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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

Should I end this friendship?

37 replies

Minki · 07/08/2014 01:44

I have been friends with this person for around 6 years. We first met just after we had our first sons, now 6, and were really good friends for the first couple of years. We shared a nanny, went to baby groups together, lunches, and used to see each other with the kids pretty much every weekend. It wasn't just because we were new mums either but we had similar professional/high profile jobs and really got on on a personal level. This person was also there for me when I found out my ex husband was having an affair and she and her DH were kind/supportive when I was basically a single parent, which was long before my ex and I actually split as he was never around or helpful in any way. That said, she and her DH have always been quite competitive in terms of the kids which I struggled with when we were sharing a nanny as it was always their son is so much clever etc than mine, is going to walk sooner etc which I tried to ignore. Things got more tricker when we went on holiday together 2 years ago and my DS pushed their DS (who couldn't swim) into the pool, (they were both 4 at the time) and their son could't swim. DS could so I don't think realised the consequence of what he did but there was no drama or close call and DS was suitably told off but since then my friend's DH has been horrid to my DS. We stopped hanging out but even if this person sees my DS he refuses to acknowledge him and just glares at him to manages to tell him off for something. They invited her to a party at their house last year for their DS"s birthday and before we left DS asked if the dad would be there. I said yes and asked why and he said, "he doesn't like me and is horrible to me" so I promised I would keep a close eye and not let this person be horrid to DS. We then went to the party and, mid way through, I walked into the kitchen to catch the dad giving DS a nasty and OTT telling off after DS had accidentally walked through some water that someone had spilt on the floor. I saw him turning DS's head to look at the water when DS said he hadn't seen it. I stupidly didn't react at the time other than to say, I don;t think he meant to cause a mess, it's just water etc, but afterwards texted my friend to say that the telling off was way OTT and to ask if everything was ok as my DS was upset and feels that her DH does not like him. My friend texted back to say sorry and that her DH had been weird lately and horrid to her too, so I reassured my son and let it go. Since then we have seen each other less and less and, very sadly, the boys, who were good friends, also rarely see each other. My nanny often asks their nanny for play dates as my DS always want to see my friend's DS but the nanny always makes excuses or never responds. We were still seeing each other once a month or so for a quick drink until around two months ago when we met when she was very drunk. We were talking about the children when she suddenly said: "oh my DS HATES your DS. He says he is just like his dad." I was completely taken back and didn't know what to say so just said, I am very sorry to hear that, my DS does not hate your DS at all, perhaps we can try to get them together and work this out. I left shortly after, mulled it over then texted her a few days later to say that I was surprised by her comment, that my DS likes her son v much and so it's a shame, that I would like us to be friends but it's now v difficult as I feel both her son and DH don't like my son who I love to pieces and so not sure where this leaves us. She texted back immediately to say sorry for upsetting me and saying her son had been a bit weird lately, saying that about several kids, basically trying to gloss it over, although she didn't mention her DH. Separately to all this, I am getting married next month (second time, very low key) and given all the problems with her was wondering whether to invite her. I decided that she had been a good friend and that I would like her to be there, and DS wants her DS there too, but that i didn't want her DH there unless he was going to be kind, or at least normal, to DS. I then met for a drink with her and told her that I wanted her there but had concerns about her DH coming as I didn't want my son upset. She was v understanding and said she would talk to him and if he didn't agree to behave, just she and her DS would come. which I was happy with. However, since then, I have tried to re-start play-dates with their nanny and she is still refusing to arrange anything, either ignoring texts or making up obviously crap excuses which are so bad even my nanny can see through them. I am not sure if this is her own decision or if she has been told by the dad to not see my kids. Either way, I am now thinking what is the point of having this person to my wedding if our kids cannot even get together for a play-date when we live 2 streets away? I valued our friendship but I cannot be friends with someone who dislikes my son or does not try to sort out a situation where her partner dislikes and has been horrible to my son. I am also angry and shocked that someone can behave this way to a child, especially to a child who has had a shit time in recent years dealing with a divorce and other issues. I really expected better from friends. I am now thinking that I must disinvite this person to the wedding but am wondering how and what explanation I give. Does this seem the right thing to do or unfair? And how on earth should I raise it with her?

OP posts:
farendofafart · 07/08/2014 02:16

I can understand why you feel so upset about how your DS has been treated by your friend's DH - he sounds horrible. But it's him, not your friend, who has caused the issue and I don't think it's fair to your friend to drop her because of how her DH has behaved. She can't control him. She might be in a difficult relationship situation (she even hinted at that when she said he was being weird lately) and perhaps needs to know that you are still her friend right now. So no, I would not uninvited your friend.

I think the situation with the two boys is more tricky though. Your DS wants her DS at the wedding but the evidence does point towards her DS really not liking yours. It might explain why the nanny is avoiding a play date - the nanny could be following the boy's wishes, it doesn't have to have been on instruction from the parent.

But you can't uninvite the boy and not the mother.

I would let them come to the wedding but perhaps have a gentle word with your DS about the other boy and make sure there are other children there that your DS cab play with.

Minki · 07/08/2014 02:27

Thanks Farendofafart (great name!). Maybe that is it but if so I wish they would just tell me. I asked the nanny if there was a problem (and said, I know R said he didn't like J) and made it v easy for her to say, well yes, there are so issues, lets leave it for a while, but she hasn't so just really unsure as to what the problem is. When they boys are together they seem to get on v well and play together really nicely. I also think it's up to the parents to help resolve friendship disputes a little. If DS said that he hated one of his friends I would ask why and encourage him to resolve it rather. Not sure my friend has done this. Maybe I should talk to her again and say, if R does not want to come (as he is never free for play-dates) then that's fine! Just seems odd to have him come if he doesn't even want to see my son.

OP posts:
newnamesamegame · 07/08/2014 08:41

I wouldn't end the friendship. Your friend sounds as if she is stuck in the middle of a very difficult situation and is probably finding it very tricky. The DH sounds like a bit of a twat and farendofafart is right to suggest there are hints that her own relationship is not very good -- so I wonder how much control she has over the situation: you won't help matters for her by trying to force her to confront her DH's problems with your son.

The situation with the kids: I think you have to accept that if her DS doesn't like yours the nanny is in a dificult position: at the end of the day her loyalties are to her employer and the boy and if the DS has made it clear he doesn't want to play with your son she has to respect that.

I would continue to extend invitations to your friend and to the whole family where its appropriate, but ease off a bit on extending invitations to the DS as he has made it fairly clear that he's not up for it at the moment. I think the only thing you can do is to leave the door open to a family reconciliation without putting pressure on, just by being welcoming and not putting up barriers.

But I would focus on trying to develop your friendship with your friend on a one-to-one basis -- maybe going for a drink with her/going to the cinema, without the pressure of trying to push the families into gelling, which at the moment is problematic.

I would extend the invitation to the whole family for the wedding as it will be pointed if you don't... but also be realistic about the chances that they will all come and recognise that its quite likely the DS/DH won't be there. And also have a quiet word with your boy to explain that the relationship with her DS could be difficult at the moment. You're right up to a point about parents trying to resolve friendships but there is a limit to what they can do if one child has made up his mind not to be friends with another. You can't force it.

Good luck, but don't give up on your friend, it sounds like she is piggy in the middle and probably finding it quite tough.

Whocansay · 07/08/2014 09:34

Assuming you want to remain friends, I would keep in touch with your friend, but concentrate on you and her. Your DS and hers can no longer be friends because of her DH, so I would forget about further playdates. Why risk your son feeling rejected? Her DH sounds like a bully and I'd keep my child well away from him.

I wouldn't have invited any of them to the wedding, but I think if you do anything about it now you will lose the friendship altogether.

freshstart4us · 07/08/2014 11:32

Sorry you're in this situation Minki. If it was me I would walk away from the whole thing. Too much negativity all round, your friend is never going to "choose" you over her H (who sounds controlling at least and potentially abusive at worst) and the two boys are unlikely to be able to have a decent relationship with so much history. You are getting married and moving into a wonderful new chapter of your life, leave this behind as a relic of singlehood and look to form new bonds for yourself and your DS. And best wishes for a wonderful wedding and marriage!

Laura0806 · 07/08/2014 15:38

What a lovely friend you are to keep trying through all this. I also suspect that she is in a difficult situation with her husband and that there are things going on behind the scenes that you don't know about. However, I haeve learnt the hard way that your priority needs to be your own son and I wouldn't initiate any more playdates with her son. Concentrate on building up your sons other friendships. Children are fickle. he will soon forget and stop asking about them. I also wouldn't initiate anything with your friend as a couple but maybe leave the wedding invite and see what happens. (making sure someone is with your son if they do come and he has other friends so this boy can't be horrible) and then if you feel like it just have girly nights with this women from then on and see how that goes ..... and like the previous poster said congratulations on your forthcoming wedding

Twinklestein · 07/08/2014 16:04

This is all way too much hassle OP. Her husband sounds awful, and for whatever reason her son doesn't like yours, perhaps from the trauma of being pushed into a pool when he couldn't swim, perhaps he's just following his dad's lead. Either way, stop trying to make play dates with the nanny, and take the hint.

Your friend is an adult and if she wants to save the friendship with you in spite of her husband and son's feelings, she will.

It's up to her to stand up to her husband and he son and tell them their behaviour is unacceptable and if she doesn't or it doesn't work then you have to accept that.

There are plenty of cool women in the world. This is not your only friend option.

winkywinkola · 07/08/2014 16:33

Sounds like a lot of hard work. She's not being honest with you.

I would just keep my distance. Don't contact her or let the nanny contact her nanny. That part is getting humiliating.

Let her know the wedding invitation is still open but after that, I would simply fade from view. No need for a dramatic ending of the friendship.

kaykayblue · 07/08/2014 16:54

I wouldn't bother. Just fade from view after the wedding. It comes across like you are the one doing all the chasing here. That's not a friendship. Plus her husband sounds like a nasty piece of shit. I think I would have gone fucking mental if someone did that to a child of mine.

As they say, in vino veritas. Her comment when drunk was grade A bitch material. She didn't even initiate contact to apologise for it afterwards - YOU had to.

Maybe you guys used to be close friends, but you really aren't anymore. This whole thing sounds way more stressful than a friendship should be.

And PLLEEEAAASSSEEEE use paragraphs!! My eyes are bleeding!!

MyChildDoesntNeedSleep · 07/08/2014 16:55

Wow, maybe I'm just a bitch but reading all that, there is no way I'd carry on chasing this woman (which is what you are doing). I can't believe everyone is telling you not to give up! Confused

Shit, the dad and child don't like your child. The dad bullied your child. That alone would be a deal-breaker for me. You shouldn't have to tell someone to make sure their husband is on his best behaviour and not be mean to your child at your own wedding. Confused

They keep making excuses anyway, so I think you need to accept the friendship is over.

AbbieHoffmansAfro · 07/08/2014 16:58

I think she is trying to drop you without having to come out and say so, actually. I really would not invite her or chase up contact any more.

BitchPeas · 07/08/2014 17:52

I'd disinvite her to the wedding, and tell her why.

The DH sounds like a nasty prick.

Don't make it your sons problem, it must be awful for him to be around people who don't like him for no reason especially an adult who should know better!

LEMmingaround · 07/08/2014 18:05

If I walked in on someone manhandling my child I would have to be restrained.

Are you that desperate for friends that yoj let this go?

If this were me id be posting to ask whether to call the police after that incident. Not fretting over whether to invite those vile people to my wedding.

LegoSuperstar · 07/08/2014 18:14

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

DustBunnyFarmer · 07/08/2014 18:21

I'm also wondering why you are working so hard to keep these awful people in your life, especially after what her H did to your son. Are you prone to people pleasing behaviour generally? Anyway, do your son (and yourself) a favour and let these people go.

DustBunnyFarmer · 07/08/2014 18:22

find him some friends who love him.

^^ This!

ElsieMc · 07/08/2014 18:32

You need to concentrate on your upcoming wedding and your lovely son. Forget this woman and her horrible husband. Your poor son needs to be kept away from him. I think she is telling you one thing and her DH another and this chapter in your life has come to a close now. You have no obligation to them because they were once nice to you during a difficult period in your life. You owe them nothing, they do not treat you or your nanny with respect or consideration and have become tiresome pains in the arse who suck the joy out of life.

Look forward to the future and don't waste another thought on them.

Thenapoleonofcrime · 07/08/2014 18:38

Totally agree with the last few posters- how dare he manhandle your child and really, how could you even contemplate this man coming to your wedding after that?! Why do you have to ask people to be nice to you at your own wedding. For sure disinvite them.

I would ditch the lot and never look back. Don't keep pushing the playdates, if they wanted your son to play with their son, they would make an arrangement, not excuses.

You are not getting the very clear hint, and you need to actively avoid and protect your son from people who hate him!

KiKiFrance · 08/08/2014 00:27

I too would disinvite them and then ditch them! All 3 of them don't sound very pleasant, and the constant feeling of rejection won't be doing you or your DS any good at all.

I agree with Thenapoleonofcrime; you need to protect your son from people who hate him. I can't understand why you'd even consider having that vile man at your wedding

Chiana · 08/08/2014 05:43

I say let the invitation stand, less drama than formally dis inviting them, but don't be surprised if they make an excuse not to come. If you still want to be friends with the wife one on one, cool, but no more attempted play dates between the kids and no more interaction with the husband. The wife may still want to be your friend one on one or she may be attempting to drop you. Let it play out.

And congrats on the wedding.

Minki · 12/08/2014 22:57

ok, so how do I disinvite them?

OP posts:
winkywinkola · 12/08/2014 23:10

Don't disinvite them. Just carry on. After wedding then fade.

Minki · 12/08/2014 23:14

But I definitely don't want her DH here to the kids now. Really don't.

OP posts:
winkywinkola · 13/08/2014 06:40

Then you will have to meet her and tell her none of them are invited a d why. She won't want to come without kids anyway.

Be very honest. It will be the end of your friendship and wil be a big drama.

Delphinegreen · 13/08/2014 07:53

Sorry I'm in the camp of let them all go, they are all too much effort!
Dad sounds like a bully to your ds & you - would he do that if his dad was present - no probably not.
Mum is apologetic but not helpful & possibly bullied by DH.
Find some people who love hanging out with you both x