toxic friend?

[toxicfriend]

Really needing some advice about a toxic friend!

Please see my thread in Chat (didn't post it here, as don't want it to stay on MN forever) - www.mumsnet.com/Talk/_chat/1349459-toxic-friend?msgid=28633852

TIA.

I hate to say it but the whole thing sounds awfully playground.
I understand it's a bit stressful being around her but, really, you are an adult with your own friends and family and life. You are letting this get to you unnecessarily.
So what if you are on the PTA and live near each other? Doesn't mean you have to see her all the time.
You can make sure you see less of her just by being 'busy'.
You can see her in the playground and make sure you're talking to someone else.
You can change the subject when she bitches about others or even say 'Actually I don't find that about XX, I like her a lot'.
What I wouldn't do is make a fuss or confront her or create a big drama.
Life is full of people like this, you need to know how to manage it.

Thanks for your advice. I do try to avoid her in the playground and at the PTA meetings/events we always seem to be at together, but she always comes and sits/stands by me and chats to me, as if we are great friends. I can't seem to get away from her!

Yes it is annoying but try a few strategies to excuse yourself from her and talk to others. It's all you can do - take charge and be firm, kind and sometimes sneaky!