I've had a long-term (23y) long-distance friend - emails, calls, visits, Zooms. Great rapport - very close emotionally. Never had problems or tensions.
Last week-end she came to town and we had lunch with her DP, DS/DDIL and their DCs 8 and 6. She casually revealed something complicated, private and tbh rather painful about my private life! I was shell-shocked. It was totally inappropriate, especially in front of the DCs. I didn't react, made light of it as best I could, and the lunch was otherwise warm and happy.
The morning after she messaged to say what a nice afternoon it was and asking to set up a Zoom. I responded, but she mixed up the dates she had given me as well as the date of an upcoming trip I had indicated.
Now I remember that during our last Zoom she told me that a long-standing friend had had a go at her about something she did.
At first I was just very angry, but the social inappropriateness, the confusion about the dates, and the difficulty with the other friend are, taken together, very concerning to me. I know that dementia starts insidiously, and in the beginning only those closest to the person are aware. I could mention something to her DP, whom I'm also close to, but of course it's very delicate.
Just wanted to talk about this - thanks for listening. xx