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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

Upset by friend - forgive or not?

124 replies

ThatchersCold · 27/02/2021 15:51

I’m not a confrontational person so don’t know how to deal with this.

A couple of weeks ago it was my 40th. Obviously it’s impossible to do much celebrating at the moment, but my long term best friend said she would throw me a mini ‘party’ at hers. She’s my support bubble (both single parents). Let’s call her friend A.

She said she would also invite friend B (before the covid police start yes I know this was against the rules but it was my 40th and depressing enough, it’s not like we had 30 people over). I’ve only really become good friends with friend B since last summer, which mostly came about because we started seeing 2 blokes who were brothers and working temporarily in this area. Friend A was never very happy about me being friends with friend B, which she admits is daft and she’s been trying to be more understanding and inclusive. So there was always the potential for that to cause problems.

Long story short, the blokes that me and friend B left the area, I carried on seeing the one I met, whereas his brother ended it with her. She really liked him, and has since then found it difficult to accept that I’m still with my bf and she’s not.

However she has been seeing this other guy for a few months, who I haven’t met in person but to be honest from what she’s told me he sounds like a controlling knob. She doesn’t even like him that much and still obsesses over my bf’s brother.

That’s the backstory. So it gets to the night of my 40th, Friend B was already hammered when I got to friend A’s house. She talked a lot about how she was ‘going through a breakup’ - basically this twat that she’s seeing hadn’t texted her for three days. So probably not an actual breakup, he just does this sometimes to punish her (like I say, he’s a knob).

Friend B kept putting her feet on my lap while we were sat on the sofa, I kept asking her not to but she kept doing it and laughing which pissed me off. I don’t like feet and really didn’t want her bare feet on my lap, which I think is fair enough.

Earlier that day I’d received some flowers, with no name on the card. My bf is working abroad at the moment, and I really hoped they were from him, and had messaged him to ask but hadn’t heard back. Friend B kept saying things like ‘oh they could be from anyone’ and ‘be nice if they were from him but I don’t think it’s his style’ - like she wanted them to not be from him. Anyway he finally messaged back and confirmed they were from him, which I think is what pushed friend B over the edge. She really can’t handle that I’m still with him, it’s bonkers.

So then she just started being a right PITA, firstly picking arguments with friend A, saying she don’t know why she was invited as clearly neither of us wanted her there Confused. Then she started going on about how she was going through a breakup again. I tried to be kind and supportive over that but she just really turned on me, stood up and was shouting in my face about how I don’t understand what she’s going through, how it’s fine for me because ‘my life’s perfect’, I’m still with my bf and he sent me flowers etc (the real crux of the matter I think).

For the record, my life is really not perfect. I have ME and PTSD from a really bad time of domestic abuse, and I am a single parent of 2 disabled children. I have a lovely bf but I hardly ever get to see him as he’s rarely in the same country as me. Literally no one has ever described my life as perfect before!

This culminated in friend B storming around getting her things together and saying she was going. I pleaded with her not to, and said please stay, it’s my 40th, but she was determined to flounce off, and went.

Didn’t hear from her for a few days until she messaged suggesting we went for a run. I replied saying I wasn’t well. Since then I’ve had I think 3 messages from her asking how things are, with lots of kisses. Well how I am is pretty pissed off that she behaved like that on my birthday, it put a real downer on what was already a pretty shit 40th.

I like my life to be calm and chilled and I’m selective about who I spend my time with, I hate drama and I haven’t experienced anything like this since secondary school! So I’m torn between just writing her off as a friend, and forgiving her. I realise that what she did comes from a place of drunkenness and jealousy, so maybe the right thing to do is to let it go. It would have been nice to get some kind of acknowledgment or apology from her but that’s obviously not happening. She is generally a kind and nice person so this was out of character for her.

WWYD?

OP posts:
AIMD · 27/02/2021 23:53

If someone I had known for 10 years had acted liked that then I’d give them the eve for of their doubt and try to live past it.

Someone I had only known less than a year though....no way. I’d just stop contact with them.

It’s one thing to get pissed and be a bit rude, but doing petty things like putting your feet all over someone and making a big deal out of flowers. Sounds like someone who will repeatedly treat you like shit if you let her.

ThatchersCold · 28/02/2021 00:25

Ok this is the message I sent:

I’m ok. To be honest I’m quite upset about what happened the night of my birthday. I like my life to be calm and chilled and I’m selective about who I spend time with. I don’t like drama and haven’t experienced anything like that since secondary school! Being shouted at on my 40th because my life is ‘perfect’ (?!?!?! - not sure where to start with that) isn’t really the kind of thing I’d expect from a friend.

OP posts:
tiredmum2468 · 28/02/2021 00:34

Ditch the pair of them they sound horrendous and you don't need all the stress!

justilou1 · 28/02/2021 00:39

Can you really blame the alcohol? Was she already drunk when you arrived? Stating that she didn’t want to be there and she “wasn’t feeling it, tbh.” is pretty hostile.... I would say that she was stating her agenda then and there. I don’t think that your text message was firm enough. Her behaviour is very much that of someone who intends to take everyone down on the sinking ship with them. I would avoid from now on, as I don’t believe that she is capable of being genuinely supportive.

Sakurami · 28/02/2021 01:04

She sounds like a stupid brat. It was your birthday and she should have made the effort. You still seeing your bf has no effect on her relationship. And any friend worth their salt would be happy that you're in a good relationship.

Even when I've been heartbroken or in bad relationships, I have always been glad to see my friends happy.

ThatchersCold · 28/02/2021 01:10

She’d already been there a while when I got there so yeah she was pretty pissed but I’ve seen her worse - she can put the booze away - and she doesn’t usually behave like that. But it wasn’t just the booze, it’s a long story and her stuff which I won’t go into, but in her eyes happiness = having a man in your life. She arrived in a funk because the twat she’s seeing hadn’t texted her, and literally couldn’t focus on anything else. She’d rather be with someone that she isn’t into and treats her badly than be on her own because she doesn’t know how to be on her own. Which is why she said my life is perfect - it’s because I have a nice boyfriend. To her nothing else matters. Of course he is a factor in my life but if he ended things tomorrow I’d be sad, but I know I’d be absolutely fine on my own. She doesn’t think like that. So she was already completely preoccupied with not having had contact from her bloke, and then I found out who the flowers were from and that was too much for her to take.

OP posts:
Sakurami · 28/02/2021 01:14

Yeah but it doesn't change the fact that you having a boyfriend and being happy with one, doesn't take anything away from her. Who the hell wants a friend who isn't happy for you when you're in a good relationship??

ThatchersCold · 28/02/2021 01:18

@Sakurami yes you’re right, and I know I would be like that. Not too long after we met the brothers, and they left the area, we went to visit them. Normally my bf was by far the nicer one, but that weekend the tables turned and she and his brother had the most amazing time whereas mine said a couple of things which made me question wtf was going on. For the next few days she was on cloud nine but I thought it could well be over between me and my bf. And despite me being upset and sad, I was genuinely so happy for her and told her that repeatedly. As it turned out it was just a bit of a breakdown in communication between me and my bf and things were fine, but it does prove that if the tables were turned I’d be fine that she was still seeing him, as would any rational adult human!

She has said many times over the last 5 months or so what a good friend she is for being able to handle the fact that me and my bf are still together, even though it’s really hurtful for her Confused. I’d get it if I was actually shagging his brother or something, but they are two completely different people.

OP posts:
AnotherKrampus · 28/02/2021 01:19

As she hasn't immediately apologised, I'd sack her off. I am a little while off from that milestone birthday but I am past the age where I would tolerate this kind of melodrama and shitty behaviour. Life is too short for crappy friends.

RantyAnty · 28/02/2021 03:08

So much drama middle-age women miffed over boyfriends or no boyfriends.

Friend B was being a twat ruining your birthday whinging about some random.

If you actually like this friend, then keep her around. Encourage her to get some therapy so her entire life doesn't revolve around having a boyfriend or not.

Cokie3 · 28/02/2021 08:09

You really need to tell her as well that she thinks she is a complete woman if she doesn't have a man and that it's dysfunctional thinking, that she can't cope being on her own. This site really makes my teeth itch that people don't simply come out and say the truth. If you can't speak truth to your friend, then there is something wrong there.

AIMD · 28/02/2021 08:27

I don’t even know why your texting her. What are you hoping to achieve? She doesn’t sound like someone who is going to apologise abs adjust her behaviour. I imagine it’ll just bring more drama.

Cokie3 · 28/02/2021 08:50

@AIMD

I don’t even know why your texting her. What are you hoping to achieve? She doesn’t sound like someone who is going to apologise abs adjust her behaviour. I imagine it’ll just bring more drama.
Why are people on this site always advocating AVOIDANCE as a method? Friend B had no problems creating drama at OP's 40th birthday party, and hurting her. The OP has the right to text her friend to say she felt hurt.
ThatchersCold · 28/02/2021 08:58

@Cokie3 I’ve already told her that in numerous discussions about her love life.

@AIMD I’m texting her because every few days she’s messaging asking how I am, so I either have to ignore her or tell her why I’m pissed off. The ignoring thing isn’t really an option as I’ll definitely see her about.

OP posts:
Lozzerbmc · 28/02/2021 09:12

I think your “friend” is not one really. She sounds very selfish and immature. She spolit your 40th drinks, something you will always remember. That is not what friends do! I think if she had apologised immediately afterwards you could move on but she didnt.

If me I’d keep my distance and gradually loose contact and focus on real friends who would be happy and not begrudge a bit of happiness. She is always going to be funny that you are with your bf. You can do without that in your life!

Lozzerbmc · 28/02/2021 09:13

I”d tell her why I was unhappy and that you need some space

SionnachGlic · 28/02/2021 09:21

I see you were on nodding terms for years but only friends since last summer. That's not that long & all in the middle of the virus so likely ye have not spent all that much social time together, or not as much as you may have done in more usual circumstances? Maybe this is more who she is than you know..immature, petulant, needy (ex bf), attention seeking, drinky, whiny & annoying.

And you only know her a few months so not like she is a childhood pal for decades & you are blood sisters etc. Step a bit back from this one if you don't like her carry-on.... or address it, tell her she was painful company on your B'day & you didn't appreciate the 'gathering' being ruined by her. Your bf being her ex's brother might be an inconvenient reminder of her ex but if she can't be glad for you, and you've said still hanging with you is a way to keep tabs on ex, well...?

Also, I wouldn't paeticularly care that much if friends did all love each other. I've different friends from diff areas of my life childhood, school, college, work, spoets, DH's circle, DC's friends' parents.... they don't all love each other...I know for sure the more conservative ones & ultra liberals clash but they hardly see each other & I don't drop people because others don't approve or like. You can put more time & effort into your friend if she really genuinely is that...but I'd at the very least be calling her on her behaviour for ruining my eve & maybe taking a look at the timeline, quality & her motivation behind your friendship

CallMeCleo · 28/02/2021 09:23

When you say you are not a confrontational person, I think what you are really saying is that you are a person who has no boundaries, and a person who thinks they always have to be nice, no matter what.

You need boundaries. For all of your life. And you need to do what is right for YOU, not what you think is "nice".

If you stay friends with B, you are inviting and allowing a whole load of drama and upsets into your world. With ME and disabled children you have enough on your plate already! You cannot spare the time, the emotional and physical energy that B will suck out of you.

Believe me, these incidents are NEVER a one-off.

She has already made it abundantly clear to you that she resents you for every tiny bit of positivity or happiness you have in your life. She will carry this forward. And she just HAD to ruin your birthday, because that is exactly what these sort of drama queen types do. I'd be more astonished to hear that she hadn't.

Drop her now. Like a hot brick. That's my advice, take it or leave it.

earlyforties · 28/02/2021 09:27

[quote ThatchersCold]@earlyforties sorry didn’t see your second question earlier. I didn’t lie about not being able to go for a run, I really wasn’t feeling well. I have ME and after being in remission for ages have been feeling really crap the last couple of weeks.[/quote]

Sorry I thought you meant you pretended not to feel well to not go for the run & avoid her.

I don't know why previous posters are calling you all immature & you should ditch both of them? There's only one person in the wrong here. She showed you who she really is. Believe her!

earlyforties · 28/02/2021 09:29

Let us know if she replies to your message. What does Friend A think about all of this, have you spoken to her about it?

Silenceisgolden20 · 28/02/2021 09:55

Oh god why are you even bothering?
She's not a friend. She hasn't even apologised.
Text her and say you're upset by all means. Then fade her out. She sounds awful.
Dont enable or put up with that behaviour.

Fleapit · 28/02/2021 10:02

@SionnachGlic

I see you were on nodding terms for years but only friends since last summer. That's not that long & all in the middle of the virus so likely ye have not spent all that much social time together, or not as much as you may have done in more usual circumstances? Maybe this is more who she is than you know..immature, petulant, needy (ex bf), attention seeking, drinky, whiny & annoying.

And you only know her a few months so not like she is a childhood pal for decades & you are blood sisters etc. Step a bit back from this one if you don't like her carry-on.... or address it, tell her she was painful company on your B'day & you didn't appreciate the 'gathering' being ruined by her. Your bf being her ex's brother might be an inconvenient reminder of her ex but if she can't be glad for you, and you've said still hanging with you is a way to keep tabs on ex, well...?

Also, I wouldn't paeticularly care that much if friends did all love each other. I've different friends from diff areas of my life childhood, school, college, work, spoets, DH's circle, DC's friends' parents.... they don't all love each other...I know for sure the more conservative ones & ultra liberals clash but they hardly see each other & I don't drop people because others don't approve or like. You can put more time & effort into your friend if she really genuinely is that...but I'd at the very least be calling her on her behaviour for ruining my eve & maybe taking a look at the timeline, quality & her motivation behind your friendship

I think this is fair.
eatsleepread · 28/02/2021 10:05

She sounds like a twat. YANBU.

GentlemanJay · 28/02/2021 10:56

Your friends sound like a right laugh!

Kelly345 · 28/02/2021 11:00

She makes it sound like some sort of privilege having her as a friend but it isn't really any of her business if you are still with your bf and she isn't. This one has the makings of being toxic. Drop her.