By chessu - 02/02/2016 13:32 - United Kingdom - Harrow

Today, after years of lonesome birthdays overseas, I am finally able to celebrate the occasion at home. My best friend of 10 years will not be attending because her boyfriend of two months is having his party the same night. FML
I agree, your life sucks 25 836
You deserved it 2 119

chessu tells us more.

chessu 21

I wasn't sure if maybe I was being too harsh or petty, so all your comments make me feel a bit lesser of a lousy friend myself. Anyway some extra details and answers to your questions: I've lived abroad for a few years now, but due to constant moving around, I haven't been able to really form a decent group of friends. One of my last birthdays no one I invited showed up as I happened to be sharing the date with two other people from the same groups, but whom I was not good enough friends with to hold a joint party with, and all my guests split between the two. One of the next ones I only told a select few, who I then considered to be my friends and promised me 'a nice lunch at least', and then bailed. My BFF knew all about this, and knew how big of a deal it was for me to finally maybe be able to have a nice day. Of course, I understand that life goes on and I can't except people to just turn up when I want them to, which is why I tried to plan this a month in advance, the date being in talks for ages now. When the discussion came up, his date was still being decided on. And, yes - it is his birthday party as well, not just a party. However, he is celebrating his over two days, and could pick a different weekend as well (which was in cards, apparently), but chose not to. I, however, am restricted to that one day due to only having a couple of holiday days. And no, I don't think 'just two months' means that the relationship isn't serious, but I do feel that under the circumstances I should have priority. She made it clear it wasn't a difficult decision, which is, perhaps, what upsets me the most. Yes, we are all adults. No, the date wasn't sprung on her out of nowhere and no plans were set in stone. I only get to see her a couple of days a year (we talk more often, of course!) and they get to see each other if not daily then at least weekly. I don't take her to be a person who normally just bails or forgets her friends, I just think she's new to this whole situation and I don't think this necessarily needs to mean the end of our friendship, but I can't help but feel really hurt by this whole situation. I just never saw this ever being an option with her.

Top comments

You have every right to be upset, OP. It's nothing against you, it's just shitty people and shitty circumstances. I know how it feels to spend birthdays alone and it really sucks, but there are always better things to come. Hope you have a wonderful birthday because I'm definitely wishing you one!!

Comments

If she's worth it and your friendship is strong maybe try having a conversation with her about how you feel.

isnobodyhere 32

Unfortunately we always find out who our true friends are...

Bad friend is bad. Ditch her, dont let her make you sad like that, OP

Coffee5555 14

best friend for ten years?.. seriously???

Just because their relationship is only two months does not make it worthless. A romantic relationship is different from a friendship. It seems like you expect the friend to ditch her boyfriend for your thing just because your relationship was longer. I, personally, would try to celebrate the two things maybe on separate days, but it doesn't necessarily mean she is no longer your friend

it's not like her birthday was just suddenly on that day. OPs friend had plenty of time to make arrangements in advance.

I had a friend like this. It hurts like hell, but you don't need anybody like that. I've walked miles for her in my past. Would have done anything. But I know now that real friends should always be there for you. I know your pain, I'm sorry OP. x

I feel like you guys could have coordinated this better. Whoever planned their party first, the other should have planned for another night, so your best friend could attend both. Why was she ever expected to make that difficult choice?

Maybe I'm crazy for thinking it's not that difficult of a choice. OP is living in a different country. Her time is limited. And according to a comment OP posted, it sounded like moving the boyfriend's party wasn't even going to be considered. Her friend said her boyfriend was considering the same dates so she wouldn't be attending OP's. Sounded like the end of the discussion to me.