesn’t want to drink anymore.
When you become sober you have to leave old habits behind, that includes controlling friends or people you use with.
I totally understand your frustration? She had months to cancel on you. Go yourself if you don’t have anyone else to bring in a free trip.
The friendship is dead. Grieve it and move on. Have a great weekend away.

Happyjoe · Yesterday 14:10

hungryowl · Yesterday 14:07

The holiday has been booked for months. She said I hadn’t been about these last couple of months prior and that I call her for everything but she can’t call me now she’s just told me because I don’t make it a safe space I make it an attack

Isn't this what people have already noted about you?

Friendship as run it's course. Time to move on I fear.

MajorProcrastination · Yesterday 14:10

A few things going on here.

  1. It is rude and unreasonable of her to have committed to a weekend away and dropped out last minute. Even if you're not out of pocket. I assume it was just the two of you going from the sounds of it.
  2. I am a similar age and I have a complete mix in my peers around who still likes getting dolled up for a night of drinking and dancing, and those who prefer to live their lives like they're 60. I'm friends with both types. I can do both.
  3. If she doesn't want to go, she'd have been shit company doing what you've had in mind, so maybe you've dodged a bullet there.
  4. Do you have another mate who could go away with you? I've been on a few last minute hen dos when people have dropped out so it could be possible.
  5. I had to drop out of a weekend away with 2 friends to a festival. I told them as soon as I realised it clashed with a family wedding which gave them time to find another mate for the tent. I was gutted, it would've been a fun weekend. It wasn't super last minute though.
  6. It is weird at this age that people choose such different lifestyles. I have some 43 year old mates who are in disbelief that I still go to gigs or get dolled up for all-dayers and who go to bed at 9pm. Then I've got others who are way more hardcore than me.
  7. It does sound from some of your posts that her husband is maybe quite controlling. I don't know enough to say much more about her situation but I have had a couple of mates who have been with very controlling or coercively controlling parters who cut them off from social events, controlled what they wore, what they ate, all that.
  8. However, it also sounds like she's saying she doesn't want to go clubbing. And yeah it's shit that it's so close to the weekend away but is she maybe a bit scared of you? Are you a forbidable character?
  9. I think there's way more going on. If she's got shit going on in her marriage and she's worried she'll be a proper buzzkill on the weekend it probably doesn't help that your go to response is cutting her off entirely.
  10. Have some empathy. Take a different mate. Or your husband. Meet up with this friend for something calm and not boozy - a walk, a lunch, whatever.