I have a long-standing friendship with an ex-boyfriend who I broke up with almost ten years ago (or rather, he broke up with me). We were together for seven years, and also friends for a few years before we became an item. So he's been in my life for about twenty years.
Recently, my friend complained that we didn't have enough contact and said he was sad that we weren't closer. His birthday was coming up, so I suggested we meet up. I planned a few activities, which he said sounded rubbish. Oh well, I thought, let's just meet up and see what he wants to do.
A few days before, I texted my friend to say I wanted to postpone until the following week, as DH was having a mental health crisis and needed my support. He hasn't replied. I think he's sulking, which would be characteristic for him.
I'm really fed up. I'm struggling to cope with a young DD, a shitty marriage and multiple mental and physical health problems of my own. My husband is very emotionally demanding and absorbs a great deal of my energies. I just can't cope with another whinging, sulking man-child in my life.
Shall I bring this friendship to an end? I'm exhausted, but also mindful that I don't want to take a step I'll regret in future years. The connection has been very important to me. Indeed, at one time I felt it was the most important thing in my life: for many years I thought my friend was a soulmate, although I don't think that now of course. Another consideration is: I don't have any other friends, I'm extremely socially isolated as it is, and probably shouldn't withdraw myself further. What do you think?