I’ve been friends with the woman, Friend 1, for 10 years, and met Friend 2 about a year and a half ago.
Friend 1 has always been outgoing, sharing funny stories about the crazy people she would meet here.
Friend 1 got into an argument with a mutual friend, 3, about her attitude, which she claimed ruined her family’s trip, and that she would never hang out with her again. Later, she helped plan her baby shower and the baby’s first birthday.
Friend 1 then started spending more time with Friend 2. They got into an argument because Friend 2 wanted to return an iron to Friend 1. Friend 1 lied and said she never let her borrow it and that it wasn’t hers, which she later confessed to me that it was.
During this time, we had been hanging out frequently, but there were multiple times when I would show up on time and wait 20 minutes in the parking lot.
Friend 1 invited us to a place after work, and we all agreed on a time that would work for us. After waiting 40 minutes, I left feeling upset. Friend 2 texted that she was lost, even though the place is three minutes from her house. And Friend 1 said she hadn’t left yet and that she had to pick someone up. I received several calls asking why I left and that I shouldn’t be upset.
The next day, I explained why I was mad. Friend 2 apologized, said she was lost and had been driving for 20 minutes, and went back home. Friend 1 said I was overreacting, that in her country this is normal, and that I shouldn’t leave until she texts to say she’s leaving. EVEN THOUGH WE AGREED ON A TIME.
A month later, I got a gift from Friend 1 that included the books I had given her, an expensive bracelet, and sunscreen. She immediately wanted the Walmart sunscreen back. We arranged a drop-off, but she didn’t answer the door. Later, she said she had forgotten I was coming. Even though I had just messaged her to confirm if she was home, because I would be there in 5 minutes.
A month later, I missed our friendship. This is my first fight with Friend 1 in 10 years. We briefly met and talked, planning to hang out again. Friend 1 invited me to a woman’s house whom she had previously told me she didn’t like, and gave her a new set of dishes. That was my breaking point. But I can’t help but wonder if AITA, and these are cultural differences.