WIBTA if I pretended I was too busy to meet a “friend” because I know she’s got “big news”?

In a cozy small-town café, the buzz of coffee machines hums beneath the weight of unspoken feelings. A woman in her late 20s, let’s call her Mia, stares at her phone, her thumb hovering over a message from a friend who’s more ghost than confidante. Once a vibrant partner-in-crime for late-night adventures, this friend now only resurfaces to flaunt life’s milestones, leaving Mia feeling like a forgotten footnote. The latest text? An invite to spill “big news,” likely a pregnancy or engagement, stirring a cocktail of resentment and loneliness in Mia’s heart.

Mia’s no stranger to heartbreak, having ended a cherished relationship over differing life goals. Her friend’s absence during these tough years stings, especially when the only outreach feels like a bid for attention or gifts. Readers can’t help but wonder: is Mia wrong to sidestep this reunion, or is she justified in guarding her heart? This tale of fading friendships and unspoken boundaries promises a relatable dive into loyalty and self-respect.

‘WIBTA if I pretended I was too busy to meet a “friend” because I know she’s got “big news”?’

Mia’s story of a friend who only calls to share life’s highlight reel is a classic case of one-sided relationships. Friendships thrive on mutual effort, but when one side ghosts, it’s like watering a plant that’s already wilted. Mia’s reluctance to engage feels less like pettiness and more like self-preservation, especially after her friend’s two-year vanishing act. The opposing views here—Mia’s hurt versus her friend’s apparent obliviousness—stem from mismatched expectations. Mia craves connection; her friend seems to want an audience.

This dynamic isn’t uncommon. A 2021 study from the American Psychological Association found that 68% of adults reported feeling disconnected from friends post-major life changes like marriage or parenthood. Mia’s friend may be caught in her own bubble, but that doesn’t excuse neglecting Mia’s tough years. Dr. Irene Levine, a psychologist and friendship expert, notes in a Psychology Today article, “Friendships require reciprocity. When one person consistently takes without giving, the relationship becomes unsustainable.”

Levine’s insight applies directly to Mia’s situation: her friend’s sporadic check-ins feel performative, not supportive. Mia’s decision to set boundaries by declining the baby shower invite aligns with protecting her emotional energy. For others facing similar issues, experts suggest clear communication—like Mia’s honest message about feeling distant—or redirecting energy to reciprocal friendships. Joining local groups or online communities can also rebuild connection, ensuring no one feels like a prop in someone else’s story.

Check out how the community responded:

The Reddit crew didn’t hold back, serving up a spicy mix of support and shade for Mia’s dilemma. It’s like a virtual potluck where everyone brought their unfiltered takes—some with a side of sass. Here’s what the community had to say:

These Redditors rallied behind Mia, cheering her for setting boundaries or calling out her friend’s flaky vibes. Some saw the baby shower invite as a gift-grab scheme, while others urged Mia to let the friendship fade quietly. But do these fiery opinions capture the full picture, or are they just stoking the drama?

Mia’s choice to step back from a one-sided friendship speaks to the power of prioritizing self-respect over obligation. In a world where social media often amplifies others’ highlight reels, it’s easy to feel left behind when friends move on to new chapters. Mia’s story reminds us that friendships should lift us up, not leave us as spectators. Her decision to let this connection fade, without burning bridges, shows strength in a small-town setting where paths often cross. What would you do if a friend only reached out to flaunt their wins? Share your thoughts and experiences below!