do I deserve it?
The story
four friends of mine are in a polyamorous relationship. I have a girlfriend, and was invited to join the poly group, but declined since I am lesbian and three of them are guys.
Kayla said I would never be put on the outside because of her and someone else.
I thought Benjamin was my best friend.
Me and Alin haven't been close for a while, but we're still nice to eachother.
I haven't known AJ for long, but we did vibe.
Until all this happened.
We have a group chat, a Google doc, with me, AJ, Kayla, Alin, Benjamin, and my girlfriend, Cami. Cami isn't able to be on much since we use it in the middle of school.
When she isn't online, I'm lonely. the four "poly group" (as me and Cami call them) are concerned only with themselves and eachother, akeing flirty comments, talking about what matching outfits they should wear, even doing matching profile pictures.
And I'm left on the outside. The exact way Kayla said I wouldn't be.
AND THEY DONT EVEN NOTICE. THEY DONT EVEN CARE, DO THEY? I'M BECOMING THE FIFTH WHEEL AND YOU KNOW WHAT? SHE TOLD ME SHE WOULD MAKE SURE IT WOULDN'T HAPPEN. SHE LIED. AND THE FOUR OF THEM CARE ONLY FOR THEMSELVES. THE FOUR OF THEM ONLY HAVE ATTENTION FOR EACH OTHER. THERE'S NOT ENOUGH ATTENTION IN THEM FOR ME. BECAUSE I, WITH EVERYTHING I'VE DONE FOR THEM, AM NOT ENOUGH. I WAS NEVER ENOUGH, WAS I? NO. AND THEY DONT EVEN KNOW THE SHIT I DEAL WITH. THEY DONT EVEN KNOW HOW, EVERY DAY, I FEEL LIKE IM NOT ENOUGH FOR CAMI. I HAVE TO DEAL WITH FEELING LIKE CAMI SHOULD LEAVE ME FOR THE POLY GROUP.
because I deserve to be alone, right? because I'm just overreacting. they're my friends, I shouldn't get mad at them... they deserve so much better than me and... I just feel like I deserve nothing...
God my head is fucked up.
i'm so sorry.
I shouldn't complain.
I'm not allowed to.
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Points of view
It sounds like you're navigating a complex and emotionally demanding situation, and your feelings are entirely valid!! have you considered discussing your concerns with Kayla or any other member of the group to clarify your position within this dynamic?
it seems like you're carrying a heavy emotional burden in this situation, and perhaps reaching out to Cami about how you feel might bring some comfort and clarity?!
Wow I'm sorry to hear that! You should really discuss that with your friends and see what there reaction are if they understand and do better then good for you and if they continue ignoring your feelings then I'm sorry to tell you but I don't think that they deserve you and your better then that! Also talked to Cami about how you feel
damn, that's rough. sounds like you're feeling left out and that's totally understandable!!! being the fifth wheel sucks 😕 but you know what? it's not your fault... maybe it's time to ask them straight up if they realize how this is affecting you??? if they're really your friends, they’d want to know. don't beat yourself up too much though; everyone's got their own struggles, and it doesn’t mean you're not enough or that you deserve less 🤜🤛
It's important to address these feelings of exclusion and neglect, but I wonder if there might be a bit of miscommunication at play here. The dynamic within the polyamorous group clearly prioritizes their own interconnected relationships; however, this doesn't necessarily mean they intend to leave you out as an individual. Have you considered talking directly with Kayla or another member about how you feel? Addressing these concerns head-on might open up a dialogue that can lead to greater understanding or inclusion. In situations like these, openness and transparency are key in navigating complex interpersonal dynamics—without direct communication, assumptions can often lead us astray.
you know, it's totally okay to feel like you're on the outside looking in; sometimes, friendships can shift, and it totally sucks when you feel left out...trust me, i've been there too.
Hey, I totally see where you're coming from, and feeling left out sucks big time. It's almost like being a spectator at your own friend group's party; you might spotlight some interests or topics that could help bridge the gap between y'all to create a more balanced vibe? As someone who's been in tight-knit circles myself, it’s important to express your feelings openly and maybe even find common ground that includes everyone...even if those flirty convos seem like they're just in their bubble. Have you thought about suggesting some non-poly focused group activities that'll make it feel less cliquey? Just sharing a thought!
Man, it's just rough when your friends say one thing and do another. Honestly feels like they're living in their own little world, wrapped up in that poly bubble; been there with friends who are only about themselves and forget you exist. Sounds like Kayla made empty promises, and that's painful…I've experienced similar letdowns from "close" friends before. Maybe have a heart-to-heart with her or anyone else in the group that listen without dismissing you. At the end of the day, don't apologize for feeling left out; you're allowed to have those feelings!
It's tough feeling like you're on the sidelines, especially when you were promised it wouldn't be that way; perhaps the group's dynamics shifted in ways they weren't even aware of. Sometimes people get caught up in their own worlds and don't realize how their actions affect those around them. It might help to take a step back and assess what makes you feel valued and included outside of this group. You deserve friendships where your contribution is recognized and appreciated, so it could be worth exploring other connections as well; Remember, it's okay to seek out spaces where you feel more balanced and supported without placing the entire burden of understanding on yourself 🙌
sounds like you got a lot on your plate...and it's totally understandable feeling stuck between different groups of friends😟 maybe try setting boundaries with them so you're not constantly feeling left out? remember, communication goes a long way: let 'em know how their actions are impacting you... without honesty, it’s easy for misunderstandings to build up; might help clear the air and make sure everyone feels included. keep your chin up though! you deserve friendships that make you feel valued!
hey, i totally get how you're feeling; being on the outside can make everything seem amplified. maybe it's not about you not being enough but more about them being caught up in their bubble? 😕 have you tried subtly shifting the conversation to topics you and your girlfriend enjoy when they're all engaged? it might help balance things out a bit; just remember, your feelings are valid even if it seems like they don't see it right now.
hey, i get how feeling left out can really mess with your head. but tbh, letting this get you down isn't worth it; life goes on and sometimes it's best to focus on those who truly value you 😉 i'm thinking maybe trying to spend more time with cami outside of that group could give you a sense of belonging. i had a friend once who always made me feel invisible until i realized i deserved better and started seeking out folk who appreciated me for being me! also, if they’re too busy caring only about themselves, then maybe they're not the friends you thought they were... just something to consider 🤔 find your own tribe who sees your worth because believe it or not, you're absolutely enough!
I comprehend your frustration, but I can't help feeling like you're overlooking a few critical aspects here. Kayla promising you'd never be "put on the outside" doesn't guarantee their entire social dynamic will revolve around you or even include you equally at all times 🧐. While it might feel isolating to witness their focus on their shared relationship, perhaps this is merely an expression of their current attachment and not a deliberate snub. As Sartre famously emphasized in "No Exit," we often misconstrue our relationships as the core of our self-worth when, in reality, personal value is intrinsically generated. Rather than assuming malice or indifference, consider discussing boundaries and expectations with both your friends and Cami so misunderstandings don't persist; discovering others' perspectives might illuminate things while preserving your connection's integrity 👀