since1910.com
 

Diamond Jewelry Forums   Picture Gallery   Video Gallery   Journal

   
 Search Posted Today Most Active Help   
 » Home »  » Pricescope café »  » Hangout »  » Ex-friend reached out to me, don't know if I should respond

Pages: 1 of 3:    [1]  2  3  > 

  

 Ex-friend reached out to me, don't know if I should respond

P:  1/16/2009 11:40:26 AM  
fiery
fiery

Ideal Rock
Total Posts: 4,126
Last Post: 11/23/2009
Member Since: 5/18/2008
 

I know a lot of you don't post/read BWW so a quick run-down on what happened (original thread here):

~I did everything for her for her wedding
~Last week or so I wasn't there as much as she wanted me to be so she yelled/cursed me out at the rehearsal dinner
~We stopped being friends

After the whole rehearsal dinner fiasco, I sent her an email because I needed closure.  She has treated me like complete crap over the years and I've never said anything.  I knew the friendship was coming to an end and I wanted to have my final words.  The email wasn't mean at all but I did tell her that what she did to me was unacceptable.  She sent an email back that was probably 100 times more horrible than cursing me out in front of her guests and we sort of left things like that.  That was right before Christmas.

Today I get an email from her that says:

I need to go see my Dad (he isn’t doing well…) and I am stressed because I cant afford a measly 250 dollar round trip ticket for this trip, not to mention the 250-400 dollar ticket I will have to buy ASAP when he really goes down hill (if you know what I mean).


I don’t do well with death…not that anyone does…and I am not doing well with the idea that my dad will be dead before the year is done… and most likely before my next birthday…


Life pretty much sucks and it’s hard to get out of bed every morning.  I need my friend.

I don't know what to do.  I know she has had a really hard time with her father.  He left them when she was 5, tried to come back in her life around 25 but she wouldn't have it, and then last year (almost 10 years later) she finally decided to give him a chance.  So I know she's hurting.  At the same time, I'm so tired of always being her shoulder.  Nowhere on there does it say 'how are you? how have you been? Can we talk about what happened?" No, just "I need you."  That's so typical of her.  I haven't responded yet because I don't know if I want to start down that emotional mess with her again.


Posted:  1/16/2009 11:40:26 AM

 There are 61 replies to this message.  There are 30 replies on this page.

P: 1/16/2009 11:43:03 AM
AmberGretchen
AmberGretchen

Ideal Rock
Total Posts: 7,046
Last Post: 11/11/2009
Member Since: 1/6/2005
 
Umm...I'd politely express sympathy for her dad's condition but leave it at that. This girl sounds SERIOUSLY mentally unstable, it doesn't sound like she has changed or even apologized since the wedding fiasco, and its not worth your mental health to get involved again.

Posted:  1/16/2009 11:43:03 AM
P: 1/16/2009 11:43:33 AM
thing2of2
thing2of2

Ideal Rock
Total Posts: 7,664
Last Post: 11/23/2009
Member Since: 1/1/2007
 
Don't respond. You're not her friend-you're her whipping girl.

She's said and done horrible things to you and she never even apologized. If this was an e-mail BEGGING for forgiveness and telling you she realized how horrible she had been, I would might have a different answer.

But it's not-it's all about HER. Again.

Edited to change crossed out word.

Posted:  1/16/2009 11:43:33 AM
P: 1/16/2009 11:46:51 AM
blackpolkadot
blackpolkadot

Cut Rock
Total Posts: 411
Last Post: 9/16/2009
Member Since: 6/4/2008
 
Date: 1/16/2009 11:43:33 AM
Author: thing2of2
Don't respond. You're not her friend-you're her whipping girl.


She's said and done horrible things to you and she never even apologized. If this was an e-mail BEGGING for forgiveness and telling you she realized how horrible she had been, I would might have a different answer.


But it's not-it's all about HER. Again.


Edited to change crossed out word.



Ditto.

______________________________
~Life is too short to be unhappy~

...Married my best friend 05-16-09...

Posted:  1/16/2009 11:46:51 AM
P: 1/16/2009 11:50:10 AM
neatfreak
neatfreak

Ideal Rock
Total Posts: 13,456
Last Post: 11/23/2009
Member Since: 2/17/2007
 
Date: 1/16/2009 11:43:33 AM
Author: thing2of2
Don't respond. You're not her friend-you're her whipping girl.


She's said and done horrible things to you and she never even apologized. If this was an e-mail BEGGING for forgiveness and telling you she realized how horrible she had been, I would might have a different answer.


But it's not-it's all about HER. Again.


Edited to change crossed out word.


Agreed. This email is very self-centered and still all about her. Not one word about how you are, apologizing for her behavior, or asking you how your pregnancy is going. She hasn't changed and obviously hasn't learned anything here. She's even expressing her sadness at her father's death in an extremely self-centered way by saying he'll be gone before her next birthday! What is that about?

Posted:  1/16/2009 11:50:10 AM
P: 1/16/2009 11:53:29 AM
disneybride
disneybride

Cut Rock
Total Posts: 139
Last Post: 2/27/2009
Member Since: 5/13/2008
 
Nope nope nope I would NOT let her suck me back in. Death happens, it's tragic but part of life, but it's also tragic that this girl is a fairweather friend who only reaches out in a time of crisis. I'm not even sure I'd respond to the e-mail at all because anything you say back is going to cause her to lash out. The only thing she wants to hear is that you're at her beck-and-call, anything short of that will just cause her to blow up and make you feel like crap. I really, really wouldn't do it.

Posted:  1/16/2009 11:53:29 AM
P: 1/16/2009 11:54:38 AM
Sabine
Sabine

Ideal Rock
Total Posts: 2,883
Last Post: 11/21/2009
Member Since: 8/16/2007
 
Awe, Fiery, don't let her draw you back in. This one-sided friendship has gone on long enough. It sounds to me like she is almost asking for money in that email. I wouldn't respond, but if you feel you have to I would express sympathy but again reiterate that you don't really have an interest in continuing to be her friend. I'm so sorry she's putting you in this spot.

Posted:  1/16/2009 11:54:38 AM
P: 1/16/2009 11:56:54 AM
EricaR
EricaR

Ideal Rock
Total Posts: 2,110
Last Post: 11/23/2009
Member Since: 12/4/2007
 
Date: 1/16/2009 11:54:38 AM
Author: Sabine
Awe, Fiery, don't let her draw you back in. This one-sided friendship has gone on long enough. It sounds to me like she is almost asking for money in that email. I wouldn't respond, but if you feel you have to I would express sympathy but again reiterate that you don't really have an interest in continuing to be her friend. I'm so sorry she's putting you in this spot.

That is EXACTLY how I read it.  It sounds like she is trying to soften you up, lure you back in, and if you responded I'd bet that her next email would be a plea for money.

Posted:  1/16/2009 11:56:54 AM
P: 1/16/2009 11:57:51 AM
geckodani
geckodani

Ideal Rock
Total Posts: 7,177
Last Post: 11/22/2009
Member Since: 6/25/2008
 
I agree. While it sucks that she is having a hard time - she has treated you horribly, is an emotional vampire, and you don't need to go down that road again. ((HUGS))








Run turkey, RUN!
(Little man in the avatar is my nephew.)

Posted:  1/16/2009 11:57:51 AM
P: 1/16/2009 12:02:41 PM
fiery
fiery

Ideal Rock
Total Posts: 4,126
Last Post: 11/23/2009
Member Since: 5/18/2008
 
Thanks for the responses.

I know the whole thing sounds so juvenielle.  Every time I hear from her, talk to her, or think about her I feel like I'm back in high school and she's 9 years older than I am.

I feel for her.  I really do.  I know how it feels like to realize you are losing a parent.  I know its hard and I don't want to be insensitive.

But Dani described her best.  She's an emotional vampire.  And I know that if I do respond, if the email isn't sympathetic or sincere enough, if I don't offer to go see her and be with her, she'll call me out on it. 

I'm just going to sit on it for a little while and see if and how I should respond. 

Posted:  1/16/2009 12:02:41 PM
P: 1/16/2009 12:04:41 PM
Haven
Haven

Ideal Rock
Total Posts: 6,058
Last Post: 11/23/2009
Member Since: 2/16/2007
 
I know it must be hard for you to not respond to that email, Fiery, because you are a sweet and compassionate person. However, I have to agree with the other posters, this girl is trouble.

Offering your sympathy yet keeping your distance in an email seems like the best way to go. Sorry you're (still) dealing with this.

**********************************************************
"I'm sorry I ruined your lives and crammed eleven cookies into the VCR." - Buddy the Elf

"Let your inner Liz Taylor out and rock it." - diamondfan

Posted:  1/16/2009 12:04:41 PM
P: 1/16/2009 12:06:01 PM
disneybride
disneybride

Cut Rock
Total Posts: 139
Last Post: 2/27/2009
Member Since: 5/13/2008
 
LOL Dani, that's a perfect phrase for her.

Posted:  1/16/2009 12:06:01 PM
P: 1/16/2009 12:15:25 PM
cammy85
cammy85

Cut Rock
Total Posts: 400
Last Post: 11/20/2009
Member Since: 2/28/2008
 
After hearing your wise input on my "End of Friendship" post, I figured I'd chime in here.  I agree with the other posters that it almost sounds like she wants you to give her money.  I also think that her emails sound very similar to the friend I was describing in my post that you said to let it go.  She sounds like she is trying to draw you back in, and try to act like nothing happened at her wedding. 

You said youself that

It’s been a month since everything went down and I feel like a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders.  I have some “me” time back.  I used to spend the entire day emailing her about what was going on in her life, talking to her on the phone on the way home, and when I was home she would sometimes come over to continue talking…never once asking ‘how are you, fiery?’ And because I was spending so much time with her I barely had time for any of my other friends.  Now I’m building stronger friendships with them and they are actually interested in me and my life.  It’s kind of nice.



I know you may be hard not to reach out, but I really think she is trying to draw you in again.  You don't need it.  Remind yourself why this "friendship" fizzled in the first place, it was all about her.  It always was.  She never asked how you were, her phone called were always centered around her life and her issues. 

I feel like it's an example of "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me."

You know what her friendship is like.  Do you really want to go back to that?

~*~ Invest in the human soul. Who knows, it might be a diamond in the rough. ~*~

Posted:  1/16/2009 12:15:25 PM
P: 1/16/2009 12:19:41 PM
movie zombie
movie zombie

Ideal Rock
Total Posts: 5,216
Last Post: 11/23/2009
Member Since: 1/20/2005
 
just because a door opens doesn't mean you have to walk through it.

she had unrealistic expectations of you and she's already making comments that i think will lead to asking your for $.

movie zombie

"I don't feel enjoyment watching films that evoke passivity. If you need that kind of comfort, I don't understand why you wouldn't go to a spa." Chan-wook Park

Posted:  1/16/2009 12:19:41 PM
P: 1/16/2009 12:24:51 PM
meresal
meresal

Ideal Rock
Total Posts: 3,592
Last Post: 11/20/2009
Member Since: 11/13/2007
 
Date: 1/16/2009 11:40:26 AM
Author:fieryred33143


I know a lot of you don't post/read BWW so a quick run-down on what happened (original thread here):

~I did everything for her for her wedding
~Last week or so I wasn't there as much as she wanted me to be so she yelled/cursed me out at the rehearsal dinner
~We stopped being friends

After the whole rehearsal dinner fiasco, I sent her an email because I needed closure. She has treated me like complete crap over the years and I've never said anything. I knew the friendship was coming to an end and I wanted to have my final words. The email wasn't mean at all but I did tell her that what she did to me was unacceptable. She sent an email back that was probably 100 times more horrible than cursing me out in front of her guests and we sort of left things like that. That was right before Christmas.

Today I get an email from her that says:

I need to go see my Dad (he isn’t doing well…) and I am stressed because I cant afford a measly 250 dollar round trip ticket for this trip, not to mention the 250-400 dollar ticket I will have to buy ASAP when he really goes down hill (if you know what I mean).




I don’t do well with death…not that anyone does…and I am not doing well with the idea that my dad will be dead before the year is done… and most likely before my next birthday…




Life pretty much sucks and it’s hard to get out of bed every morning. I need my friend.

I don't know what to do. I know she has had a really hard time with her father. He left them when she was 5, tried to come back in her life around 25 but she wouldn't have it, and then last year (almost 10 years later) she finally decided to give him a chance. So I know she's hurting. At the same time, I'm so tired of always being her shoulder. Nowhere on there does it say 'how are you? how have you been? Can we talk about what happened?' No, just 'I need you.' That's so typical of her. I haven't responded yet because I don't know if I want to start down that emotional mess with her again.


Again, she "needs" you. Heck, my biggest issue, and that she didn't even try apoligizing?!? She sends you an email chewing you out, and then the next email is allllll about her. What about everything that you have been doing in the last month? I would write her back and send your condolences to her father, but you finally stood up to her, and got that toxic relationship out of your life. Don't let her burn you again.

___________________________

I AM Mrs B... with Lil' B on the way!!!

Living life to the fullest...

Posted:  1/16/2009 12:24:51 PM
P: 1/16/2009 12:27:00 PM
Burk
Burk

Ideal Rock
Total Posts: 3,256
Last Post: 11/20/2009
Member Since: 5/9/2006
 
I agree with the others. She didn't even apologize for her ridiculous behavior! I would probably respond expressing sympathy and that's it. Sorry you're having to go through this!

Posted:  1/16/2009 12:27:00 PM
P: 1/16/2009 12:31:34 PM
Lorelei
Lorelei

Ideal Rock
Total Posts: 34,228
Last Post: 11/23/2009
Member Since: 4/30/2005
 
Date: 1/16/2009 12:19:41 PM
Author: movie zombie
just because a door opens doesn't mean you have to walk through it.

she had unrealistic expectations of you and she's already making comments that i think will lead to asking your for $.

movie zombie

Ditto.









Nothing is more sacred as the bond between horse and rider...no other creature can ever become so emotionally close to a human as a horse. When a horse dies, the memory lives on because an enormous part of his owner's heart, soul, very existence dies also...but that can never be laid to rest, it is not meant to be...
- Stephanie M Thorn

Posted:  1/16/2009 12:31:34 PM
P: 1/16/2009 12:32:48 PM
TravelingGal
TravelingGal

Ideal Rock
Total Posts: 11,322
Last Post: 11/23/2009
Member Since: 12/29/2004
 
This girl is CRAH-ZEE!  Unless you plan on sending her a one way ticket to the loony bin, don't even bother. 

She "needs" a shrink.

_______________________

Travel quote of the week: "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -Mark Twain

Posted:  1/16/2009 12:32:48 PM
P: 1/16/2009 12:33:01 PM
Namaste
Namaste

Ideal Rock
Total Posts: 853
Last Post: 11/2/2009
Member Since: 8/1/2008
 
I would respond with a link to yellow pages, with a listing of local counselors/therapists or hospice...

Posted:  1/16/2009 12:33:01 PM
P: 1/16/2009 12:34:23 PM
TravelingGal
TravelingGal

Ideal Rock
Total Posts: 11,322
Last Post: 11/23/2009
Member Since: 12/29/2004
 
And by the way, doesn't she have a husband now?  Have HIM kick her a$$ out of bed every f'ing morning!

_______________________

Travel quote of the week: "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -Mark Twain

Posted:  1/16/2009 12:34:23 PM
P: 1/16/2009 12:54:21 PM
fiery
fiery

Ideal Rock
Total Posts: 4,126
Last Post: 11/23/2009
Member Since: 5/18/2008
 

Cammy-thanks for the reminder.  Getting her email, I instantly forgot how good it felt to not have to deal with that anymore.

T-gal, you crack me up.

I sent the email to FI to ask his opinion too and his reponse was:

Noooooo!
Don’t respond to her please!
We’re almost free of her!

LOL

Posted:  1/16/2009 12:54:21 PM
P: 1/16/2009 1:08:03 PM
thing2of2
thing2of2

Ideal Rock
Total Posts: 7,664
Last Post: 11/23/2009
Member Since: 1/1/2007
 
Your fiancé is right! Don't do it. I guarantee that you'll regret it if you do.

Posted:  1/16/2009 1:08:03 PM
P: 1/16/2009 1:27:30 PM
neatfreak
neatfreak

Ideal Rock
Total Posts: 13,456
Last Post: 11/23/2009
Member Since: 2/17/2007
 
Date: 1/16/2009 12:54:21 PM
Author: fieryred33143

Cammy-thanks for the reminder. Getting her email, I instantly forgot how good it felt to not have to deal with that anymore.


T-gal, you crack me up.


I sent the email to FI to ask his opinion too and his reponse was:


Noooooo!

Don’t respond to her please!

We’re almost free of her!


LOL



Hehe. He's a keeper. And SO RIGHT.

Posted:  1/16/2009 1:27:30 PM
P: 1/16/2009 1:30:43 PM
geckodani
geckodani

Ideal Rock
Total Posts: 7,177
Last Post: 11/22/2009
Member Since: 6/25/2008
 
Date: 1/16/2009 1:27:30 PM
Author: neatfreak

Date: 1/16/2009 12:54:21 PM
Author: fieryred33143

Cammy-thanks for the reminder. Getting her email, I instantly forgot how good it felt to not have to deal with that anymore.


T-gal, you crack me up.


I sent the email to FI to ask his opinion too and his reponse was:


Noooooo!

Don’t respond to her please!

We’re almost free of her!


LOL



Hehe. He's a keeper. And SO RIGHT.

Definitely!

And the emotional vampire descroption comes from someone in my own past - and I've got to tell you, I made the tough decision to leave that so-called friendship, and I've never regretted it.

Friendships should be uplifting and supportive, not draining.
I hope it all works out for you!








Run turkey, RUN!
(Little man in the avatar is my nephew.)

Posted:  1/16/2009 1:30:43 PM
P: 1/16/2009 1:38:00 PM
musey
musey

Ideal Rock
Total Posts: 11,163
Last Post: 11/23/2009
Member Since: 9/30/2006
 
I had a similar situation with a toxic friend... she has been persistently trying to revive our friendship for almost a year now. I know it's really hard to not respond, especially right after getting the email.

What I did was write out a reply, click save draft, and force myself to wait to send it for at least 2 days. I went back after two days, re-read her email and my reply, and had ZERO DESIRE to send it. Nada. So I didn't. And after that, I was completely over it.

She kept contacting me right up to the wedding, and I haven't heard must of anything from her since. I think she was trying to score an invitation

Posted:  1/16/2009 1:38:00 PM
P: 1/16/2009 1:42:23 PM
Tacori E-ring
Tacori E-ring

Ideal Rock
Total Posts: 16,091
Last Post: 11/23/2009
Member Since: 8/15/2005
 
She sounds toxic. Seems like you are better off without her in your life.

Posted:  1/16/2009 1:42:23 PM
P: 1/16/2009 1:42:35 PM
DiamanteBlu
DiamanteBlu

Ideal Rock
Total Posts: 2,474
Last Post: 11/6/2009
Member Since: 7/12/2005
 
Oyyyy . . . sigh . . . Don't give her any money.

She needs to get her crap together.

============================
Blu

"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." Ben Franklin, 1759

Posted:  1/16/2009 1:42:35 PM
P: 1/16/2009 1:51:44 PM
geckodani
geckodani

Ideal Rock
Total Posts: 7,177
Last Post: 11/22/2009
Member Since: 6/25/2008
 
Date: 1/16/2009 1:38:00 PM
Author: musey
I had a similar situation with a toxic friend... she has been persistently trying to revive our friendship for almost a year now. I know it's really hard to not respond, especially right after getting the email.

What I did was write out a reply, click save draft, and force myself to wait to send it for at least 2 days. I went back after two days, re-read her email and my reply, and had ZERO DESIRE to send it. Nada. So I didn't. And after that, I was completely over it.

She kept contacting me right up to the wedding, and I haven't heard must of anything from her since. I think she was trying to score an invitation

People never cease to amaze me.








Run turkey, RUN!
(Little man in the avatar is my nephew.)

Posted:  1/16/2009 1:51:44 PM
P: 1/16/2009 1:57:36 PM
fiery
fiery

Ideal Rock
Total Posts: 4,126
Last Post: 11/23/2009
Member Since: 5/18/2008
 
Date: 1/16/2009 1:27:30 PM
Author: neatfreak

Date: 1/16/2009 12:54:21 PM
Author: fieryred33143

Cammy-thanks for the reminder. Getting her email, I instantly forgot how good it felt to not have to deal with that anymore.


T-gal, you crack me up.


I sent the email to FI to ask his opinion too and his reponse was:


Noooooo!

Don’t respond to her please!

We’re almost free of her!


LOL



Hehe. He's a keeper. And SO RIGHT.

Yeah he is
He spent the last 20 minutes talking to me because he knows that its hard for me not to respond to a post like that.

On the money issue, despite how she's been I'd be surprised if she asked me for money.  She's never asked me for money, not even $5.

I've tentatively decided not to respond.  But I may just end up leaving an I'm sorry message and moving on.  Don't know...

Posted:  1/16/2009 1:57:36 PM
P: 1/16/2009 2:45:38 PM
decodelighted
decodelighted

Ideal Rock
Total Posts: 8,625
Last Post: 11/16/2009
Member Since: 7/27/2005
 
Date: 1/16/2009 11:40:26 AM
Author:fieryred33143
I am not doing well with the idea that my dad will be dead before the year is done and most likely before my next birthday

This says it all ... "before my birthday". Still all about HER. Always will be. It may sound wholly heartless but my advice is: Do. Not. Respond. Sorry you're going through this. It may be a while before you can shake her completely, but I assure you you'll be happy you did.

Posted:  1/16/2009 2:45:38 PM
P: 1/16/2009 2:46:43 PM
Addy
Addy

Ideal Rock
Total Posts: 3,915
Last Post: 11/18/2009
Member Since: 10/20/2007
 
I'd be tempted to respond too. But your partner is right, you're almost home free. It must be hard to lose a parent. It must also be hard to attend a rehearsal dinner and wedding after being yelled at and called names in front of a large percentage of the attendees. And told in email exactly how she feels about you right before Christmas.

Posted:  1/16/2009 2:46:43 PM

 Previous Page Pages: 1 of 3:    [1]  2  3  >  Next Page 
« The Joys of Solitude «» Its.... »

Jump to:



Contact Us  |  Back Home  |  Privacy Statement  |  Forum Agreement  |  Forum Policies

Ideal BB Version: 0.1.5.4.beta1 Message forum software powered by  the Ideal BB

IdealBB Badge


Pricescope - Knowledge - Diamond Prices - Tools - Resources - About

© 2000-2009 Pricescope. Terms of Use Privacy Policy Disclaimer
forum archives