Just thought I'd ask how others would feel/act in this situation.
I've moved a considerable distance away (abroad) after finishing A levels. It's been almost two decades and I only manage to visit a couple times a year. It's obviously difficult to maintain close friendships when not seeing each other regularly, but modern technology helps to keep in touch.
I have a really close friend A, we grew up together and I really would consider her my best friend. We meet up every time I am back home, message, call, send presents for kids, etc. She still calls me her best friend too.
I'm going back in a few days. Already made plans to go out for a meal and she invited me to hers another day as we both feel we've not seen in each in ages and how nice it would be to spend some quality time together. That's all great, was really looking forward to it.
However, just found from a mutual friend that she's having a birthday do for her husband B whilst I'm ober there and I'm not invited. A,B and I all finished school together, always thought we got on well. I know most of the other people invited as they're from the same friendship group we had at school.
Whilst B and I don't message/call independently, I do feel we still get on really well. Friend A pretty much manages his social life and certainly would be the one inviting people to the party.
She specifically told me she's busy that day as it's B's birthday and wouldn't be able to meet up... naively I assumed it was a family do.
I suppose I just feel a bit...sad? disappointed? I appreciate I haven't got the right to slot right back into the old friendship group every time I'm back home. She knows I've struggled keeping in touch with people, especially with COVID and less opportunity to visit in the last couple of years.
Do I even mention it? I'm literally seeing her the night before and the day after.