I Was Ghosted by a Friend

home insemination Kit

A few months after welcoming my daughter into the world, we relocated to a new home across town. I was thrilled about the larger yard and more spacious abode, but soon discovered that my new neighborhood was devoid of stay-at-home moms. While the neighbors were delightful, they all worked outside the home, leaving me feeling quite isolated and craving adult interaction. Sure, I still had my local friends, but I missed those casual chats at the mailbox and the camaraderie of my old neighborhood.

As time went by, I met some friendly acquaintances in my new community, but I hadn’t found that one special friend—someone who could just waltz into my house uninvited or lend a hand with the kids in a pinch. I envisioned having a “Rhoda” to my “Mary Richards” just a few doors down, and longed for a companion who truly grasped the daily challenges of being a stay-at-home mom. I held out hope that I’d soon find my “Kate” to my “Allie,” my “Meredith” to my “Cristina,” or my “Rachel” to my “Monica.” I mean, was that too much to ask?

The day she moved into the house down the street was a scorching summer afternoon, and I could hardly contain my excitement. When I popped over a few days later, I was instantly charmed by her quick wit and humor. Watching her roll her eyes at her husband and crack jokes, I was convinced I’d finally met my “Rhoda.” I hoped my eagerness wasn’t too obvious and was thrilled to discover we shared a similar sense of humor. At the very least, it was wonderful to have another young mom living so close.

As the months turned into years, our friendship blossomed alongside our growing families. Our husbands hit it off, and I reveled in spoiling her little ones as they arrived. We exchanged funny texts, enjoyed countless cups of coffee, and discussed “Grey’s Anatomy” more than two people probably should. Date nights, summer evenings by the fire pit, and neighborhood gatherings only strengthened our bond. I grew to love her children, and my kids adored their visits to her house after school.

On my darkest day, the day my father passed away, she was the one who stood by me. I sat in her living room, screaming and crying on the phone as she comforted me and her husband took care of my kids. When the heartbreaking news came, it was she who sat beside me as I broke the news to my children. She helped coordinate my travel plans with my husband, who was out of town, and even tackled my laundry. She packed our bags because I couldn’t think straight.

In those devastating hours, she was my lifeline. She did what I couldn’t, keeping me upright and functioning when all I wanted was to collapse and sob. Her kindness remains a bright spot in what was the worst day of my life, and I was so grateful for her friendship.

But then, slowly, something changed. She became more secretive, quiet, and distant. We started spending less time together, and I felt a shift in our relationship. Though I was still grappling with my grief, I may have missed the signs that our friendship was evolving. When I spotted the “For Sale” sign in her yard without any warning, I was taken aback and hurt. I understood that a new opportunity in another state was exciting for her, and I tried to be supportive, but I was heartbroken over the thought of losing our daily interactions. Was it selfish of me? Probably. But I couldn’t help feeling a deep sadness over how much I would miss her. Little did I know, things were about to change even further.

Moving day arrived with promises of texting and FaceTiming, and we all agreed to visit each other in the summer. As I watched her moving truck pull away, tears streamed down my face. She waved enthusiastically, as if she couldn’t wait to leave. My “I miss you already” text a few hours later went unanswered.

From that day on, aside from a couple of texts and a brief FaceTime call, I never heard from her again. We’re no longer connected on social media, and I never received another Christmas card featuring the kids I had grown to adore. It’s been three years, and I often wonder what I did to cause her to cut me off. Was I too needy? Was I an overzealous, know-it-all mom? Did she tolerate me out of politeness—too kind to admit she wanted to part ways? Or was her life simply too busy to include me? The thought still stings. Clearly, we weren’t the iconic Rhoda and Mary.

Whatever the reason, it’s tough to hold onto warm memories of someone who no longer wishes to be friends. I will always appreciate her support during my father’s passing, but on those balmy summer evenings, when the laughter of neighborhood kids fills the air, I can feel the specter of our friendship lingering. And it still aches to think about how easily I was left behind.

Resources

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Summary

After moving to a new neighborhood and longing for a close friendship, I found a kindred spirit in a neighbor. Our bond grew strong, especially during tough times, but after she moved away, our connection faded, leaving me to wonder what went wrong. Though I cherish the memories, it’s painful to acknowledge that I was ghosted by someone I considered a close friend.