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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:
IrenetheQuaint · 13/08/2014 08:01

You've already basically told her that you don't want her DH at your wedding, so I wouldn't bother doing anything more. He's very unlikely to come, surely?

Then just let the friendship fade.

Annarose2014 · 13/08/2014 08:23

I very much doubt she's going to come to the wedding, anyway.

If her DH isn't invited and he's that unpleasant you can bet anything he's kicking up holy hell about her going.

And tbh, it does sound like her kid doesn't like yours that much. When I was little I regularly played with kids nicely, but then would go home and complain to my mum that they actually weren't all that nice to me. So that is plausible.

I don't think its up to a parent to force a friendship that their kid really doesn't enjoy. So why should she or the Nanny?

I also think that its a bit unreasonable of you to expect a Nanny to get into a "he does dislike your kid so we won't be coming" type of exchange over text message. She's an employee, and it is absolutely not her job to get into a drama with another parent. She could get into masses of trouble with her employer for saying that. She's doing exactly what I would do in her position - saying nothing.

Minki · 13/08/2014 12:40

Annarose, I asked her in a nice way as I would rather know IF there is a problem so that I can at least stop asking for play dates and explain to my son accordingly. If the mum is saying, yes, they are around for play-dates etc, but then nanny then never responds or makes up crap excuses then what am I supposed to think? Is it too much to expect either of them to say, sorry but they have fallen out so lets leave it for a while. I don't have a problem with that at all, just want to know so that I can explain to my son.

My friend did seem very happy when I asked her to come and I would be surprised if she now said she didn't. We left if flexible about her DH and son so it may not seem that strange if I now say can she come alone.

OP posts:
Minki · 13/08/2014 12:43

And when have I said I expected her to "force a friendship"?? Not at all, just to try to find out why her son is sayign he HATES my son. if she valued our/their friendship then she would either try to sort it out or at least explain her comment to me in a rationale/uemotive way, rather than my DS really HATES your son. Do you think that is ok? I don't. It's perfectly fine though to say, they have fallen out so lets leave it for a while.

OP posts:
trappedinsuburbia · 13/08/2014 12:48

Op she doesn't value your friendship and im shocked you would let your son get pushed around by an adult and yet you still want to associate with these people. WHY?

Quitelikely · 13/08/2014 12:56

Seriously do nothing. She has dropped massive massive hints that she's not interested anymore. There's no point harassing the nanny either. It's obvious she's been told not to attend play dates with your boy. Re the invite. Just let it stand. I strongly doubt she will come.

It's not unheard of for parents to cut off other children and parents when there has been an incident like the one described above. They obviously just don't want your ds to play with their ds anymore.

IrenetheQuaint · 13/08/2014 12:58

Some people absolutely can't bear any form of confrontation, and she may well be one of them. Yes it's weak, but it's not unusual.

Minki · 13/08/2014 13:23

In that case I really don not want her at my wedding! Why would I? I would rather have confrontation then have someone at my wedding who does not like my son or value our friendship!!

OP posts:
MollyWhuppie · 13/08/2014 19:49

Have you sent a formal invitation or just mentioned it? If that is the case I just wouldn't send the invitation out, and not say anything unless she asks why she hasn't got an invitation.

If you've already sent the invitation, then I would just let them come and then distance yourself from them.

If she's bothered, she may make an effort with you in which case you might want to continue the friendship on a one to one basis, but I would give up on trying to force a friendship between your sons and the two families together.

BerylStreep · 18/08/2014 22:26

Knock the playdates on the head. What is the point of trying to force it? Ditto discussing it with their nanny.

I would cool it with the friend, and see if she initiates any contact with you.

I would do nothing further about the wedding invite. If they turn up, then fine, just be pleasant. Will your nanny be attending to look after DS? If so, make sure she is briefed not to allow the Dad anywhere near DS. To disinvite at this stage will create lots of unnecessary drama and resentment. I bet they will pull out at the last minute anyway with an excuse.

Sometimes friendships just run their course, or maybe this one will change where it is just the 2 of you, and not your DC.

BerylStreep · 05/09/2014 10:18

Did the 'friend' and her DS / DH come to the wedding in the end?

mutternutter · 05/09/2014 11:48

Would also love to know!

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