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  3. Am I a dick if I don't want to meet an old friend for coffee if she brings her babies along?

Am I a dick if I don't want to meet an old friend for coffee if she brings her babies along?

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  • _ [email protected]

    An old friend/aquaintance I've not spoken to in a few years popped up recently and we got chatting a little over text. In the few years since we spoke she's had two babies by two different guys. They're ~6 months and ~2-3 years.

    She said that we should get coffee and catch up properly, and I was sort of down, although I'm not really that enthusiastic about catching up with someone I've frankly not thought about in a few years. But hey, it's something to do, and it might be interesting. So I suggested a coffee shop near her and asked if she'd be able to get time away from the kids, but she said that no, she'd have to bring the kids along.

    I don't want to be a dick but I'm really not interested in sitting in a coffee shop with two babies. They're mostly just going to be the focus of the occasion because they need constant attention, and I don't really like kids in general. And, if they cry or act up and attract attention I will hate that.

    AITA? How do I tell her I'm really not interested in sitting with her babies for an afternoon?

    T This user is from outside of this forum
    T This user is from outside of this forum
    [email protected]
    wrote on last edited by
    #18

    Do a Video call? I mean at least then the kids can't physically annoy you.

    My parents do video calls with relatives in different cities, and even to different countries.

    If the kids are screaming in the background, you can then just easily find some excuse to end the call early.

    1 Reply Last reply
    5
    • _ [email protected]

      An old friend/aquaintance I've not spoken to in a few years popped up recently and we got chatting a little over text. In the few years since we spoke she's had two babies by two different guys. They're ~6 months and ~2-3 years.

      She said that we should get coffee and catch up properly, and I was sort of down, although I'm not really that enthusiastic about catching up with someone I've frankly not thought about in a few years. But hey, it's something to do, and it might be interesting. So I suggested a coffee shop near her and asked if she'd be able to get time away from the kids, but she said that no, she'd have to bring the kids along.

      I don't want to be a dick but I'm really not interested in sitting in a coffee shop with two babies. They're mostly just going to be the focus of the occasion because they need constant attention, and I don't really like kids in general. And, if they cry or act up and attract attention I will hate that.

      AITA? How do I tell her I'm really not interested in sitting with her babies for an afternoon?

      A This user is from outside of this forum
      A This user is from outside of this forum
      [email protected]
      wrote on last edited by
      #19

      If the crying of a 6 month old baby is enough to ruin the reunion for you, then maybe you're both better off if you cancel this appointment.

      zos_kia@lemmynsfw.comZ 1 Reply Last reply
      25
      • _ [email protected]

        An old friend/aquaintance I've not spoken to in a few years popped up recently and we got chatting a little over text. In the few years since we spoke she's had two babies by two different guys. They're ~6 months and ~2-3 years.

        She said that we should get coffee and catch up properly, and I was sort of down, although I'm not really that enthusiastic about catching up with someone I've frankly not thought about in a few years. But hey, it's something to do, and it might be interesting. So I suggested a coffee shop near her and asked if she'd be able to get time away from the kids, but she said that no, she'd have to bring the kids along.

        I don't want to be a dick but I'm really not interested in sitting in a coffee shop with two babies. They're mostly just going to be the focus of the occasion because they need constant attention, and I don't really like kids in general. And, if they cry or act up and attract attention I will hate that.

        AITA? How do I tell her I'm really not interested in sitting with her babies for an afternoon?

        scrubbles@poptalk.scrubbles.techS This user is from outside of this forum
        scrubbles@poptalk.scrubbles.techS This user is from outside of this forum
        [email protected]
        wrote on last edited by
        #20

        Look, I'm honestly the same way. I'm bad with kids, I don't do well around them, and to me they're annoying. I'm the same way, my friends before and after kids are two separate people. Everyone says "that is what life does though", well, yeah, but I liked my friends.

        So for you, it sounds like it already happened but you just need to decide if they're still friends. There's exactly 2 that I stayed friends with after they had kids, and it's because I don't want to lose their friendship and also they have very polite kids.

        So, you're not an asshole for not wanting to see them. However, you also need to acknowledge they're not the same person with kids, and they aren't going to just ignore their kids to be friends with you. Expecting that is asshole behavior. Just get friends without kids

        1 Reply Last reply
        6
        • _ [email protected]

          An old friend/aquaintance I've not spoken to in a few years popped up recently and we got chatting a little over text. In the few years since we spoke she's had two babies by two different guys. They're ~6 months and ~2-3 years.

          She said that we should get coffee and catch up properly, and I was sort of down, although I'm not really that enthusiastic about catching up with someone I've frankly not thought about in a few years. But hey, it's something to do, and it might be interesting. So I suggested a coffee shop near her and asked if she'd be able to get time away from the kids, but she said that no, she'd have to bring the kids along.

          I don't want to be a dick but I'm really not interested in sitting in a coffee shop with two babies. They're mostly just going to be the focus of the occasion because they need constant attention, and I don't really like kids in general. And, if they cry or act up and attract attention I will hate that.

          AITA? How do I tell her I'm really not interested in sitting with her babies for an afternoon?

          N This user is from outside of this forum
          N This user is from outside of this forum
          [email protected]
          wrote on last edited by
          #21

          A bit yeah.

          1 Reply Last reply
          17
          • _ [email protected]

            An old friend/aquaintance I've not spoken to in a few years popped up recently and we got chatting a little over text. In the few years since we spoke she's had two babies by two different guys. They're ~6 months and ~2-3 years.

            She said that we should get coffee and catch up properly, and I was sort of down, although I'm not really that enthusiastic about catching up with someone I've frankly not thought about in a few years. But hey, it's something to do, and it might be interesting. So I suggested a coffee shop near her and asked if she'd be able to get time away from the kids, but she said that no, she'd have to bring the kids along.

            I don't want to be a dick but I'm really not interested in sitting in a coffee shop with two babies. They're mostly just going to be the focus of the occasion because they need constant attention, and I don't really like kids in general. And, if they cry or act up and attract attention I will hate that.

            AITA? How do I tell her I'm really not interested in sitting with her babies for an afternoon?

            P This user is from outside of this forum
            P This user is from outside of this forum
            [email protected]
            wrote on last edited by
            #22

            I don’t think it makes you an asshole, it just means you’re not that interested in seeing her or really don’t like kids. Probably a combination of both. There’s nothing inherently wrong with either of those things.

            If the kids are the dealbreaker then your options are 1. Decline and lie about why, 2. Decline and tell her why, 3. Just suck it up and do it to save face. Personally I think 1 sounds unnecessarily complicated and you should just do whichever you prefer of 2 or 3.

            1 Reply Last reply
            10
            • _ [email protected]

              An old friend/aquaintance I've not spoken to in a few years popped up recently and we got chatting a little over text. In the few years since we spoke she's had two babies by two different guys. They're ~6 months and ~2-3 years.

              She said that we should get coffee and catch up properly, and I was sort of down, although I'm not really that enthusiastic about catching up with someone I've frankly not thought about in a few years. But hey, it's something to do, and it might be interesting. So I suggested a coffee shop near her and asked if she'd be able to get time away from the kids, but she said that no, she'd have to bring the kids along.

              I don't want to be a dick but I'm really not interested in sitting in a coffee shop with two babies. They're mostly just going to be the focus of the occasion because they need constant attention, and I don't really like kids in general. And, if they cry or act up and attract attention I will hate that.

              AITA? How do I tell her I'm really not interested in sitting with her babies for an afternoon?

              sunbrrnslapper@lemmy.worldS This user is from outside of this forum
              sunbrrnslapper@lemmy.worldS This user is from outside of this forum
              [email protected]
              wrote on last edited by
              #23

              You may not be an AH, but you don't sound that interested in being actual friends. Don't bother wasting her time.

              1 Reply Last reply
              41
              • _ [email protected]

                An old friend/aquaintance I've not spoken to in a few years popped up recently and we got chatting a little over text. In the few years since we spoke she's had two babies by two different guys. They're ~6 months and ~2-3 years.

                She said that we should get coffee and catch up properly, and I was sort of down, although I'm not really that enthusiastic about catching up with someone I've frankly not thought about in a few years. But hey, it's something to do, and it might be interesting. So I suggested a coffee shop near her and asked if she'd be able to get time away from the kids, but she said that no, she'd have to bring the kids along.

                I don't want to be a dick but I'm really not interested in sitting in a coffee shop with two babies. They're mostly just going to be the focus of the occasion because they need constant attention, and I don't really like kids in general. And, if they cry or act up and attract attention I will hate that.

                AITA? How do I tell her I'm really not interested in sitting with her babies for an afternoon?

                softestsapphic@lemmy.worldS This user is from outside of this forum
                softestsapphic@lemmy.worldS This user is from outside of this forum
                [email protected]
                wrote on last edited by
                #24

                No you're totally reasonable lol

                Not unless you want to be babysitting them one day.

                1 Reply Last reply
                2
                • _ [email protected]

                  An old friend/aquaintance I've not spoken to in a few years popped up recently and we got chatting a little over text. In the few years since we spoke she's had two babies by two different guys. They're ~6 months and ~2-3 years.

                  She said that we should get coffee and catch up properly, and I was sort of down, although I'm not really that enthusiastic about catching up with someone I've frankly not thought about in a few years. But hey, it's something to do, and it might be interesting. So I suggested a coffee shop near her and asked if she'd be able to get time away from the kids, but she said that no, she'd have to bring the kids along.

                  I don't want to be a dick but I'm really not interested in sitting in a coffee shop with two babies. They're mostly just going to be the focus of the occasion because they need constant attention, and I don't really like kids in general. And, if they cry or act up and attract attention I will hate that.

                  AITA? How do I tell her I'm really not interested in sitting with her babies for an afternoon?

                  T This user is from outside of this forum
                  T This user is from outside of this forum
                  [email protected]
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #25

                  Her kids - her problems, you don't have to deal with that.

                  1 Reply Last reply
                  3
                  • _ [email protected]

                    An old friend/aquaintance I've not spoken to in a few years popped up recently and we got chatting a little over text. In the few years since we spoke she's had two babies by two different guys. They're ~6 months and ~2-3 years.

                    She said that we should get coffee and catch up properly, and I was sort of down, although I'm not really that enthusiastic about catching up with someone I've frankly not thought about in a few years. But hey, it's something to do, and it might be interesting. So I suggested a coffee shop near her and asked if she'd be able to get time away from the kids, but she said that no, she'd have to bring the kids along.

                    I don't want to be a dick but I'm really not interested in sitting in a coffee shop with two babies. They're mostly just going to be the focus of the occasion because they need constant attention, and I don't really like kids in general. And, if they cry or act up and attract attention I will hate that.

                    AITA? How do I tell her I'm really not interested in sitting with her babies for an afternoon?

                    C This user is from outside of this forum
                    C This user is from outside of this forum
                    [email protected]
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #26

                    Yes and you're not her friend.

                    1 Reply Last reply
                    20
                    • _ [email protected]

                      An old friend/aquaintance I've not spoken to in a few years popped up recently and we got chatting a little over text. In the few years since we spoke she's had two babies by two different guys. They're ~6 months and ~2-3 years.

                      She said that we should get coffee and catch up properly, and I was sort of down, although I'm not really that enthusiastic about catching up with someone I've frankly not thought about in a few years. But hey, it's something to do, and it might be interesting. So I suggested a coffee shop near her and asked if she'd be able to get time away from the kids, but she said that no, she'd have to bring the kids along.

                      I don't want to be a dick but I'm really not interested in sitting in a coffee shop with two babies. They're mostly just going to be the focus of the occasion because they need constant attention, and I don't really like kids in general. And, if they cry or act up and attract attention I will hate that.

                      AITA? How do I tell her I'm really not interested in sitting with her babies for an afternoon?

                      D This user is from outside of this forum
                      D This user is from outside of this forum
                      [email protected]
                      wrote on last edited by [email protected]
                      #27

                      Yes you’re the AH. Even taking the kids out of the equation and you’re framing this as what you can get out of this meeting. That’s not a friend. Why not just say no.

                      She said that we should get coffee and catch up properly, and I was sort of down, although I'm not really that enthusiastic about catching up with someone I've frankly not thought about in a few years.

                      Yeah sod what the other party thinks s as long as you’re getting something out of it. I see this as wasting her time on someone who isn’t appreciative of it.

                      Also, why mention baby daddies?

                      W 1 Reply Last reply
                      29
                      • A [email protected]

                        If the crying of a 6 month old baby is enough to ruin the reunion for you, then maybe you're both better off if you cancel this appointment.

                        zos_kia@lemmynsfw.comZ This user is from outside of this forum
                        zos_kia@lemmynsfw.comZ This user is from outside of this forum
                        [email protected]
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #28

                        It sure sounds like OP needs to be the focus of the occasion because they need constant attention

                        A W 2 Replies Last reply
                        7
                        • _ [email protected]

                          An old friend/aquaintance I've not spoken to in a few years popped up recently and we got chatting a little over text. In the few years since we spoke she's had two babies by two different guys. They're ~6 months and ~2-3 years.

                          She said that we should get coffee and catch up properly, and I was sort of down, although I'm not really that enthusiastic about catching up with someone I've frankly not thought about in a few years. But hey, it's something to do, and it might be interesting. So I suggested a coffee shop near her and asked if she'd be able to get time away from the kids, but she said that no, she'd have to bring the kids along.

                          I don't want to be a dick but I'm really not interested in sitting in a coffee shop with two babies. They're mostly just going to be the focus of the occasion because they need constant attention, and I don't really like kids in general. And, if they cry or act up and attract attention I will hate that.

                          AITA? How do I tell her I'm really not interested in sitting with her babies for an afternoon?

                          J This user is from outside of this forum
                          J This user is from outside of this forum
                          [email protected]
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #29

                          The trash took it self out (you). The friend dodged a bullet

                          1 Reply Last reply
                          5
                          • zos_kia@lemmynsfw.comZ [email protected]

                            It sure sounds like OP needs to be the focus of the occasion because they need constant attention

                            A This user is from outside of this forum
                            A This user is from outside of this forum
                            [email protected]
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #30

                            IMO, it reads more like "I haven't been properly socialized, I'm mostly a hermit, and I get easily overstimulated with regular human interaction and experiences" so I tried being kind because OP is certainly afflicted with the tisms. I mean, just posting this thread showed us OP is far away from regular humanity...

                            A zos_kia@lemmynsfw.comZ 2 Replies Last reply
                            4
                            • _ [email protected]

                              An old friend/aquaintance I've not spoken to in a few years popped up recently and we got chatting a little over text. In the few years since we spoke she's had two babies by two different guys. They're ~6 months and ~2-3 years.

                              She said that we should get coffee and catch up properly, and I was sort of down, although I'm not really that enthusiastic about catching up with someone I've frankly not thought about in a few years. But hey, it's something to do, and it might be interesting. So I suggested a coffee shop near her and asked if she'd be able to get time away from the kids, but she said that no, she'd have to bring the kids along.

                              I don't want to be a dick but I'm really not interested in sitting in a coffee shop with two babies. They're mostly just going to be the focus of the occasion because they need constant attention, and I don't really like kids in general. And, if they cry or act up and attract attention I will hate that.

                              AITA? How do I tell her I'm really not interested in sitting with her babies for an afternoon?

                              D This user is from outside of this forum
                              D This user is from outside of this forum
                              [email protected]
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #31

                              Wow, a lot of salty parents in this thread

                              B 1 Reply Last reply
                              11
                              • _ [email protected]

                                An old friend/aquaintance I've not spoken to in a few years popped up recently and we got chatting a little over text. In the few years since we spoke she's had two babies by two different guys. They're ~6 months and ~2-3 years.

                                She said that we should get coffee and catch up properly, and I was sort of down, although I'm not really that enthusiastic about catching up with someone I've frankly not thought about in a few years. But hey, it's something to do, and it might be interesting. So I suggested a coffee shop near her and asked if she'd be able to get time away from the kids, but she said that no, she'd have to bring the kids along.

                                I don't want to be a dick but I'm really not interested in sitting in a coffee shop with two babies. They're mostly just going to be the focus of the occasion because they need constant attention, and I don't really like kids in general. And, if they cry or act up and attract attention I will hate that.

                                AITA? How do I tell her I'm really not interested in sitting with her babies for an afternoon?

                                E This user is from outside of this forum
                                E This user is from outside of this forum
                                [email protected]
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #32

                                I don't think so, but I don't like kids. Like even a little bit; they're loud, annoying, and tend to give me headaches. Hell, I didn't like kids when I was one.

                                1 Reply Last reply
                                5
                                • _ [email protected]

                                  An old friend/aquaintance I've not spoken to in a few years popped up recently and we got chatting a little over text. In the few years since we spoke she's had two babies by two different guys. They're ~6 months and ~2-3 years.

                                  She said that we should get coffee and catch up properly, and I was sort of down, although I'm not really that enthusiastic about catching up with someone I've frankly not thought about in a few years. But hey, it's something to do, and it might be interesting. So I suggested a coffee shop near her and asked if she'd be able to get time away from the kids, but she said that no, she'd have to bring the kids along.

                                  I don't want to be a dick but I'm really not interested in sitting in a coffee shop with two babies. They're mostly just going to be the focus of the occasion because they need constant attention, and I don't really like kids in general. And, if they cry or act up and attract attention I will hate that.

                                  AITA? How do I tell her I'm really not interested in sitting with her babies for an afternoon?

                                  L This user is from outside of this forum
                                  L This user is from outside of this forum
                                  [email protected]
                                  wrote on last edited by [email protected]
                                  #33

                                  Coffee is not good for babies, save the babies, don't meet her. Call child protection. I don't think she is your friend if she is giving her babies coffee.

                                  1 Reply Last reply
                                  1
                                  • A [email protected]

                                    IMO, it reads more like "I haven't been properly socialized, I'm mostly a hermit, and I get easily overstimulated with regular human interaction and experiences" so I tried being kind because OP is certainly afflicted with the tisms. I mean, just posting this thread showed us OP is far away from regular humanity...

                                    A This user is from outside of this forum
                                    A This user is from outside of this forum
                                    [email protected]
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #34

                                    If this is it then OP should just offer to get coffee to-go and go for a walk or sit in a nearby park, perhaps with a playground. Then they wouldn’t have to worry about bothering others. A coffee shop seems like a boring place for a 3 year old.

                                    My assumption is that there is a chance (not sure how large) that kids could be restless and need constant attention, and then it would suck for OP and is a bit much to expect someone you barely know to meet up just for that.

                                    But I think there’s a chance that the young one will just sleep, and the older one could occupy themselves at the playground or even with a tablet or something. Then it should only be a minor hassle for the OP.

                                    Maybe OP could just ask the person if they think they’ll be able to actually talk or if the kids will need constant attention.

                                    1 Reply Last reply
                                    0
                                    • _ [email protected]

                                      An old friend/aquaintance I've not spoken to in a few years popped up recently and we got chatting a little over text. In the few years since we spoke she's had two babies by two different guys. They're ~6 months and ~2-3 years.

                                      She said that we should get coffee and catch up properly, and I was sort of down, although I'm not really that enthusiastic about catching up with someone I've frankly not thought about in a few years. But hey, it's something to do, and it might be interesting. So I suggested a coffee shop near her and asked if she'd be able to get time away from the kids, but she said that no, she'd have to bring the kids along.

                                      I don't want to be a dick but I'm really not interested in sitting in a coffee shop with two babies. They're mostly just going to be the focus of the occasion because they need constant attention, and I don't really like kids in general. And, if they cry or act up and attract attention I will hate that.

                                      AITA? How do I tell her I'm really not interested in sitting with her babies for an afternoon?

                                      R This user is from outside of this forum
                                      R This user is from outside of this forum
                                      [email protected]
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #35

                                      Yes, you are hating was you used to be and you would never lie people to hate you

                                      1 Reply Last reply
                                      0
                                      • _ [email protected]

                                        An old friend/aquaintance I've not spoken to in a few years popped up recently and we got chatting a little over text. In the few years since we spoke she's had two babies by two different guys. They're ~6 months and ~2-3 years.

                                        She said that we should get coffee and catch up properly, and I was sort of down, although I'm not really that enthusiastic about catching up with someone I've frankly not thought about in a few years. But hey, it's something to do, and it might be interesting. So I suggested a coffee shop near her and asked if she'd be able to get time away from the kids, but she said that no, she'd have to bring the kids along.

                                        I don't want to be a dick but I'm really not interested in sitting in a coffee shop with two babies. They're mostly just going to be the focus of the occasion because they need constant attention, and I don't really like kids in general. And, if they cry or act up and attract attention I will hate that.

                                        AITA? How do I tell her I'm really not interested in sitting with her babies for an afternoon?

                                        A This user is from outside of this forum
                                        A This user is from outside of this forum
                                        [email protected]
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #36

                                        These responses are as varied as you can get

                                        1 Reply Last reply
                                        0
                                        • _ [email protected]

                                          An old friend/aquaintance I've not spoken to in a few years popped up recently and we got chatting a little over text. In the few years since we spoke she's had two babies by two different guys. They're ~6 months and ~2-3 years.

                                          She said that we should get coffee and catch up properly, and I was sort of down, although I'm not really that enthusiastic about catching up with someone I've frankly not thought about in a few years. But hey, it's something to do, and it might be interesting. So I suggested a coffee shop near her and asked if she'd be able to get time away from the kids, but she said that no, she'd have to bring the kids along.

                                          I don't want to be a dick but I'm really not interested in sitting in a coffee shop with two babies. They're mostly just going to be the focus of the occasion because they need constant attention, and I don't really like kids in general. And, if they cry or act up and attract attention I will hate that.

                                          AITA? How do I tell her I'm really not interested in sitting with her babies for an afternoon?

                                          shelbyeileen@lemmy.worldS This user is from outside of this forum
                                          shelbyeileen@lemmy.worldS This user is from outside of this forum
                                          [email protected]
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #37

                                          You're not wrong for wanting to avoid a situation because of the potential of screaming children, but it's important to remember that, with parents, it's a package deal. To avoid overstimulation, try and go to a park for the first meeting. Like get coffee and go to a place with a playground where the toddler can run wild, and the 6 month can be in a stroller or rocker. Being outside vs bring in a building where screams can echo, makes a big difference.

                                          Something that helps me hang-outs with my friends who have kids, is remembering that screaming children are inevitable... but most of the time, I'm not enjoying the company of my friends alongside the random, misbehaving ones. This time, you can make a friend.

                                          absgeeknz@lemmy.nzA 1 Reply Last reply
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