Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

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

My friend and his wedding

53 replies

BlueNoon100 · 20/08/2015 13:44

Sorry so long Blush
So one of my oldest friends I getting married next April. I'm delighted for him. However he has bitten my head off the two times his wedding has come up. I now feel like avoiding him til it's over.
First thing he barked at me about and actually left cafe we were in with me sitting open mouthed and hurt was that he said they were having a very casual do with friends and family at registry office but limited numbers, followed by dinner for close family only, followed by a pub style venues that holds 300 where it will be a paying bar, some finger food provided and dancing etc til late. Sounds great. So he said they won't be doing flowers or photographers or any of that and my offending remark was 'I'd say there'll be some good speeches tho' to which he replied 'no we're not doing all that traditional crap' and I said 'ok then but I bet your brothers will start making speeches when they get a few drinks into them'. He got furious and said I was really pissing him off and then left.
Second incident 2 months later during which time he was very cool and off with me was when he was saying venue will take 300 and I asked if I would be able to bring my friend X with me as I'm eternally single and hate always going I everything on my own. He said 'No. I'm not having X at my wedding'. He has no history with her just thinks she is boring. I was taken aback and said well it's your wedding of course but is it no plus ones or do you want to vet who is brought. He just said he wasn't prepared to discuss it and called for the bill and left again. I feel like he is being a shit. Has this valued friendship come to an end? He knows I've been having an incredibly difficult time with my DD and mental health probs but I never burden with that. I think he thinks I'm boring and annoying and wants rid. Feel hurt.

OP posts:
SugarOnTop · 20/08/2015 14:29

sounds like the arrangements for the wedding are not to his liking/choice. so any reminder of the bits of the wedding he probably wants make him feel angry.

but to be honest, he sounds like a dick - unless this is the first time he's ever shown you any of this attitude and behaviour? i wouldn't even bother going after being spoken to like that, not unless i got an apology.

ImperialBlether · 20/08/2015 14:34

He sounds horrible. Just leave him to stew in his own juices and don't get in touch with him until he's apologised.

wafflyversatile · 20/08/2015 14:39

I presume this is out of character. What is his partner like?

BlueNoon100 · 20/08/2015 14:39

Thanks sugar. I'm pretty sure he is the driving force behind all decisions and is just going to be a complete bridezilla despite saying he is not having 'all the usual wedding crap' which I had for his wedding. I'm short of friends at the mo but I'm actually having to reassess this friendship as I'm too sensitive to laugh it off and felt tearful when left in cafe overreacting
I think he is an arrogant person and he's getting a bit insufferable now as he is so judgmental. ie sneered at my new car as he is an avid cyclist and doesn't can't drive. I cycle too but I've kids and sometimes need car Confused doesn't make me a target for criticism surely.

OP posts:
Iflyaway · 20/08/2015 14:48

He certainly seems to have a bee in his bonnet at the moment, but it's a long time till April, so I would take it as it comes nearer the time and see how he is then. hysterical?

Don't stress about it. I do feel that anyone has a right to veto anyone at their own wedding though.

wafflyversatile · 20/08/2015 14:54

Maybe just nod and smile at any wedding talk. 'no shoes to be worn in the venue? Sounds great'. 'i'm a barbie girl for the first dance? Go for it' etc.

BlueNoon100 · 20/08/2015 14:55

Yes I think I might just leave him to it which will be weird because in my brain he is in the category of best friend but if I actually think about it I think he has been pretty casual verging on horrible for quite a while. I'm dumb that way tho and usually feel I was probably annoying and asked for it. I suppose since my little has been under severe pressure the last 12 months due to DDs significant problems I've started to really not be able for any shitty behaviour and consequently have stepped away from quite a few friends. It's making me lonely but does that happen some times in life? That you shed longstanding friends. Or, as my family think, am I too sensitive and have done too much therapy and in their words 'think everyone is being abusive and use the word boundaries too often'.
His partner is a super gentle and polite guy who I think likes me.

OP posts:
TPel · 20/08/2015 14:56

He sounds a right charmer. I wonder how he treats his fiancée?

If I were you, I would walk away from this person. I can't imagine any friend of mine behaving in such a way. Friends are in your life to add joy not to leave you in tears in public for asking a perfectly innocuous question. What an arse.

LaContessaDiPlump · 20/08/2015 14:58

He sounds horrible. Your family also sound horrible btw - family members don't usually get upset at each other for wanting boundaries in their lives, unless the other family members would prefer you not to have any at all. I suspect that's the case with you.

0dfod · 20/08/2015 14:58

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

BlueNoon100 · 20/08/2015 15:02

Also thank you for replies. I know this is a feeble worry in the scheme of things. And I have doing therapy to help me be in a better place for DD and it's bringing up all sorts. I was sexually abused for years and now I'm sort of reevaluating lots of my close relationships and it's making me wonder....
However I think I guess I just back away slowly and as waffly says just smile and nod at wedding talk. and book a holiday for his wedding date

OP posts:
tribpot · 20/08/2015 15:11

I don't think you should back away slowly. Your therapy is revealing to you that you've been too willing in the past to accept poor quality friendships, to assume if people are being rude it's your fault.

Equally you haven't reached out to him for any support during your own problems, because you 'don't want to burden'. Friends are who you do burden. I think there are number of factors - you don't feel worthy of being a burden on someone (you are), you fear that he may sneer at your problems because he thinks he's better than you (he will and he does). None of this says 'friendship'.

He sounds like an already arrogant and spoilt person who now has the excuse of being a bridezilla to behave abominably. Don't try and slink away quietly, tolerating his stupid wedding chat as you let the friendship dwindle. Tell him he's out of order and you're not having it any more. You are worth more than this.

BlueNoon100 · 20/08/2015 15:14

Thank youFlowers
friends are in your life to add joy not to leave you in tears in public
Yes this written in black and white is pretty obvious. ISO have some very kind and loving friends but I'm starting to notice that some of my older friends and I include my exDh in this are, if I dare to use the word, quite toxic. There! Said it!
Thanks odfod yes declutter might be a good way to think of it. I can't believe that he would be so rude about my friend who is a perfectly nice if quiet person who has known 25 years. It's not as if she will be one of an intimate group of 20 people. And he has had countless partners over the years who have all been welcomed into my home as friends of his.

OP posts:
BlueNoon100 · 20/08/2015 15:15

*ISO = I do

OP posts:
Pancakeflipper · 20/08/2015 15:15

Sounds like he inflates his own ego by knocking your self esteem down.

Think I would step aside, let him contact you for now and see how he behaves, if he's still being an arse make sure you are too busy to fit him into your life.

Hope you have some other people in your life who are decent and care about you.

GamerCh1ck · 20/08/2015 15:23

Are you sure he (or his partner) actually want you to go to his wedding?

I do think there comes a time in life where we're not willing to take any kind of poor behaviour from friends. He may be one for a cull by the sounds of it.
If you must see him I agree smile and nod but if not then just let this one slide.

he doesn't sound like a very nice person going on what you've written.

BlueNoon100 · 20/08/2015 15:31

Mumsnet really is great. I felt this was way too trivial to talk to anyone about but it was getting to me to be spoken to so dismissively. Thank you tribpot and pancake and all. I'm really questioning my judgment at the moment and sad to lose any more people from my life but I'm better off on sitting in watching telly than being made to feel that I'm an irritant. I have been very pleased for him and his partner celebrating their engagement etc but I'm not going to put anything else in to this relationship and I'm not going to feel bad about it either. He is very dominant in our friend group so there will be fallout for me if I avoid but maybe it's time for me to make some new friends.

OP posts:
GamerCh1ck · 20/08/2015 15:39

This is a good thing... I know it can take your breath away when you realise your self worth and no longer tolerate shoddy friendships with people who are accustomed to treating you a certain way because you've always taken it. You always know when you change who was actually your friend in the first place how they behave when you reach that place.

I did it, had a pure shred of all the takers and freeloaders who were left reeling when I said no more.

Life is too short and we all deserve friends who don't upset you or treat you like crap.

BlueNoon100 · 20/08/2015 15:57

Thank you gamer. I wonder does he not want me at his wedding which is just them and 300 of their closest friends Confused ?
I have had and am still having a hell of a time of it with poor child so I've less patience and tolerance and in fairness I'm probably not as much 'fun' to be around at the moment. But surely that would warrant some gentleness and consideration? He just seems to have got more irritable and not bothered ringing me. I've had a few tough mornings when I've looked on fucking facebook to see them all out at a nice dinner or something Sad
Well I know sometimes it's just couples or whatever but still makes me feel shit. I think maybe you're right and he is being deliberately nasty to get me to fuck off. Hadn't considered that but it could be. My sister is very pally with him and she has completely dumped me in the past year as her partner told me I was an idiot for getting therapy addressing the historic abuse issue etc (had a thread about that last year) and she said he really shouldn't have said it but it was what everyone thought. So I guess there may be a bit of bitching about me behind my back. I'm def feeling bullied and excluded. For instance, and sorry for going on, my sister recently sent round an email proposing milestone birthday party for my DM and I emailed back that date would not work for me because of my dd's state exams. She just said ok so you two can't come but everyone else can. So that's the date it's set for. Thanks a bunch. And it's a surprise so no one is to tell DM. Bearing in mind I come from a big family and dd is the only one with state exams that particular week (a month after actual birthday date). Oh I'm rambling. Sorry. It feels like scapegoating for blabbing about the abuse which all sisters suffered but none want to address.

OP posts:
paulapompom · 20/08/2015 16:13

Blue - it sounds like you are changing, becoming stronger and putting dd and your own happiness to the top of your priorities. Toxic people don't like this.

My friend suffered abuse and sought counseling, she was stronger and I thought more 'herself ' (hard to explain) her family hated it! She messed up everyone's roles and showed them she could manage her own life.

I wish you and dd well. X

BlueNoon100 · 20/08/2015 16:23

Thank you paulaSmile
Maybe i can think about this positively. Does anyone also have these sort of fixed ideas about the people in your life? It seems pretty obvious that if someone is being nasty to you then you don't go back for more. But that seems to be broken in me. I find it very hard to accept that no they don't really care about me and may actually have ill will towards me even with the evidence staring me in the face.
But this is helping me.
Also think I'll change my new new username again as blue is a bit of a sad downer isn't it?
Maybe I am going to come up stronger. I start a new job in September and will be busy to worry about this stuff. Thanks v much for all input. Going to be not so blue now. It's very energy depleting to be sad and I actually think it's probably better for me to have a fuck them attitude at this point.

OP posts:
0dfod · 20/08/2015 16:28

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

LaContessaDiPlump · 20/08/2015 16:34

A fuck them attitude is an EXEMPLARY idea! As is the new username. I suggest 'ShinyHappyHorseWithASpikeOnItsHead' or something equally ridiculous Grin

It does sound like they resent you looking at the past when they'd much rather it lay buried.....

PhoebesFlyingPhoenix · 20/08/2015 17:45

Thank you Contessa and odfod! Have name changed Smile
It's amazing how a little validation can go a long way. There are lots of voices in my head saying everyone thinks you make a fuss about nothing/you should be glad to have any friends/it's no surprise you're single/you're kids are a mess etcetera but just to get some respect and be heard on here means the world. I am going to try to expect better and avoid people who are openly disrespectful no matter, and maybe even especially, if it's a long standing relationship

SugarOnTop · 20/08/2015 18:42

op..it might seem like you're 'losing' people left, right and centre at the moment but when that devil on your shoulder starts up with its negative thinking/intrusive thoughts - just remember that you nobody's victim and deserve to be treated with respect and consideration at the very least.

i went through a period of 'losing' lots of 'friends' in my mid 20's....my so called 'best friend' (who i'd known since school and was by then living with her fella) started flirting openly with my bf - in front of her own bf too which didn't seem to bother him. she would do 'small' things like introduce him to our mutual friends/strangers as soon as we'd walk into a room, always HAVE to sit next to him, invite him to her bf's 'lads night out' ...anytime i mentioned i wasn't happy about that i would be told i was being 'insecure' and 'silly' and was 'making a fuss about nothing'. i almost believed it! when i stopped hanging out with her she helped one of her other friends to 'steal' my bf - inviting him to cheat on me wasn't enough, the bitches even made sure i saw their engagement pics! (Suffice to say he cheated on that girl too and they broke up after an expensive engagement party lmao!) i found out that EVERYBODY in the group i was in knew about the cheating but chose not to tell me. i dumped them all.

re family, i have always been an 'outsider' in my family due to having a very different outlook on life and refusing to bow to peer pressure or their social norms. my older sis is a narcissist and very toxic but nobody wants to acknowledge or deal with that. anytime i stood up for myself or had a (normal) whinge or moan about anything i was belittled, ignored, 'punished' and had my personality and life choices twisted around and thrown back at me. like any problems or issues i had were all my own fault....yet if any of them faced the same issues it was sympathy and help all round. again, i almost believed it WAS me who was the problem. i eventually went very low contact with them to save my sanity.

throughout it all i never had even one person who truly understood what i was going through,which made it so easy to doubt my own self alongside the very low self esteem and confidence.

it was excruciatingly painful and lonely to begin with (i actually believed i was the only person in the world who had no friends or family). Until i realised i was always in pain and lonely when in their company anyway....and this low contact 'aloneness' was peaceful. that period of low contact was the making of me. i had nobody to 'please' except myself and the only demands of my energy were those that i chose to take on.

once i was in a strong and confident place i re-initiated contact with my family - but on my terms only. they no longer treat me bad (though i will always remain an outsider in a sense). my older sis i have chosen to go completely no contact with as she won't accept that i deserve to be treated with the same respect and consideration that she expects for herself. i have a large group of lovely 'acquaintances' (not close enough to call them friends), a small group of wonderful friends and one person who is my very close friend and i can share anything with. These people treat me better than my own blood family or ex-friends did and their presence in my life enriches it and makes me happy.

what my waffling means to say Grin .....is that don't worry, it's natural and ok to feel scared or fearful of 'losing' people to such a degree, but if you do what feels right for you - then YOU will NEVER lose out or be the 'loser'. your life will only get better. i just wish i had a crystal ball to see my future with back then, i would have saved myself so much emotional and mental angst and torture.