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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

Best friend? or is she?

59 replies

Littlemissdemeanour · 11/06/2017 05:58

Background is best friend and I known each other 13 years, since uni and moved around various cities for love and work. Fast forward and for the last three years we have both been since and in the same city.

We've been really close, it's been great. Done a lot together, shared a lot together; hopes, fears the usual.

Never any issues in the relationship until recently.

At the beginning of the year we both shared large birthdays within 6 weeks of one another, and the decision was to celebrate through a city break abroad. The plan had been cemented, time off work booked etc. She was non committal as the time grew closer and in the end said she couldn't afford it, fair enough. I was upset as I wanted to head away and her late admission (selfishly) left me short. My other friend in seeing my hurt and eagerness to go away went with me.

To my surprise (and quite honestly, astonishment) whilst I was away, best friend booked a May holiday away with her other friend, quite a holiday at that, and one that required immediate payment?? I said nothing, but was hurt.

In the intervening time between now and then things were different, she often 'forgot' to text back, took forever about it, etc. Sometimes I felt like she enjoyed having the upper hand, me running to her.

Then there was a dinner party where she got blind drunk, came onto a guy who said he was interested, but only for a night. Went on to chat to him, publicly shouted at me when I chatted to him at said dinner party, but went home regardless with him. When he didn't get in contact she took drastic measures to get over him (!), platinum blonde hair, cut all short :s What can I even say to that!

Now, onto the crux of the matter. Her parents have a large place that we holiday at (abroad). We have been before (last year) and planned to revisit at a reasonable time for flights, and when we could both afford to (I was beholden to her there). We agree September. Time is duly booked off work once we see great flight prices etc.

Then she suggests her other friend come. I have met this lady for 3 hours in my life, and we probably didn't get on like a house on fire. I said it probably not the best idea spending 10 days away together, threes a crowd et al. She said yeah, fair enough, it's just I mentioned it to her too.

One week later I get a random text which starts 'also, I mentioned it to X, and she's really up for it so sorry, but as i mentioned it to her first I'm going to have to go with her'. Now I'm shocked at both the contact and delivery of this. I choose not to reply as really, what can I say?!

She chases with another text (ironic given her comms of late), suggesting I'm pissed off with her. I say yes, I am and I didn't know what to say, that twice it's happened, the delivery was uncouth and as a supposed best friend I feel pretty undervalued, but moreover, I'm very hurt.

She replies let's meet up when I'm back from holiday (this is the May holiday, and over 2 weeks away?!). I say I think it better to speak before then. We have a telephone conversation where she proports to understand (but going ahead regardless) and suggests: we go on a mega holiday next year. I think this is just to appease me, and if I'm honest I don't want the tokenism and can't help but feel the relationship, or certainly the way I feel, has very much changed.

I hear nothing more from her in the intervening period, other than a text at airport that she's having a drink and it made her think of me (other friend thought that sentiment was a bit of a kick in the teeth).

I hear nothing more from her, almost 2 weeks pass. Very hurt by now.

Now to the present. We had a diary invite scheduled through for a forthcoming event. Randomly I receive a 'decline'. I reply suggesting that's a pity and is she back from holiday. She says yes, was just clearing up diary. I play it politely, asking if she still fancied it and that we should catch up, it's been over a month.

Replying a day later she says yes, it has. She's had such a brilliant weekend (don't know if this is relevant, but she's posted all over social media which she never does, pics of her with other people, very attention seeking, look at me having such a good time). She goes on to say she's very busy and says not free until X.

I suggest that will be almost two months since we have seen each other and it says it all. Ok, maybe I shouldn't have said it like that. But I am incredulous. She replied 'says what'. I've not replied. Been almost a week.

I'm so god damn hurt at her. That's it. Isn't it? She doesn't value me at all and I don't deserve this. I just wish it didn't hurt so much, I swear it's like a bad relationship has ended, and more hurtful given what we've shared.

Have I done the right thing?

OP posts:
Janeinthemiddle · 11/06/2017 06:07

Sounds like she's moved on to her new friend. I'm sorry Flowers

I would have done the same and just leave her at that. Over time, you'd get over her. Trust me you will power through it.

Loopytiles · 11/06/2017 06:07

It sounds like she no longer wants to be a close friend of yours.

I would stop seeking to organise any holidays/events with her.

With the first trip, had she not paid her share of the holiday upfront?

I don't think she was U to invite her other friend to her family's property abroad, as well as you, given that it's "her" property. She told you before flights etc were booked so you had the option to go or not.

It all sounds too intense IMO.

Loopytiles · 11/06/2017 06:09

If she declined an event, why would you ask if she "still fancied it"? If she did she wouldn't have declined!

If you were (understandably) hurt by her not seeing you much anymore it'd have been better to be honest about that.

Littlemissdemeanour · 11/06/2017 06:10

Re. The first holiday, she booked and paid after she said no to us going away, almost immediately after.

I take your point about it being the family holiday home, however that is the upper hand thing I referred to upthread, we had agreed to go together then, bang she brings in someone else (knowing I will be unlikely to go)- it hurt more as it happened twice.

It has been intense for me. Intensely hurtful!

OP posts:
Littlemissdemeanour · 11/06/2017 06:11

Loopy, I asked if she still fancied it as I was confused, hurt, and didn't see what I could have done wrong as to make her not want to go when all prearranged.

I feel like she's punishing me.

OP posts:
iMatter · 11/06/2017 06:14

She's moved on. Let her go.

Friendships shouldn't be like this. There's far too much angst here.

Loopytiles · 11/06/2017 06:14

I meant the first trip with you: you said it "left you short" when she pulled out. Had she not paid her share already?

Yes, her handling of the trip to her family property was bad, but given that she'd already pulled put of a holiday with you (but paid for another, suggesting that there were non financial reasons for her decision) not surprising.

By intense I meant that your relationship with and expectations of this friend (and vice versa in the past), and her friendship with the other friend, seem full on: holidays together organised way in advance etc.

Littlemissdemeanour · 11/06/2017 06:15

Ok, I take both points. Thanks.

OP posts:
TesticlesInTheBlender · 11/06/2017 06:16

She's moved on and you need to do the same.

Loopytiles · 11/06/2017 06:17

Her decision not to attend the event might have had nothing to do with you.

Your message was passive (or passive/aggressive) :you were hurt about her behaviour over some months, but didn't say that, just reiterated the invitation.

Loopytiles · 11/06/2017 06:18

I do understand why you'd be hurt, it's horrible being rejected by a friend. You might - or might not - want to stay more casual friends.

onemorecupofcoffeefortheroad · 11/06/2017 06:19

Yes ignore her - let it go. You are doing all the running and she is enjoying having the upper hand.
Friendships ebb and flow - this one has either going through a difficult patch or has run its course. Regardless, definitely the best thing to do is to move on for now, make some new friends, get on with your life and busy yourself with other things. Don't chase her.

I've been in a very similar situation with a best friend and reacted just like you, she played me while I was vulnerable. It took a while but once I let go, once I actually really didn't care anymore she came back saying she missed me etc.

We're still friends although I'll never feel the same because she hurt me so much but we are in a much more balanced and respectful friendship now.
It does hurt and it is like the breakup of a romantic relationship when you've been so close but for now the only thing you can do is to let it go.

HipsterRaccoon · 11/06/2017 06:24

I really feel for you, getting dumped by a friend is an absolutely awful feeling. It's not necessarily anything you've done or could have done anything about, sometimes for whatever reason people just grow apart. It sounds as if you've got some other good friends, I think you need to write her off at this point. It's not always realistic to have the same "best friend" forever.

Underthemoonlight · 11/06/2017 06:32

I'm going against the grain here why couldn't go away to her parents house with her friend? I have a some very good friends from uni and although we don't get to see each often as life work kids can get in the way, we all are of the understanding of this. We also have other groups of friends. When we do meet up it's like we never been apart. I've met my uni friends friends and we've went on to have one of the funniest best nights, I'm looking forward to the next meet up with everyone.

Littlemissdemeanour · 11/06/2017 06:35

Reason being I had an instinct that we just wouldn't get on.

A very horrible thing happened to me earlier in the year with a so called friend and I'm protecting myself by not putting myself into situations. Holidays are precious to me, and I would rather not risk a miserable time or conflict.

Yes, I'll be on my own forever- before you say it! Smile

OP posts:
SpareASquare · 11/06/2017 06:48

I don't see anything wrong with inviting another friend along to the holiday house.
You seem very needy OP and I'm wondering if you are projecting that IRL and she just isn't dealing with it well?

Littlemissdemeanour · 11/06/2017 06:52

I think the that's a little unfair to brandish me needy.

The friend has made notions to my friend that we probably don't get on, I've similarly made light touch comments.

You're right, she can do what she wants and she has.

I'm just hurt by the situation and I'm sure if you were in my shoes it would be hard not to be too.

OP posts:
LedaP · 11/06/2017 07:07

I have to say, reading your op made me think you can be clingy and a bit intense and possibly a bit judgmental. Especially when you posted this

When he didn't get in contact she took drastic measures to get over him (!), platinum blonde hair, cut all short :s What can I even say to that!

Why would you need to say anything? Lots of people make poor choices in our love life and changing how you look is a faitly common thing to do.

It feels all feels very intense. Perhaps your friend is just trying to get some space.

kathhere · 11/06/2017 07:07

I've had a similar situation with a long term close friend who, suddenly to me, didn't see it in the same way anymore- and it's rubbish, it really is, so I'm sorry to hear that it's happened to you too.
I still have no idea what changed, 7 years later
The only thing you can do is look after yourself and don't let yourself be in a position where you can be hurt. Make plans with other people, try and reduce her influence on your life
Good luck

Purplepicnic · 11/06/2017 07:10

YANBU to be hurt, she has not behaved very well.

I think the advice to busy yourself with other things is good. Spend time with other people.

The friendship may recover, it may not but for now, I would take a step away and let things settle.

cafenoirbiscuit · 11/06/2017 07:18

Completely understand your feelings. You've let her know how you feel, and I wouldn't try again. The ball's in her court now so leave her be. Then when you run into her again you can be civil and noncommittal.

Hide her on Facebook, find some meet ups you can go to, keep busy.

This too will pass Flowers

SallyGinnamon · 11/06/2017 07:50

YY to the statement that friendships can ebb and flow.

You sound bewildered rather than needy to me. Your friend's attitude has changed with no apparent reason.

I think, as PPs have said, she's got a new toy friend that she wants to holiday with, maybe with a different holidaying approach. Nothing you can do about that, hurtful as it may be.

I had a good college friend who 'dropped' me at one point. With hindsight I think it was when she was moving between husbands as her exH was a friend and she wanted a clean start. We got close again when we had DC and holidayed together and have now drifted again as she's gone back to a high powered job and I can't be arsed!

I suppose I'm trying to say that friends can get closer or drift apart at different phases in life.

Littlemissdemeanour · 11/06/2017 08:09

Thank you, borders. Bewildered is exactly how I feel.

As to the comment about the huge appearance change, I was making the point that she knew what it was, proceeded regardless (it lasted 12 hours) and made a huge drama about how she needed an image overhaul. I was sad for her as it's not an image thing, it's an esteem thing. As a friend, I tried to help, to only get shouted at.

OP posts:
rookiemere · 11/06/2017 08:58

I can see why you're upset but you do sound like quite an intense friend and also somewhat judgemental.

Friend is entitled to ask who she wants to her families property and you're entitled to say no.

I often don't see friends for weeks or even months as life gets in the way - good friends don't take it personally.

I think you just need to move on, spend time with nice friend who went away with you at short notice and also try to widen your social circle so you're less dependent on one person.

junebirthdaygirl · 11/06/2017 09:00

I think her suggestion to bring another friend was fine. She needs to see other friends too and its good to widen the circle. I wouldnt go for a 10 day holiday with one person except dh. It would be too intense. It just might be no harm to question yourself a little bit too. I hate all this best friend stuff. We all can have lots of friends and as we get older we are going to pick up new friends at each stage of life. I dont think you have really accepted that.
She was mean to suddenly drop out of holiday though.