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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 getting cosy with my ex…AIBU?

220 replies

AmonRa1 · 09/02/2015 09:50

I was seeing my ex, casually, on and off since 2009. It ended for good last year when I finally woke up, got some self-respect and ditched him. I did love him though, a lot, would’ve done anything for him and I think a small part of me will always have a soft spot for him but he treated me appallingly and meeting my now OH has totally shown me what a real, loving relationship SHOULD be like.

Anyway, when I first got with my OH, ex couldn’t stand it and was literally bombarding me with texts/phone calls/whatsapps etc begging me to give him another chance, he realised he’d been an idiot, I was the girl he wanted to marry, blah, blah, blah. I stopped responding and so he started messaging one of my close friends asking her to speak to me, to tell me he’s sorry, get me to ‘see sense’ (arrogant so and so) blah, blah.

Ex and I do share some of the same friends, although, tbh, to me, they are more like acquaintances. The past couple of months, my friends and I have been out on a Saturday night and have bumped into him due to him and us all being with the same people, in the same pubs/ bars etc. He and I have been fine, we have a drink and a chat but that’s it.

ANYWAY, my close friend that he started messaging that time, asking her to speak to me on his behalf, told me the other week that he had messaged her on FB after she had ‘checked in’ at his local pub on FB asking why she didn’t tell him she was there as he would’ve gone down and had a drink with her?! She said it very blaze, like that was a completely normal thing for him to do. I wanted to ask why he was messaging her and did she message him back but just kept schtum.

He has told me before in passing that he thinks she’s ‘fit’ (she is) and he is stupidly handsome and the majority of females aren’t exactly immune to his charm!

A few weeks ago she ‘checked in’ again at his local pub on FB (which is a bit weird as it’s nowhere near where she lives but she has recently palled up with a girl who lives near him and that is her local too, so fair enough) and when I saw it, I wondered whether he’d be messaging her again or whether the ‘check in’ was for his benefit as she very rarely uses FB/ does check in’s etc so it’s a bit odd. She’s also started to get a bit obsessed with hanging around with the same people as him, so those acquaintances that I mentioned in my 3rd paragraph, if we are out she is constantly saying ‘Let’s text so and so and see what they’re doing and where they are.’ Or she’ll text me before the weekend saying ‘So and so are going to be at the rugby club on Sat, shall we go and watch the match and go out with them after?’ I’m really not bothered to be honest as the majority of them irritate me and she has never been bothered about them or ever wanted to give them the time of day before?

ANYWAY, I haven’t seen her for a couple of weeks as I’ve been on holiday and work has been manic. She came over last night and in the middle of a conversation, casually managed to drop in how ‘A couple of weeks ago her and XXX (her friend) were down his local again and my ex came down to meet them and they all got really drunk and he invited them both back to his to stay the night, which they did…..in the spare room.’

At the time, I felt like she’d slapped me but I acted nonchalant and didn’t say anything, however when she left, I felt really upset. My OH noticed and asked what was up and so I told him and his first words were ‘Well that’s a bit off to be honest as she doesn’t even know him, only through you and even that’s not very well and why do you need to know that she’s getting drunk with him and staying around his house?’

And that’s exactly how I feel. I KNOW I am with someone else, him and I are history so it shouldn’t matter but this man was my utter world for a very long time. She is one of my best friends and in general, is a BRILLIANT friend. I just can’t help but think something is going on somewhere. They don’t know each other from Adam, apart from through me and I only really introduced them to each other in the last few months of him and I’s relationship, so that is only about a year ago. In that time they’ve probably met a handful of times when we’ve bumped into him out and about. She ‘dislikes’ him (like the rest of my friends) for how he treated me whilst we were together etc. Although obviously not, because she’s now getting drunk with him and staying over at his house.

He doesn’t do female ‘friends’ he only gives someone the time of day if he finds them attractive (shallow git) so I know his intentions would not have been honourable. I just don’t get how she thought I was going to react, am I expected to be doing cartwheels that one of my best friends is now spending time with my ex and staying over at his house? If they were friends before then that would be different, but they don’t know each other at all?

I feel like I need to speak to her about it and say that if anything were to happen there, I’m sorry, but I could not forgive her. Out of all the men in the world that is the ONE man that I couldn’t forgive one of my friends for going behind my back with and I shouldn’t even have to say that as she should know. Also, I have spoken to her every day in the past 2 weeks and not once has she mentioned that she stayed over at his. I have also spoken to him too a few times as his dog (who was my world when we were together) had a fit, fell down the stairs and ended up at the vets very ill. He was devastated and just wanted to talk to someone I think and I am the only other person who loves her like he does. Not once did he mention it either yet if I had stayed around her exes’ house or had his best friend randomly stay over at mine, I think I’d have mentioned it!

Irrespective of anything else, he is bad news. She is younger than me and without meaning to be patronising, quite naïve when it comes to relationships and men. She would get SO hurt, just like I did, just like all his ex’s have, hence why he’s 36 and on his own!

Should I speak to her do you think?

OP posts:
PrivatePike · 10/02/2015 15:26

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MightyMightyToros · 10/02/2015 15:44

I'd never want a good friend of mine to date my ex. It would make me question our friendship.

However I think the contradictions by the OP so confusing.

You went out of your way to set him up with a friend of a friend, which quickly changed to I told this friend all the rumours are true and here is his number.

I have been out on a Saturday night and have bumped into him due to him and us all being with the same people, in the same pubs/ bars etc. He and I have been fine, we have a drink and a chat but that’s it

Changed to - well actually I only say hi and then me and friends give him evils all night.

You said your friend jumped into bed with him when it was still practically warm, and that this man was your utter world.

I do think you are not completely over him. I'm not saying that to kick you when you're maybe feeling down, it's just this is genuinely how you have come across.

patienceisvirtuous · 10/02/2015 16:10

OP YADNBU. I get it and think you've had a really rough time on here.

I'm glad you sorted things with your friend.

WonderMuffins · 10/02/2015 16:19

Amongst everyone I know, friends from school, uni, work etc, you don't go there with your friends' ex.

She is also a dick for checking in at the pub so you could blatantly see it.
I also think you've been given an undeserved hard time on here

nilbyname · 10/02/2015 16:20

Who 3?

RetroImp · 10/02/2015 16:30

Gawd I have to agree this thread is strangely compelling despite its car crash quality. In answer to the original question of the OP, yes, I found you to be a bit unreasonable and a drama llama. The post was far too longwinded and yet after not getting the response she wanted, the OP began to re-write “history”. I do understand her reaction even though she isn’t that honest even with herself and agree with the majority of the posters that the OP is far from over her ex and far too involved. If she were a bit more honest with herself, she would probably admit that this is more about her hurt feelings, a question of probably dented pride and more than a smidgeon of vanity. We are hearing a much distorted and extremely one-sided account of her ‘orrible’ ex who did go from being the centre of her universe to someone she would not even wanna find at the bottom of her shoe. Most of us have probably gone through a phase of being with someone who did not feel the same way about us and where we probably bent over backwards and put up with a lot in the hope that eventually the guy feels the same way about us. Then we feel resentful and angry about that person not loving us back in the same way. What is even worse if that guy then may actually fully commit or feel strongly about another woman. I wonder if some of the anger and resentment which seems to seep through the OP’s posts towards her friend aren’t stemming from a secret fear that the much maligned ex might actually genuinely like her friend and perhaps treat her right.

DixieNormas · 10/02/2015 16:30

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Wombat22 · 10/02/2015 16:31

The first line of the OP
I was seeing my ex, casually, on and off since 2009. It ended for good last year
This is not the same as being married or even in a long term relationship.
I've read all the posts but does the above even merit any kind of 'girl code'?

Gina111 · 10/02/2015 16:39

Good post RetroImp

mumofthemonsters808 · 10/02/2015 16:42

I think this man knows exactly what he is doing, he has managed to get into your head via contact with your friend. He has caused upset amongst two good friends and possibly caused upset between you and your partner. He will not be losing any sleep over this, he is probably gloating in the drama he has created.You need to take back control.

DixieNormas · 10/02/2015 16:54

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

BrendaBlackhead · 10/02/2015 16:56

In my experience of men, they are usually not into such headgames. He probably just fancied the friend.

One of my friends had a similar relationship with someone. On/off for years. Every time the bloke had a girlfriend, my friend would find out and try to befriend her, or tell her about the ex.

Similarly once I had had one date with someone and a girl stopped me in the street, asked if I was going out with X, and said she was his ex-girlfriend and they were still very close Hmm

WonderMuffins · 10/02/2015 16:58

Really nasty unnecessary post RetroImp

RetroImp · 10/02/2015 17:10

WonderMuffins – Did I perhaps hit a raw spot in your life..? You read it as nasty and unnecessary. That says a lot more about you than me. However, if a lot of us were a bit more honest about our motivations when it comes to relationships, it would probably be less than flattering. Love and friendship can be messy. It’s a hard pill to swallow when you had this kind of on/off relationship, which you find hard to get away from. And harder still if that person, who did not perhaps feel the same way about you, does however feel strongly for someone else. This is not nasty but merely an observation and most of us probably felt that bitter taste at some point in our lives.

SaucyJack · 10/02/2015 17:18

Actually, I kinda agree with RetroImp.

The OP wouldn't be the first person in the world to get the hump because their ex has got over them and fancies someone else (have been guilty meself on several occasions) Just see it for what it is Smile

rollonthesummer · 10/02/2015 17:50

I don't think Retroimp's post was nasty at all! Spot on-well said, Retroimp.

AmonRa1 · 10/02/2015 18:27

Oh good god, no, I can safely say that retroimp has definitely gotten the wrong end of the stick. I can see why it may look that way, but trust me, that's not the case.

I'm afraid he no doubt thinks she's hot and would fuck her, but that is where it would probably end.

Her last message to me even said 'he has used me to try and get to you, it's all part of his little game.' And she's right. He's fucked up.

OP posts:
AnyFucker · 10/02/2015 18:50

Amon, it's ok to admit that he has fucked you up. Your posts are contradictory and all over the place. It is best that you walk away from all this. Nobody has said anything different than that basic message. It is meant kndly (believe it or not) when people are trying to point out to you just how much headspace you are giving this bloke. You may say it isn't to the detriment of your current relationship but how could it not be. You have just spent the last 24 hours+ arguing with randoms on the internet about a bloke you purport to care less about.

It's not ringing true. Walk away. Close your FB or block them. Quit the drama conversations with your friend. Concentrate on your new relationship. Stay away from the social media and the pubs where they go. It's good advice, really it is.

VixxFace · 10/02/2015 19:01

You are getting a hard time. yanbu.
Your friend shouldn't go there end of.

BauerTime · 10/02/2015 19:25

RetroImp I think you nailed it.

OP, you really really don't have to convince us of anything, we do not know you or any of the context.

I agree that id probably not be comfortable with a good friend seeing one of my exes but I dont think the weirdness of it or concern for your friend getting heart broken is the issue if you are completely honest with yourself. I accept that I may be wrong but that's just my gut feeling based on what you have wrote and the way you have written it.

Mozzereena · 10/02/2015 19:52

YANBU, OP.
Your eyes have been opened. This person is NOT your friend.
Both she and he are free to see one another as they please.
Wish them all the best then try to forget the pair of them.
I wish you luck and happiness in your new relationship.

RetroImp · 10/02/2015 19:56

AmonRa1 – just wanna reiterate - I am not trying to put you down. It’s almost an affectionate recognition of the kind of bit delusional obsessive behaviour, an awful lot of us felt at some stage in our lives over someone, me included. After demonising an ex of mine for a bit, I had to concede especially to myself that the biggest “crime” that ex committed was not to love me back the same way. And I also realised that my all-consuming love was more some kinda obsessive addiction because he did not feel the way about me, I wanted him too. Had he shown those feelings, I may have not even been so into him. Deffo some bruised ego involved too. And yes, I also lapped up the drama etc. But unless you really do let go and stop this OTT interest in what he/she does, you’re not moving on. If you had got over him - you would not waste so much time over this. You'd be far too busy being loved up with the guy who treats you so well. You're not being fair to him right now. Step away from the thread, FB updates etc and just concentrate on the new man

MightyMightyToros · 10/02/2015 19:59

Her last message to me even said 'he has used me to try and get to you, it's all part of his little game.' And she's right. He's fucked up.

He hasn't really fucked up though has he?

You're the one who writing about this on an internet forum, getting angry at posters and considering falling out with a friend over it.

He most likely hasn't given it a second thought.

You are the one that allowed him to get into your head.

If he's as good looking and as charming as you say then if he's looking for a "fuck and chuck" then he'll just move onto the next if your friend stops talking to him.

AnyFucker · 10/02/2015 19:59

gotta see that Imp is talking sense and not a trace of nastiness there

Shadow1986 · 10/02/2015 20:04

I can understand how you're feeling - think you should say to your friend that you feel really weird about the whole situation so if she chooses to see him again you would rather she didn't discuss it with you. If you act too not bothered she will carry on and if you act too bothered you will look obsessed with ex so this reply is somewhere in the middle!