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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

Hurt that my 35-year best friend has chosen my other best friend as her maid of honour. Devastated 😪

153 replies

Nixnoks · 30/01/2017 15:05

Hi ladies, I'm looking for some advice in a situation I never through I'd be in.

I'll try and keep it as short and to the point as possible - not easy though!

My bestie and I have been best friends for 35 years, since we were 11. During that time, of course there have been times and years when we weren't as close as children, jobs etc can take over, BUT, there's never been a break in the friendship. She's been married twice, I was bridesmaid to first wedding (her second wedding just contained their daughters). She was bridesmaid at my first wedding (second wedding, I had none). I'm god mother to her children and her to my one. We have gone through soooooooo much together and literally know everything about each other, we talk everyday on message and see each other at least twice a month. I have included her in my world of friends and this is where she met my other best friend (of 15 years). Two years ago she divorced second Husband and immediately got with a mutual friend of mine and OBF (other best friend). So she only knows her fiancé and my OBF through me, absolutely no problem at all.

During the last 3 years, my life has been devastating, I literally nearly died of Bowel cancer, have done 8 months of chemo, I've had a colostomy bag, I've had 3 major ops and 12 not so major, and because of a rare complication, I, until recently, have been in agonising daily pain. I've also nearly died twice since then. So putting it mildly I've had a tough time, but my outlook has always been extremely positive and upbeat. I say all this , not for sympathy, but because despite going through all this, this situation has devastated and affected me more than the above!

Fast forward, she's now getting married again. Sooooo pleased for my bestie and her fiancé (whom I've known for 15 years). They are also spending weekends, nights out and holidays with OBF ( with no invite for us, despite being free and able to get babysitter, hurtful but have let it go).

I then get told, on a drunken girls night out after 2 wines to "not be upset", but she's asked my OBF to be her maid of honour when she gets married. I was absolutely devastated and felt suckerpunched 😪😪 she then proceeded to say "it just feels like the right thing to do as her husband is the best man, plus they are coming out for the 2 week holiday. You have a little girl to concentrate on and the hotel is adults only, and you need to concentrate on your health. I feel bad because I know what you've gone through but it just makes sense to have OBF". Aaarrrrrrgggghhhhh😡😡😡😡😡😡😡

I was so gobsmacked, as she brought my daughter into it (when I had already told her we'd attend her wedding abroad for a week (not 2)), and patronising me about my health when I'm currently in a good place. To top it all, all our girlfriends knew before me 😰 I told her it was up to her and left it.

Since then I've said nothing to her about her decision, as it is her decision after all. I've been to her engagement party, been on a few nights out and tried to keep our friendship and relationship on the same basis, but the truth is I just can't. I'm absolutely devastated, hurt, humiliatated and feel betrayed 😪😪

Everyone that's found out has been literally open mouthed and dumbstruck because we are literally like sisters, which does validate my feelings. Humiliating 😫

It's now at the point where I'm answering her texts in one word answers, I'm stony and moody if I've seen her and I've been in too raw an emotional state to talk to her about it. She is emotional dramatic and never wants to take critiscm or responsibility for doing anything wrong, which makes it difficult to have a frank and open conversation. She absolutely knows something's wrong, and unless she's living in a cave she knows exactly what's wrong but refuses to ask me if it's her and what's happened.

I asked to meet her last week, but apparently she was 'busy', even after I told her I was in a deep depression 😒. She's chasing me with messages, photos, positive messages, but I can't even reply to most of them because I don't see why she should have the 9/10 I've been giving for 35 years, when she's hurt me so badly. To make things worse, the friendship she has with my OBF is so superficial, it's bordering on offensive to what's happened.

I'm now meeting her tomorrow night and although I know what I want to say, I'd love some advice. Thanks for listening x

OP posts:
loveyoutothemoon · 30/01/2017 17:50

That's wrong that she originally asked you and then changed her mind. Not surprised you're gutted.

She could've discussed the issue of your illness before assuming it would be too much for you.

I'd distance myself a bit from her. Just say you can't make tomorrow.

Nixnoks · 30/01/2017 17:55

I really do appreciate your varied comments, thank you. I'd like to point out that being sulky etc is the COMPLETE OPPOSITE to my nature and I've found myself unable to stop this behaviour, so out of character. Have any of you experienced this?? If you haven't, then good for you! It's not nice.

I will reiterate, I'm not going to lose the friendship, I will of course attend the wedding, and I'm not going to make her feel bad for her choice. I'm all for free will in any relationship. As I've said, her words, offers etc and then her actions have gone against everything I've known for 35 years. We've both of course had many other good and best friends, it's never altered our friendship, until now.

I guess the last 3 years have taken their toll, and this was the last thing I expected given what had been promised and said to me. There has been no mention since 3 months ago. There will be tomorrow night! I'm not going to guilt trip her, but I will explain how I feel and of course move on.

Funny people mention "drama"! She absolutely lives for it, I do not, which is why I've been hesitant in bringing it up. But when you nearly lose your life several times, I guess it changes your outlook on life, and I don't feel the need to keep quiet anymore. I'm hoping she's in a good mood tomorrow

OP posts:
LunaLoveg00d · 30/01/2017 17:55

I think all the 'bestie' stuff is a bit much when you are 46

I'm a couple of years younger and agree totally. Besties are what my daughter talks about, and she's 11. Friendships change. All this ignoring and one syllable answers sounds like 11 year olds too, OP you need to rise above all this drama.

DaphneDeLaFontaine · 30/01/2017 17:56

Her friendship the other person must deeper you think, I know said other friend it's not, but maybe feels awkward and has fibbed a bit as she knows you'll be put out.

LunaLoveg00d · 30/01/2017 17:59

I'm not going to make her feel bad for her choice

I don't feel the need to keep quiet anymore.

Of course you're going to try to make her feel bad, and feel guilty about not asking you to be maid of honour, again, for the third time. What exactly do you hope to achieve by "not keeping quiet" - her asking you to actually be maid of honour after all, upsetting her, ruining your friendship, or what?

Drama, drama, drama.

Orangebird69 · 30/01/2017 18:02

Sorry, but you're 46, it's her 3rd wedding, and you're sulking about not being moh? With respect, you need to grow up a bit. And as a pp said, bridesmaids is all a bit cringey after 30/2nd or more wedding Confused

Starlight2345 · 30/01/2017 18:05

To be honest..I would interrupt it she needs someone who can help with the wedding and not a reflection of your friendship. She has been there through what is a very tough time that is worth more than buying you a dress. She may well want someone who she can ask to do anything without worrying about is she asking too much of her.

You are the one that has been/ are ill..It doesn't not touch her life. It doesn't make her not care about you. All this best friend talk I found very confusing. If it helps the person who is actually my DS's Godmother is not my best friend. She lives a distance from me has an illness which means I don't stress her out and tell her all my problems. While she is still a good friend there are other people who I see more regular and are my life line when I am stuck.

Nixnoks · 30/01/2017 18:07

Lunaloveg00d, perhaps I've not made it clear, all I want is a proper respectful (not drunken) conversation as to why she's gone back on her words. After 35 years I think I deserve that. I guess I expected her to do what she said, that's all. I don't want to be MOH or a bridesmaid. I'll also repeat, the reason I was looking for advice is that I've never ignored her or anyone, it's an alien feeling and I don't like it. I just wondered if anyone else had been through the same thing and how they resolved it. Which is why I appreciate all comments 👍

OP posts:
OhhBetty · 30/01/2017 18:11

But you've already been her moh. Let someone else have a go! You might get chosen next time!

crabbiearses · 30/01/2017 18:13

you are right op you do need an explanation, id sit her down and ask why what motivated her to do this if she knew it would upset you, that you understand she has other friends but it has worried you .

BumDNC · 30/01/2017 18:16

I would see it that you already were MOH once before - im not sure I would get asked twice by my own sister to be fair! At her first wedding I was then choice but she has other different friends and relatives now, she might feel that other people have similar lives to her like this friend and actually not want to burden me with it. You have been ill and she acknowledged it might be a mammoth task for you, I don't think she's been horribly unkind. It must have been a hard and awkward decision for her. Let it go - life is way too short

Atlast2017 · 30/01/2017 18:18

To be fair she did explain to you why she didn't choose you. You are just not hearing her.

BumDNC · 30/01/2017 18:18

I agree, she gave you multiple reasons already

Magzmarsh · 30/01/2017 18:21

I think you're ignoring her now because you're nursing your anger and hurt that has festered over the 3 months since this all kicked off. It wasn't dealt with properly at the time and has now infected your friendship to the op you can barely speak to her.

It's up to you whether you address it now but personally I think you're just going to present as petty and bearing a grudge if you do.

It's highly unlikely your friend realises how hurt you feel. The only one in pain and despair over this is you and only you can choose to let go of it.

I wish you nothing but good health and happiness op, do the same for yourself Flowers

LonnyVonnyWilsonFrickett · 30/01/2017 18:23

She's explained already though!

  • she doesn't think you're up for the two week holiday part
  • you've been ill and she doesn't want to over burden you
  • the OBF's partner is the best man so they have a ready-made foursome thing going on

And I suspect she just doesn't want the same 'line up' for the bridal party for her third wedding. My df remarried recently with the same bridesmaid and actually, honestly, parts of it were really awkward. Lots of 'jokes' about the last time and a very awkward chat about a hair-do when nana realised she was talking about the do the BM had had at the first wedding.

Let it go.

HelenDenver · 30/01/2017 18:28

Her groom might not be happy her having the same MOH as a prior wedding, eap as his best man's wife is also a clear possibility

esk1mo · 30/01/2017 18:30

i dont think its fair for PP to say she is overreacting. this is her life and her experiences and there is no 'set' way to react. it might not be how some of you would react, but having a friend for 35 years, or even 25 years is like having a sister. just because you are not blood relatives it doesn't mean you aren't pretty much family.

ofc the friend is allowed to move on and bond with others and perhaps find more like minded people, and length isn't always an indication of a good friendship. but the OPs friend could have gone about this alot differently, she seems very selfish IMO, especially as its her 3rd wedding, not exactly her first.

SpongebobRoundPants · 30/01/2017 18:31

I'm sorry for what you've been through, however YABVU (and overreacting massively) This is her special day not yours, she has the right to choose who she wants.

Amaried · 30/01/2017 18:34

Honestly op you are not covering yourself in glory here. The bride asked friend she's known for 15 years to be her moh not some person who passed her in the street and by your own admission it sounds like they have become closer in recent times. She explained her reasons to you ( which for some reason you don't accept ) and now 3 months later you are punishing her by being abrupt in text messages etc. You were her moh before and she was brilliant to you when you were unwell. To be honest you sound a bit unhinged about it all

Nixnoks · 30/01/2017 18:45

Lol Amaried! Thanks for giving me an unhinged diagnosis! She's known my OBF for 2 years, not 15. Of course I sound hurt, upset and I'm ranting on here, so might come across as over sensitive! In real life, I can assure you I'm nothing of the sorts, which is why it's shocked me so much. I invest heavily in people and expect people to do as they say.

I have heard her reasons and accepted them, hence not speaking of my hurt. As I've explained, it was the way she's gone about it, she was grabbing at anything and kept telling me not to be upset. As much as people say "get over it, move on, you're being over sensitive etc", everyone is different and deals with things in different ways. I was her bridesmaid at first wedding, yes, and whilst I get she's trying not to put a lot on me because of health, totally accept. I didn't think I'd feel like this, it's slapped me on the back when I wasn't looking, which is why I've asked for any similiar experiences from you all.

OP posts:
PuppyMonkey · 30/01/2017 18:48

I never got round to getting married myself, so may be out of touch with social conventions, but I would find it really weird to see the same bridesmaid/MOH at all three of aperson's weddings Confused

For instance I was a bridesmaid at my sister's first wedding. She subsequently got divorced and then married again. It never even entered my head to be cross that she asked a friend to be bridesmaid at her second wedding and not me.

Perhaps someone has simply said something about it being weird and she's been persuaded.

PuppyMonkey · 30/01/2017 18:52

OP I think people have been confused by your first post, it sounds like the bride has been friends with OBF for 15 years. Whereas OBF has been friends with YOU for 15 years. Bride only met OBF two years ago??

Head explodes.

PrivatePike · 30/01/2017 18:55

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Magzmarsh · 30/01/2017 18:55

This will sound really harsh op but she's having more fun with her new friend than you atm and wants to go on holiday as a foursome after the wedding. You don't readily fit into this part of her life right now.

Thinkingofausername1 · 30/01/2017 18:55

Maybe she felt you didn't enjoy the wedding as much because you weren't well, and maybe she is looking out for you rather then trying to upset you?

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