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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

Wow, callous!

28 replies

Always1 · 11/11/2018 16:41

Last year, I was asked to be matron of honour along with my other friend A for friend B’s wedding.

I was the one that introduced them and we were all friends together. They would often meet up more than me as I couldn’t get out as much etc. I was absolutely fine with this, I’m a secure person and am always happy for people.

Friend B had another friend who couldn’t go out much due to childcare and money issues. Friend B had some very good luck and her friend said that that was the final straw for her (I think friend B had been rubbing her nose in it knowing that she had a lot of problems and that’s why B’s friend said that) her friend picked an argument with her about not being invited out on our night out and they fell out. Friend B said she had a lot “on her” as if to say she better stay in her box. It was my first red flag about her as it showed a level of vindictiveness that I do not like. I think this is relevant as it shows her character perhaps.

After this good luck myself and friend A were very happy for her. However A began to complain that friend B kept making excuses to not meet up with her. She had made a new friend and seemed to be able to find the time to be with her all the time. Friend A complained a lot about how she was ignoring her. It didn’t bother me as much as I don’t see the point in forcing people to spend time with me if they’d rather be elsewhere.

This went on for months and during that time I’d met up with friend A a few times because we both had similar days off. After not seeming to be bothered by us for months, friend B became very jealous when she found out that we had seen each other or spoken to each other. It was bizarre! This felt very controlling and weird to me considering she had been basically ignoring us for months. I began to notice also that everything is very one sided with her and we always had to do what she wanted to do. She would get into sulks if she didn’t get her way. I carried on with my boundaries though. All of a sudden B was all over A again and I noticed that she kept trying to bait me into arguments which I didn’t rise to. I said to friend A she is trying to find a reason to dump me as a friend and from her wedding. FOR NO REASON.

Anyway fast forward to the other night and it was a party for friend A’s big birthday. I walked in and smiled and said hello to friend B and she me a dirty look mumbled something and would not make eye contact. I was completely blinded sided as we have not fallen out or anything. I was completely shocked. She caused such an atmosphere that people were commenting on how disgusting she had treated me. She started doing passive aggressive stuff like putting arm round friend A and shouting out this is my maid of honour and being over the top affectionate towards friend A (when she says herself she’s not a huggy person). Friend A was very upset by her treatment of me and tried to ask what was wrong and she just shouted no we are not doing this on your birthday, do not get involved in it. I think this because she has no reason whatsoever. She is one of those women who focuses on looks a lot and will spot attractive women when we are out and say demeaning things about them. She has always commented on what I look like, which I always think is a bit of a warning sign as I don’t focus on crap like that.

BUT although people were disgusted and she had been treating A shabbily for months as usual there is no loyalty. I tried so hard to make friend A birthday lovely and bought her lots of expensive gifts and she turned round and said she could not go out for my upcoming birthday as she had to save for friend B’s hen party! I felt so so hurt. The funny thing is at the beginning of the night friend B’s new friend spoke in a friendly way to me but by the end she was stopped speaking to me too. I just felt utterly confused.

What is that saying about for bad people to flourish good people have to stand back and do nothing. I get the feeling friend B and her new friend really savoured the drama and contemp they showed me that night and I am an easing going fun lover who hates drama. To be honest if friend A wants them around now when we go out and there is and event I just don’t want to go. They will relish treating me like shit and everyone just stands back and accepts it so what’s the point.

I am really starting to think I should just walk away from it all. It’s to immature and odd for me.

My DH shouted at me when I said about doing something special on my birthday and I had an abusive childhood and have no relationship with them.

I feel very sad and isolated and just don’t know how to start again and find nice people to have in my life. I would love some advice please.

OP posts:
NotTheFordType · 11/11/2018 16:52

I was going to say "Well this all sounds like a load of teenage drama, fuck those bitches" and then I got to your last two paragraphs.

You asked your DH to do something nice on your birthday and he shouted at you? That's really out of order.

How did you meet these "friends"? Have you known them years since school? I have always made my healthiest friendships meeting people through work - both colleagues and networking with other people in my industry.

Do you have any people in your life who maybe don't have "friend" status right now, but could be supportive and sensible if you asked them for help? Sometimes the best support comes from unexpected quarters.

peekyboo · 11/11/2018 17:06

What would you like to do on your birthday? How would you treat yourself if you didn't have to consult or involve other people?

Take yourself off for the day and do your own thing.

Look closely at your relationships, not just the ones in the spotlight. Do you take a lot of rubbish from people? Do you behave well to avoid making waves and end up being ignored or treated badly? Do people appreciate your willingness to accept different situations and personality traits?

Always1 · 11/11/2018 17:10

I met them through work.

I agree about the teenage shit, I’m grown and cannot abide that crap.

I just feel a bit ambivalent about friend A. Should I walk away from her too?

No, I can’t think of anyone else to be friends with. I wish I could.

Thanks for your reply.

OP posts:
Gemini69 · 11/11/2018 17:22

Pull out of Friend B's Wedding by simply saying you are no longer available for the role.. give no explanation or any detail ATALL.. even if asked do not respond.. block and ghost her thereafter..

Tell fickle Friend A to get to Fuck... do not respond to any of her pathetic attempts of wondering what on earth she could have done... block and ghost her ..

Tell your Husband to stop being a prick...

you have to start looking after yourself OP.. stop letting these gimps walk all over you.. you deserve better... you will meet new better people Flowers

Always1 · 11/11/2018 17:25

The thing is I don’t want to be alone. I want to find people who are genuine and treat me well. So many people just seem so selfish and callous.

I know what I would like to do, but I don’t want to do it alone.

I learnt about boundaries and being appreciating myself and being secure and it does seem to weed out the nasty, selfish people. I find it hard to meet new people the older I get.

OP posts:
Always1 · 11/11/2018 17:36

Thanks Gemini, there is no way I will ever be friends with friend B again. I said that on the night. The thing is she dumped me from the wedding anyway, so there is nothing to back out of. That was her way of showing me.

I still work with friend A so it is a bit awkward, but I am glad that I am not the only one who found it sickening that there is no loyalty or appreciation of me whatsoever.

The DH well let’s just say I am used to it. It just hurt more now it seems I have lost my friends.

OP posts:
Snorkers · 11/11/2018 17:45

Dump B as per PP, no explanation needed she sounds like a complete cunt
Keep relationship with A purely professional
Tell your husband to start being nicer to you
I know loneliness hurts but having shit friendships with wankers hurts more
Raise your expectations about how friends behave and be gentle with yourself
Flowers

Always1 · 11/11/2018 18:01

I thought everyone would tell me I was being unreasonable about friend A and I should not expect anything from her.
Do you all think she was wrong too then?

I kind of need to validate it in my head.

OP posts:
Snorkers · 11/11/2018 18:47

The fact that A even wants to be Bs maid of honour after her behaviour should be a massive alarm bell. If my mate behaved like B I'd resign from the job and tell her in no uncertain terms her behaviour was disgudting
Maybe discuss with A how you feel and gauge her reaction before you decide whether to keep the friendship, but if it were me I'd want shut if the whole toxic setup.
Good luck.

Always1 · 11/11/2018 19:08

Alarm bell that she doesn’t give a shit about me?

I would do that too Snorkers, your friends are lucky to have a loyal, moral friend like you.

I gauged friend A that night and she was simpering and fawning over friend B and saying she felt very in the middle at the divide! There’s no way she would stand up for me or not be made of honour even though she tried to resolve it. The funny thing is there was nothing to resolve as we hadn’t even fallen out. Sad that she forgets how B treated her.

Oh well, I’m used to being disappointed by people. Chin up!

OP posts:
Snorkers · 11/11/2018 19:16

No, I meant alarm bells that she would even consider being friends with someone like B. B sounds absolutely awful!
Fwiw I have just a couple of really good friends and not that many more more casual pals., and that's because it's about quality of experience. I've learnt to enjoy my own company and I value my lovely friends all the more because I had to wade through lots of frogs and toads to find my princesses!
Don't accept second best, you are worth more.

Snorkers · 11/11/2018 19:22

As the saying goes, you can judge a person by the company they keep.

Always1 · 11/11/2018 19:32

Quality of experience! I like that and it’s so true, it’s takes a lot to get me out of my own company!

I have been fantasising about what to say to friend A in my head, but I know it won’t do any good and she will think I should not expect any loyalty from her.

I will probably not say anything and gradually distance myself from her. If I say something and then distance myself it may cause unpleasantness and I don’t want that.

I thought like you that I was choosy about my friends!

OP posts:
Snorkers · 11/11/2018 19:42

If you work with her then definitely avoid a showdown.
As you say, just gradually distance yourself.
Go grey rock.
Polite and professional, always with a smile, but don't engage in anything beyond 'necessary' conversation with her.
All best to you ♥

Always1 · 11/11/2018 19:50

Thank you Snorkers Star

OP posts:
Gemini69 · 11/11/2018 20:33

Don't let it appear to be bothering you at work either OP.. and if Friend A tries to ask if everything is okay etc.. be nonchalant and don't give her any gossip fodder to feed back to Freind B about..

Rise above them Flowers

Gemini69 · 11/11/2018 20:33
  • Friend B
SirGawain · 11/11/2018 20:42

I thought the kids were back at school!

Always1 · 11/11/2018 20:48

To be fair to friend A, I don’t think she would do that.
She was saying to me all night that I’m the one who she cares about and they have chosen me not her to come back to the after soirée etc and she feels in the middle.

But as you say I guess she’s fickle as she was moaning about friend b for neglecting her for months and only getting in touch if she heard that we had met up. It doesn’t seem to matter to her now. I guess she is one of those weak types. Friend b is doing the classic triangulating us and I just want out of it all. It will upset me to lose friend A but I think it may hurt me more to be ostracised and nobody stand up for me.

OP posts:
Always1 · 11/11/2018 20:50

SirG believe me I feel the same, that’s why I’m bowing out.

OP posts:
Gemini69 · 11/11/2018 21:20

Friend AA is spineless and a classic simpering 'none of this is my fault' ... particularly when she was in this exact same position a few months ago.. Hmm

She's running very happily with the In Crowd and being a Dick... she's not worth your kindness energy or understanding... Flowers

I'd go as far as to say.. She's WORSE than Friend B.. at least we know Friend B is a consistent bitch... go figure Grin

Always1 · 11/11/2018 21:49

Yes, your right it’s just selfish. I know friend A will be upset to lose me but she can’t expect me to just carry on.

Friend B knows a massive dark secret about friend A, that she tried to backtrack on because she said she doesn’t trust B anymore, but it’s too late as she knows details. She’s probably scared to rock the boat.

As for me I am going to focus on finding some drama free, normal people who just want to laugh and enjoy life.

OP posts:
Gemini69 · 11/11/2018 21:56

Good for you OP.. I'm happy you're seeing light at the end of this tunnel... Flowers

Always1 · 11/11/2018 22:13

Thanks Gemini Star

OP posts:
Extravagant · 12/11/2018 22:45

Sorry OP, I see you want to walk away from it all and in your shoes I would feel the same (including from DH). It sounds like you don’t have children, so I wonder if it might be worth moving somewhere new and just having a completely fresh start x

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