They say that friendships require nurturing—like plants, they need care to thrive. But can a relationship truly flourish when it exists solely in the realm of text messages?
I first connected with you during a tumultuous period in my life while you were celebrating an exciting milestone: your impending motherhood. You were eight months pregnant and gearing up for maternity leave when my boss invited me to your work baby shower. Although I was tied up in a meeting, I contributed to a gift for you. Right before you left the office, you took a moment to email your thanks. We had shared a few conversations in passing, but we never really knew each other until that day. You were on one team, I was the office admin; it felt like we were destined to be friends.
That same evening, feeling low and isolated, I received a text from you: “Hi! It was great chatting today. I hope you’re doing well. Thank you again for the gift; it made my day special.” That message lifted my spirits and initiated our daily exchanges. We began texting constantly—conversations that spanned hours, making my phone an extension of myself, always at the ready.
As time passed, you visited me at work after your daughter was born, though it was a brief encounter. You supported me through my breakup via text, introduced me to my now-husband, and even helped me plan renovations for my home—all through our messages. I attended your daughter’s first birthday and celebrated your special days, convinced that our digital connection would eventually translate into real-world bonding.
Fast forward six years, and we still exchange texts daily, but meeting in person has become a near impossibility. I’ve made countless attempts to get together, proposing BBQs, movie dates, lunches, and even casual strolls in the mall, but each time, something came up. You have consistently canceled on me.
There was a six-month period when our texts ceased—ironically, it coincided with my own pregnancy. The moment that stung the most was when you texted three minutes before my baby shower to say you couldn’t make it. I found myself at a loss for words. I was overwhelmed with emotions, unable to respond. I didn’t receive a gift, a follow-up message, or even a “like” on my Facebook photos from that day.
Eventually, after my son was born, you reached out again, and we resumed our daily chats as if no time had passed. When you announced your second pregnancy and sent out invitations for your baby shower, I was the first to RSVP. Yet, when I asked to meet for lunch the following week, you canceled at the last moment. I should have seen it coming.
You canceled again when I invited you to my intimate birthday gathering and again for a girls’ night out, claiming it wasn’t your scene since you didn’t know anyone attending. I can’t help but wonder why you always bail. Perhaps you have anxiety or genuine commitments, but I’ve seen you out and about with other friends. While I understand that mom life keeps us busy, I cannot fathom why I am routinely on the receiving end of last-minute cancellations.
So here I am, resigned to the reality that our relationship is limited to daily texts without any real-life encounters. While I hold no ill will towards you, I’ve decided to stop putting energy into making plans that end up falling through. Important moments deserve respect, and I refuse to be left hanging anymore. I’ve nurtured this friendship as best as I could, but it’s time for you to step up.
If you’re interested in growing your family or exploring other aspects of motherhood, be sure to check out resources on home insemination like the one linked here. For more insights into relationships and expectations during motherhood, visit this page for helpful information. Motherhood is a journey filled with ups and downs, and sometimes, it’s about knowing when to let go.
Summary:
Friendships can thrive through text, but what happens when that’s all there is? This post reflects on the emotional challenges of maintaining a one-sided relationship that exists only in the digital realm. While I appreciate the daily conversations, the lack of real-life interaction is disappointing, leading me to reconsider the effort I invest in this friendship.