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Is this being unkind or selfish

(104 Posts)
AlgeswifeVal Tue 04-Jul-17 21:50:09

Four of us are going on a short break next week. On Monday we are getting the train returning on Friday. Tonight we had a meeting to discuss arrangements. I was greeted by one of the women saying, ' my husband can take three of us to the station but not you, (me) there isn't room in the car for four, you will have to get the bus'. Her husband has a new Range Rover, that seats three in the back. My husband is disabled and cannot drive anymore. I felt a bit uncomfortable and slightly upset. Please tell me, should I be feeling hurt and also feel she is being selfish. Or should I just except that not everyone is very thoughtful. Or am I being childish.

Nannarose Thu 06-Jul-17 16:23:41

I don't want to sound as if I am defending these people, but OP does have to spend time with them, so she needs to look on the bright side!
I suspect the 'leader' of just organising things as she saw 'sensible' without thinking too much about feelings: "we all live near each other, easy for us to get in the car, and OP take the bus".
I suspect the others are either used to being bossed by her, and took it for granted; or possibly they thought that raising it as an issue would draw attention, especially as the chauffeur wasn't the husband of either. Depending on the geography, it may seem unnecessarily clunky to suggest bus / taxi for all.

My own advice to OP is to let it go so you can enjoy the trip. If it happens again, ditch them as unhelpful friends !

W11girl Thu 06-Jul-17 16:12:49

This sounds terribly mean. I would have been as hurt as you. Didn't the other two speak up? Do you get on with her in general? It would have been simple for you all to share a taxi fare rather than split the party up before you even get where you're going. It doesn't bode well for the trip. I hope she doesn't continue to exclude you! Let us know how the trip went.

WilmaKnickersfit Thu 06-Jul-17 16:02:50

I agree that none of the others come out well in this. She might have told you, but they let it happen. I'd be hurt and wary.

FarNorth Thu 06-Jul-17 15:29:45

Ask her to collect your luggage, so you don't have to take it on the bus.

Kim19 Thu 06-Jul-17 14:56:42

AlgeswifeVal, unlike many others here I'm glad you gave the 'horror' a lift home. It shows you are gracious and don't bear grudges. However...... I would recommend you use your savvy and start giving her a wide berth if her awfulness even remotely manifests itself again.

Kitspurr Thu 06-Jul-17 14:52:37

I think all of the group are being a bit mean to be honest with you. If there were a group of people going out and one couldn't fit in, I would offer to miss the lift and join the one who is left out so she wouldn't feel alone. I can't believe that the others have sat back and let this happen!

I'm with you icanhandthemback.

DotMH1901 Thu 06-Jul-17 14:30:51

Did neither of the other two ladies speak up? Not a nice thing to happen but if you still want to go away then best book a taxi to the station for yourself. And don't be too available in future for running people home etc - hope you have a lovely timex

DanniRae Thu 06-Jul-17 13:46:12

I am a great believer in "What goes around comes around!" - bide your time and one day..................she can get the bl**dy bus!! grin

Norah Thu 06-Jul-17 13:40:57

Her Range Rover is big enough for 4 passengers and their cases. She is not at all kind. I would not room with her on the holiday. I would seriously consider being done with her once home.

Flowerofthewest Thu 06-Jul-17 13:21:55

Me neither. Icanhandthemback..school bully springs to mind and her back up crew

icanhandthemback Thu 06-Jul-17 13:17:36

I think all of the group are being a bit mean to be honest with you. If there were a group of people going out and one couldn't fit in, I would offer to miss the lift and join the one who is left out so she wouldn't feel alone. I can't believe that the others have sat back and let this happen!

Lindyhop2 Thu 06-Jul-17 13:16:44

My reply to your "friend" would have been no I don't need to get the bus thank you I have friends who will drive me. Maybe I am also getting old and cranky but rather than create an atmosphere I would have also told all the assembled company that this made me feel like a spare part so everyone was clear where the problem lay. Additionally when asked for a lift home I would certainly have claimed my car was full of rubbish for the dump and couldn't accomadate this charming lady. Then if people were upset with you you could feel it was for a real reason rather than bullying!!!

Flowerofthewest Thu 06-Jul-17 13:15:00

I personally wouldn't want to share a break away with this mean minded woman. She sounds dreadful.

Luckylegs9 Thu 06-Jul-17 13:09:22

If you are almost next door and you don't need the lift it is understandable that you walk there. If you are all travelling the same distance, have to get a taxi, then of course she is out of order. Why would you want a friend like that? If you are making something out of nothing, you need to ask, why. If people show you what they are like, believe it.

coxie Thu 06-Jul-17 12:53:32

What a bossy bully, sorry this has happened to you.
Agree with the others, also I think it is good to practice the "calm not affected by your spitefulness" face otherwise people seem drawn to keep having a dig.
If she does carry on, sometimes a "look them in the eye, calm voice" approach with something like: "I am really curious, I wonder what makes you think it's ok to speak to me like that?" can do wonders to throw them off balance.
Hope you have a very happy break and can keep your distance.
And remember, people only pretend to like her because they're frightened of her! ? Big hugs xx

quizqueen Thu 06-Jul-17 12:36:33

Why did you give her a lift home from the meeting after what she said? You should have told her to get the bus or let one of the others who are more 'in favour'- the ones getting the holiday lift with her -to take her home. People really need to stand up for themselves more rather than complaining about things online.

Depending on how things go on this holiday I would assess my friendship with this woman. How will travel while on the holiday pan out, I wonder? Will any possible shared taxi rides also be too full for you?

gillybob Thu 06-Jul-17 12:29:29

Haaah yes a good one Sarah asking her if she would kindly take your luggage ( all sweetness and light) just might make her feel a teensy bit guilty . hmm would be awful if she said no though. Then I might seriously wonder if I wanted to spend any time with her at all .

sarahellenwhitney Thu 06-Jul-17 12:22:44

I would feel 'put out' and wonder 'why me?. She appears to be one of those who have to be in control. You will have luggage, although you will only be away for a few days so would be inclined to say 'No worries I can walk to the station but it would be appreciated if you take my luggage'?
I would dearly like to know of her response?wink
Good luck

Lilylilo Thu 06-Jul-17 12:05:22

Get a taxi

Cubagran Thu 06-Jul-17 12:01:20

I think that's awful. I had something similar happen to me recently. Four of us at a coffee morning get-together, the other three discussing plans to have a shopping day out, didn't include me or ask me. Felt quite left out, and didn't like to ask.

TrishaJ Thu 06-Jul-17 11:51:14

You know what love I would tell her to shove it where the sun don,t shine,do you really want to go away with someone like that,and what did you friends have to say I would have caught the bus with you she is just being a Bitch.!

TrishaJ Thu 06-Jul-17 11:48:15

You know what love I would tell her to shove it where the sun don,t shine do you really want to spend time away with someone like that,and what did your friends say if that was me I would have offered to go on the bus with you

lovebeigecardigans1955 Thu 06-Jul-17 11:35:22

She had a very tactless way of putting it. If they really can't get you all in it would have been better to either ask for a volunteer or she could have done the right thing and volunteered herself.
I hope you have a nice holiday despite all.

Kim19 Thu 06-Jul-17 11:27:48

Lyndie....your last two sentences are beautiful and so true. FlorenceFlower.....you have a very generous and practical heart with huge insight. Thank you both.

JackyB Thu 06-Jul-17 11:26:23

On the face of it it is rude and inconsiderate. However, provided she takes your luggage in the car, I would make the most of the bus ride and use it for a couple of quite "me" moments before the weekend spent in each others' pockets, and to take some time to get in the mood for the weekend.

Of course, you can then spend the first 30 minutes of the train journey telling the others how lovely it was to travel by bus and how worry-free and liberating those few minutes to yourself were, not squashed up in a car with a chattering group of sweaty hot bods.