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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

Ex-best friend keeps contacting me, how to deal with it kindly?

35 replies

Lsquiggles · 15/02/2020 14:31

Me and my ex best friend were friends for about 20 years but throughout that time she was very controlling and would use every situation as an excuse to embarrass me in front of our peers and even my partners. Looking back she also bullied me throughout school and turned all my friends against me for no reason. About 3 years ago I decided the friendship was doing me no good so cut all ties, which she was understandably upset about, but I just needed to do it for my own mental health.

However, every couple of months for the past 3 years she'll send me messages saying she saw something that reminded her of me or a post on Facebook we were tagged in together from years ago when we were very close. They're harmless messages but they make me feel guilty and every time I see her name in my messages I feel like that bullied 13 year old all over again.

How would you handle this situation? I've already said to her 2-3 times that I don't want to rekindle our friendship but wish her well, what else can I do? I don't want to block her because I know it'll hurt her feelings and cause animosity when I don't actively dislike her but her constantly reappearing every few months stresses me out.

OP posts:
Friendsofmine · 15/02/2020 15:28

Don't say anything because you have already said it. Anything else will just hurt, as she obviously wants you back in her life. I would just block her sadly. That is best for both of you in this situation I think.

Lsquiggles · 15/02/2020 15:35

Having read all your comments it's very clear there is no other option but to block her, thanks for your advice I'm doing it now

OP posts:
Woollycardi · 15/02/2020 15:41

Sorry, it really hurts, doesn't it? Just be resolved to focus on healthier friendships in the future. You deserve better.

Spied · 15/02/2020 15:45

You are doing the right thing.
She's been manipulating you and undermining your decision to cease contact by sending you these pictures and messages. Bullying you really.
She probably has no friends, well, no friends who she would dare treat the way she treats you.

Cherrysoup · 15/02/2020 16:36

She’s manipulating you. 3 years on and you’re still giving her hope that the friendship can be re-kindled because you HAVEN’T blocked her as you should have done at the start. Block.

AgentJohnson · 15/02/2020 16:46

I’m confused, given your history and your reasons for ending the friendship, why didn’t you just block her?

Isleepinahedgefund · 15/02/2020 20:16

I've been in that situation and if you can't ignore then block.

Dappledsunlight · 15/02/2020 23:36

OP, it's interesting she sent you a photo of a toy...she likes playing with your feelings.
Either ignore or ..be honest and address her character flaws directly with her. Maybe she needs to learn not to be such a nasty person.

PowerGlitter · 01/06/2025 20:45

How did you go with this? I’m in a similar situation and I feel like an awful person.

Lsquiggles · 08/06/2025 12:27

PowerGlitter · 01/06/2025 20:45

How did you go with this? I’m in a similar situation and I feel like an awful person.

Eventually I just stopped replying and she stopped messaging. I have blocked her though now simply for my peace of mind as I know she's a very nostalgic person and I would definitely hear from her again.

I know it's hard but you can only trust your gut amd prioritise your own happiness.

OP posts:
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