I have a friend, let's call her Jennifer, who I have known for about 7 years. We met at our children's playgroup. Jennifer left the playgroup after a couple of sessions as her child wasn't settling there.
Although we chat regularly by text, we have only met up twice in 4 years, both times for a coffee and catch-up.
The thing is, Jennifer frequently texts me suggesting a meet up and then cancels the day before, giving various reasons. She does this every couple of months and every time, cancels. This has been going on for 4.5 years. I have come to expect the meet up not to happen but go along with it as I don't have the heart to respond any other way. I stopped suggesting meeting long ago.
I don't know why she does this. Maybe an anxiety?! She wants to meet, likes the idea of it, but for some reason, can't go through with it. Maybe she does this with other friends!? I myself have often been happy and willing to go on a night out with friends in the past but when it's come to it, not fancied going. I still go out, but if did pull out, I wouldn't keep arranging these things just to let friends down.
Jennifer has text me today saying hi, after cancelling a few days ago. I haven't replied yet, I'm struggling to. I feel quite wound up by the situation but don't want to be hurtful by blanking her or by highlighting the blatant pattern of canceling. She arranges these things, not me.
How would you handle this? Would you carry on the farcical of agreeing a meet up but knowing it's not going to happen, or actually say anything about the cancelling?
I am at work on a late lunch so I won't be able to check replies for a few hours. Thank you in advance.