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Woman Gets Pushed Out Of Friend Group, Left Speechless When Wedding Invite Arrives
Woman Gets Pushed Out Of Friend Group, Left Speechless When Wedding Invite Arrives
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Woman Gets Pushed Out Of Friend Group, Left Speechless When Wedding Invite Arrives

Interview With Expert

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Breaking up with a friend can be just as painful as ending a relationship with a partner. Sometimes even more so. And the healing process doesn’t happen overnight. When you lose a bunch of besties at the same time, the shock and sadness can be overwhelming.

A woman has shared how she got booted from her girls’ group, thanks to the mean “ring leader.” To make matters worse, the woman’s BFF didn’t stand up for her. But instead, proceeded to exclude her from birthday celebrations and get-togethers to avoid any awkwardness. The woman was completely taken aback when she recently received a wedding invitation from the same ex-friend that previously wanted nothing to do with her. She’s not quite sure what to do and has turned to the internet for advice. Bored Panda reached out to etiquette expert and author Rosalinda Randall for her take on the matter.

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    Receiving an invitation to a wedding is usually something to celebrate

    Wedding announcement card on a table, highlighting a decision to marry.

    Image credits: micheile henderson (not the actual image)

    But when it comes from someone you’re no longer on speaking terms with, things can get weird

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    Wedding invitation dilemma after ex-GF's cousin announcement; unsure of attending.

    Text excerpt discussing relationship drama between a guy, his ex-girlfriend, and her cousin.

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    Image credits: freepik (not the actual image)

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    Text on avoiding drama at parties due to relationship complexities.

    Text screenshot discussing relationship drama involving ex-girlfriend's cousin.

    Text discussing group dynamic and feelings of exclusion after a guy decides to marry ex-girlfriend's cousin.

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    Image credits: garetsvisual (not the actual image)

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    Text reading about maintaining a friendship with closest friend Kat, even though things weren't the same.

    Text excerpt discussing exclusion from a birthday due to group dynamics.

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    Image credits: freepik (not the actual image)

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    Text expressing frustration over unequal treatment in family events.

    Text about a guy blocking someone for not valuing friendship, related to marrying ex-girlfriend's cousin.

    Text on image discussing awkward wedding invite involving ex-girlfriend's cousin.

    Bride walking down the aisle at a wedding, decorated with flowers and lights, guests seated.

    Image credits: Pavel Danilyuk (not the actual image)

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    Text message expressing uncertainty about attending a wedding and seeking advice.

    Text screenshot about a friend being excluded and receiving a wedding invite.

    Image credits: Thr0wwitallaway

    Why the woman should RSVP to the wedding, according to an expert

    Avoiding to RSVP will only make you crazy, says Etiquette Expert Rosalinda Randall when we tell her about the woman’s predicament. She adds that it’s natural for her wonder why she and her boyfriends were invited to Kat’s wedding. “If you can’t accept it as a possible apology or a peace offering, then ask her,” suggested Randall.

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    “Hearsay about you being a bridesmaid is just that,” cautions Randall. “That friend should have kept it to herself for several reasons… She could have misheard. Kat could have been joking or casually tossing out names. Kat could change her mind about asking you. She took away Kat’s moment to make amends with you.”

    Randall tells us that it’s inconsiderate not to RSVP, especially to an event where a body count is required. “As you decide which box to check, think about Kat and her day, not how awkward it’ll be for you,” she said. “Do you want to be there for her?”

    She says if the woman does decide to attend, she should invite Kat for lunch or coffee ahead of the big day. This will help to avoid any possible awkwardness at the wedding. “You can express how surprised and happy you were to receive the invitation,” she added. “Then let her respond. The conversation could lead to releasing resentment and healing wounds.”

    However, Randall says if the get-together doesn’t feel genuine. Or Kat’s responses are dismissive when it comes to what happened between the friends, the woman will instinctively know which box to check on the RSVP. “Send a nice card,” suggests Randall.

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    The Etiquette Expert says it can be weird to send a wedding invite to someone you haven’t spoken to in ages. She believes you should always ask yourself a few questions before doing this… Is this your way of extending a sign of friendship? Is it your way of apologizing or expressing regret for what happened? Is she just another gift-giver? Are you too nervous to make the first move?

    “Prior to sending the invitation, Kat could have found a way to contact her to share the news about the wedding,” Randall told to Bored Panda. “Expressing how sorry she was about what happened between them but would like to have her present at the wedding.”

    People shared their views in the comments, with some going as far as telling her to throw the invite in the trash

    Reddit comments discuss reconnecting with an ex-girlfriend and relationship struggles.

    Reddit comments about blocking an ex-girlfriend amid relationship discussions.

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    Text conversation discussing the complexities of attending a wedding; advice on declining an invitation with sensitivity.

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    Reddit comments discussing discomfort over a wedding invitation, linked to marrying an ex-girlfriend's cousin.

    Online advice on moving forward after relationship struggles.

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    Text exchange about relationship advice and moving forward after awkwardness.

    Reddit comments discussing a man's decision to marry his ex-girlfriend's cousin, fearing implications.

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    Two Reddit comments discussing a wedding invitation and relationship issues with an ex-girlfriend's family.

    Reddit comments discussing relationship issues after a guy decides to marry his ex-GF's cousin.

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    Text exchange discussing a declined RSVP to a wedding, with humor about being the better person and avoiding awkwardness.

    Reddit post discussing a guy's relationship with an ex-girlfriend's cousin and friendship concerns.

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    Text discussing feelings about a wedding invite related to marrying ex-girlfriend's cousin.

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    Text discussing drama about guy marrying his ex-girlfriend's cousin and group dynamics.

    Text exchange discussing relationship dynamics and social exclusion concerns.

    Text exchange about relationships and awkward situations involving an ex-girlfriend and her cousin.

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    Image of online forum comments discussing friend group dynamics and social exclusion experiences.

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    Reddit comment discussing relationship dynamics and toxic friendships.

    Comment discussing suspicion around a wedding invitation from an ex-girlfriend's cousin.

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    Comment discussing a guy marrying his ex-girlfriend’s cousin, suggesting to discard the invitation.

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    Commenting on marrying ex-girlfriend's cousin with a dismissive tone.

    Comment discussing friendship issues and advice related to a guy marrying his ex-girlfriend's cousin.

    Text discusses friend issues involving a bully and an invitation to be a bridesmaid.

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    Poll Question

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    Robyn Smith

    Robyn Smith

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    Read more »

    Robyn is an award-winning journalist who has produced work for several international media outlets. Made in Africa and exported to the world, she is obsessed with travel and the allure of new places. A lover of words and visuals, Robyn is part of the Bored Panda writing team. This Panda has two bamboo tattoos: A map of Africa & the words "Be Like The Bamboo... Bend Never Break."

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    Robyn Smith

    Robyn Smith

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    Robyn is an award-winning journalist who has produced work for several international media outlets. Made in Africa and exported to the world, she is obsessed with travel and the allure of new places. A lover of words and visuals, Robyn is part of the Bored Panda writing team. This Panda has two bamboo tattoos: A map of Africa & the words "Be Like The Bamboo... Bend Never Break."

    What do you think ?
    Nils Skirnir
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Are these people nine years old? Wtf celebrates bdays 3 times in a year. Jeez. Don’t go to f-ing wedding and get decent friends

    BlackestDawn
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I could understand celebrating twice (especially if it's a major milestones), once for immediate family and second mainly for extended family and/or friends. Three times I see no good reason for.

    Load More Replies...
    Lisa T
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sometimes things happen in life and you realise your best friend doesn’t value the relationship as much as you do. They do something hurtful and you part ways. Then over time you miss them so much you decide to forgive them and reconnect. You might reconnect, but I’ll tell you now - that friendship will NEVER be what it once was. You will be excited to meet up in person but once you do that, you’ll realise that it’s awkward and deep down there’s still resentment and hurt.

    Ashlie Benson
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd like to note, she did the same thing to her so called closest friend. She didn't invite her to parties because she wanted to avoid drama.

    Load More Replies...
    Binny Tutera
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is it possible the friend got dumped, too?

    Royal Stray
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Or maybe the friend got tired of the group after finally realizing that they were rude to her future husband, or that it was being lead by a wannabe high-school mean girl who refused to dumb her ab*sive and disgusting bf who has been s*xually harassing other girls in the group. It's not OP's responsibility to be the one to forgive. But idk I kinda get if OP didn't want to suggest inviting any of her friends to the parties her bf threw I can kind of see why the person who was apparently her best friend would feel a bit petty and not invite her either to "avoid the drama" same reason OP had for not inviting her.

    Load More Replies...
    Load More Comments
    Nils Skirnir
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Are these people nine years old? Wtf celebrates bdays 3 times in a year. Jeez. Don’t go to f-ing wedding and get decent friends

    BlackestDawn
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I could understand celebrating twice (especially if it's a major milestones), once for immediate family and second mainly for extended family and/or friends. Three times I see no good reason for.

    Load More Replies...
    Lisa T
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sometimes things happen in life and you realise your best friend doesn’t value the relationship as much as you do. They do something hurtful and you part ways. Then over time you miss them so much you decide to forgive them and reconnect. You might reconnect, but I’ll tell you now - that friendship will NEVER be what it once was. You will be excited to meet up in person but once you do that, you’ll realise that it’s awkward and deep down there’s still resentment and hurt.

    Ashlie Benson
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd like to note, she did the same thing to her so called closest friend. She didn't invite her to parties because she wanted to avoid drama.

    Load More Replies...
    Binny Tutera
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is it possible the friend got dumped, too?

    Royal Stray
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Or maybe the friend got tired of the group after finally realizing that they were rude to her future husband, or that it was being lead by a wannabe high-school mean girl who refused to dumb her ab*sive and disgusting bf who has been s*xually harassing other girls in the group. It's not OP's responsibility to be the one to forgive. But idk I kinda get if OP didn't want to suggest inviting any of her friends to the parties her bf threw I can kind of see why the person who was apparently her best friend would feel a bit petty and not invite her either to "avoid the drama" same reason OP had for not inviting her.

    Load More Replies...
    Load More Comments
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