📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

What would you do in this situation?

Options
Good morning, About 2 years ago I fell out with a friend who was basically very unsupportive over various things. We stopped talking and we have moved on with our lives and are doing different things etc. I dont want to be involved with them again as far as I'm concerned thats that.
Anyway yesterday this woman stopped me in the street and informed me that her Mum was seriously ill in hospital etc and was going to die etc. I said I was sorry to hear that etc and had a discussion about it how they were etc and a breif catch up. How I left it was for the woman to let me know if her Mum dies.
What I'm thinking is that if she does pass away then I'll send a card and have a brief chat saying how sorry I am etc. But I dont want any type of rekindling of the friendship.I dont feel that I can be supportive or offer anything further than this.
I'm not saying that they will want anything either. But do people think thats the best thind to do in this situation, send a card and say how sorry you are?
«13

Comments

  • kev25v6
    kev25v6 Posts: 242 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts
    Had the same situation as you before, stick with the card and saying sorry then just forget about her. Some people just are not worth being friends with and just because someone is ill doesn't mean you have to be friends again.
  • JoW123
    JoW123 Posts: 303 Forumite
    Yes, I would send a card and leave it at that. It's an acknowledgement that she has lost someone dear and will be grieving, but nothing more. If she does attempt to try and rekindle things then you may need to be polite but firm in staying away, but you'll probably find you won't hear from her again.
    'And our dreams will break the boundaries of our fears'
  • jetplane
    jetplane Posts: 1,615 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    This happened to me I fell out with someone who rebuked all offers of clearing the air, she betrayed me and although admitted to others that she had been harsh and unfair we never spoke again. I saw her after her mother died and I did not mention it. I wouldn't have wanted to rekindle anything but I do wish that I had found the grace to tell her I was sorry to hear of her loss.
    The most potent weapon of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed. Steve Biko
  • BigAunty
    BigAunty Posts: 8,310 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    I don't think she would expect any kind of contact from you and therefore won't notice if you don't make the gesture.
  • Peter333
    Peter333 Posts: 2,035 Forumite
    Pretty much agree with most of the responses. No point really, in anything other than a card, if that...
    You didn't, did you? :rotfl::rotfl:
  • marisco_2
    marisco_2 Posts: 4,261 Forumite
    Treat others as you would wish to be treated. Sending a card of condolence would be appropriate and thoughtful and shows respect. It doesn't have to lead to anything further.
    The best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own, no apologies or excuses. No one to lean on, rely on or blame. The gift is yours - it is an amazing journey - and you alone are responsible for the quality of it. This is the day your life really begins.
  • dandelionclock30
    dandelionclock30 Posts: 3,235 Forumite
    edited 6 August 2014 at 8:33AM
    The friend came round uninvited to my house on Monday dropped off a gift of some plants on the step and then left the property.They didnt ring the bell or anything. I didnt ring them and just left it.
    Anyway yesterday my partner saw her as he was coming out of the bank and he said thanks and just enquired after her Mum who is alive but obviously very ill. My partner said all the right things like it must be very worrying for you and let us know if they do pass away etc.
    Thats our plan still to send a card and a donation if they specify somewhere.
  • marisco_2
    marisco_2 Posts: 4,261 Forumite
    I think yourself and your partner are handling this delicate situation with care and compassion. Your friend has clearly noticed and appreciates this. I think you can rest assured that you are making a positive difference to her at a very difficult time in her life. Good on you :)
    The best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own, no apologies or excuses. No one to lean on, rely on or blame. The gift is yours - it is an amazing journey - and you alone are responsible for the quality of it. This is the day your life really begins.
  • meritaten
    meritaten Posts: 24,158 Forumite
    your friends leaving a plant may have been a 'peace offering'. they may feel you would be a supportive friend right now. But, you are not interested in reviving the friendship so, yes, just a card would be appropriate. (don't forget to thank for the plant).
  • dandelionclock30
    dandelionclock30 Posts: 3,235 Forumite
    edited 25 October 2014 at 1:12PM
    Ex friends Mum did pass away and I gave the family some flowers and a card, as my family have known her for 20 years etc. I think that was the right thing to do really.
    Myself and my family didnt attend the funeral. Anyway the ex friend is now ringing up and coming round, not all the time but now and again. Asking for me to help them with various things etc. I have helped her when asked.
    However I dont want to rekindle any type of friendship with her. Its really hard because when someone is on the step you cant just refuse to let them in can you.
    I also dont feel I can say I dont want to know you, but I'm sorry you lost your Mum.
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 351.2K Banking & Borrowing
  • 253.2K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 453.7K Spending & Discounts
  • 244.2K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 599.2K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 177K Life & Family
  • 257.6K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.6K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.