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Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Friend's new relationship - unsure

4 replies

beingacow · 29/08/2012 09:49

I am really struggling with my reaction to my best friend's new relationship, and need either a virtual slap in the face, or some advice, or just a good talking to. What I'm not sure about is whether I'm basically suffering from green-eyed monster syndrome and need to get a grip, or whether the vibes I'm getting are true red flags and I'm right to be worried about her.

My best friend and I have both been single for some time, she's been single for many years after the love of her life cheated on her and treated her like dirt. We've done the "dating" thing together, analysing dates, bemoaning men, watching each other make the usual mistakes, supporting each other. We are extremely close and talk on the phone every day, we are both only children and I suppose are like surrogate sisters.

She's had a few horrific encounters with men who were quite simply complete shits, and her "twat radar" is definitely NOT fully serviced and MOTed. She met a man online a few weeks ago. It has all gone very quickly, and already he's telling her he loves her, talking about moving in together, etc. He hasn't long broken up with someone else, to whom he was engaged. However, he seems to really adore my friend, and hasn't given her a moment's doubt since she met him. He seems (to her) kind and reliable. But. I don't like him. I've spent a few days in his company at social events since they met, and basically he gives me the creeps. He seems very, very eager to please, but has little to say for himself. He likes to drink, a lot. He is one of those people who gives the impression of playing a role in life, and more than that, he isn't actually that "nice" other than to her (makes disparaging comments, snide, laughs at things he doesn't like or understand).

I'm struggling with how I'm feeling about this relationship. She's telling me that she thinks he's the "one", they are going on holiday together, he's mentioning the "L" word, and I'm trying desperately to sound positive, while also advising her to keep her head above water and be careful. But how much of my reaction to him is just basic jealousy that she's met someone (I don't fancy him at all, but he's SOMEONE, who is lovely to her, and I don't have that or a hint of it on the horizon)? I want to be thrilled for her, but I can't get past the fact that he's ringing the wrong bells in my mind. Help!

OP posts:
CogitoErgoSometimes · 29/08/2012 09:56

Your friend is going out with this man, not you. He may turn out to be a big old creep that she's chosen out of desperation. She may be looking at him through her Need A Shag Goggles.... but that's really for her to get wise to in her own tim. Yes, you probably are a little put out that you have been relegated in favour of the new boyfriend but the mature thing to do would be to wish her well, keep up with her as a friend and be very honest if she asks your opinon.

Dahlen · 29/08/2012 10:11

I think your instincts are probably quite accurate. You are being very honest with yourself about how this may be down to jealousy on your part, which makes me more inclined to think that you may be being nothing of the sort and actually just seeing several genuine red flags. The disparaging comments to others is a massive one and IME only a matter of time before it becomes directed at your friend (probably once they're moved in together and she's much more reliant on him).

Whether love at first sight exists is open to debate, and I don't have a problem with two people declaring that it's how they feel. If it's mutual, great. However, the fact he's very recently out of another serious relationship, the fact that he drinks a lot, the fact that she has a history of picking twats - all these things mean she would be a fool to allow herself to commit too fully to this relationship until the initial flush of romance has worn off a little. Nothing wrong with saying "I love you" to each other, or going on holiday together, but avoid mutual commitments or moving in together like the plague.

FWIW, I think you should say all this to your friend. If you can't rely on your closest friend to give you wise counsel, who can you rely on? There's no need to be antagonistic about it or even disparaging about her man; it's possible to say all this tactfully.

SoleSource · 29/08/2012 10:31

Just be there for her. At this stage it is impossivle for you to tell.

beingacow · 29/08/2012 10:51

I'm doing my best to be there for her for sure, and I'm trying not to let my reservations show. I suppose I'm just wondering about whether it is all in my head because I'm being protective of my best friend, or whether I'm right to be a bit wary, or (which I suppose is the case) it isn't actually my business either way and what will be will be. I'll always love her anyway, no matter what.
Never thought I'd be in a position like this, it isn't easy. If they end up together I will inevitably spend a lot of time with him, so I will have to learn to like him, or at least to get over my dislike for him.

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