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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

Friend or not?

19 replies

Beadyeyes80 · 27/02/2023 16:48

I met a woman through work around 5 years ago. We connected well as friends at the time. Since then we have both found new jobs. We still kept in touch. There were a few other woman part of this friendship group who are now all working together with this woman.

Previously, when we worked together we would meet up most weekends for drinks and something to eat at each others houses. We were all single at the time aside from this woman who was in an unhappy marriage so it suited us all at the time to fill our weekends and spare time with each other.

In the last 2.5 years I met someone and we struck up a relationship. We had both been through various battles in previous relationships including being cheated on and just generally taken for granted. We took time to get to know each other and moved in together last year. We are now expecting our first child and we and family are delighted for us.

Now is where I am seeking some advice; throughout my friendship with this woman she has always been rather opinionated about events in my life. Such as when i first started dating my partner and showed her a picture of him she said he has eyebrows like a clown. Then she didn't like my choice of partner because he is a police officer and she said all police officers 'were weirdos". Then it was she commented on our new house saying she wouldn't buy a mid terrace. These are only small examples but I can't help but feel her behaviour has changed since I met my current partner who by the way is a lovely man and kind and respectful and by no means a "weirdo". I would never tell my partner about her comments as they are unfounded and hurtful. She had a 40th birthday party and I didn't go as my dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer and wasn't keeping well. Her response was "I was looking forward to seeing you". She was meant to come over to see our house last week (as I'm typing this I can understand if people would think why am I still pursuing a friendship with this woman who is so clearly not a nice person) and on the day I didn't hear from her. When I text to see how she was and inadvertently query as to if she was able to make it she said she was in her bed loaded with the cold. It would have been nice of her to let me know but I let it go. The more ive thought about it the more I query whether this friendship brings anything positive to my life and is it worth it. May I add I had quite a tough time when I was single with my mental health and she was great and so supportive but can't help but feel now I am well and happy she isn't happy for me. I posted my pregnancy news in a group chat for the former girls I worked with including her and they were generic "that's nice" responses.

I guess I know what I should do but looking for the best way to terminate a friendship without causing major upset.

TIA 😊

OP posts:
Vegrocks · 27/02/2023 16:57

Different jobs
Different social circles
You are in a relationship and pregnant

Just drift away and Dont message

no need for big drama

Beadyeyes80 · 27/02/2023 17:02

Thank you 😊

OP posts:
Monty27 · 27/02/2023 17:07

Switch on fade.

Beadyeyes80 · 27/02/2023 17:11

Thank you. I take it this means just let it fade out?

OP posts:
Emmamoo89 · 27/02/2023 17:13

Don't bother with her anymore x

Opentooffers · 27/02/2023 17:20

She didn't come when invited, so if you don't invite her I think it will fade easily by itself. Did you send a card & gift for her 40th and tell here you weren't able to come beforehand? If you didn't, that would explain it.

Beadyeyes80 · 27/02/2023 17:24

I bought the card and gift way in advance and when I couldn't go I asked if she'd like me to take her for lunch and give her her card and gift but she didn't reply to that. X

OP posts:
strawberry2017 · 27/02/2023 17:26

If a friendship is hard work and not bringing positivity to your life then just don't waste your time anymore.

Beadyeyes80 · 27/02/2023 17:27

I think I knew this but needed clarity on it. Thank you ☺️ x

OP posts:
jenny38 · 27/02/2023 20:48

Maybe you just need to spend some time together to judge how the land lies. She may be tactless rather than meaning to be hurtful

bloodyeffinnora · 27/02/2023 21:35

she sounds like she's jealous of you. Otherwise why would she make spiteful comments to try and belittle your boyfriend any good news that you have. she sounds quite a spiteful person. I would definitely slow fade her.

BackAgainstWall · 27/02/2023 22:31

She’s got quite a nasty and jealous side.

Ditch her.

The sky won’t fall in.

quinceh · 27/02/2023 22:37

She sounds competitive and is maybe jealous of your relationship. To me this are annoying but human traits, but if you feel she brings nothing positive at all to your life, pull back a bit. I’m not sure you need to ‘terminate’ friendship with her though.

Pseudonamed · 28/02/2023 04:53

Some people will never be happy for people who have gained happiness. I was single for over a decade, parenting alone, stressed etc. I finally found the man of my dreams and lost friends because of it. Some people do not like it when you are 'as happy' as them they always need to think they have a needy friend. I say cut her off and enjoy your life. You do not need that negativity.

pinkfondu · 28/02/2023 05:43

There is nothing wrong with letting this die out. Sounds like if you don't make the effort it will so that's your answer. I've recently decided to stop being the one to text first with a couple of friends and if that's it then so be it.

Enjoy your new family

Fraaahnces · 28/02/2023 06:49

You sound like you are lovely and deserve much nicer people in your life.

ImJustMadAboutSaffron · 28/02/2023 06:54

Just allow it to fizzle, she's not a real friend.

ImJustMadAboutSaffron · 28/02/2023 06:55

Beadyeyes80 · 27/02/2023 17:24

I bought the card and gift way in advance and when I couldn't go I asked if she'd like me to take her for lunch and give her her card and gift but she didn't reply to that. X

Did she receive it eventually though?

ganvough · 28/02/2023 07:11

I wouldn't be friends with anyone who made unkind and catty comments about another person they didn't even know - like your bf. It's just spiteful.

Stop making plans with her or contacting her - it will fizzle out. She was nice and lovely because she felt superior to you when you were both single. Some people only feel good in comparison to others. It was never an equal friendship, and you don't need her toxicity in your life.

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