'I texted a friend to organise a catch-up. Her response disclosed a cruel truth.'

It had been several months since I'd seen my friend Lisa, and I thought lunch would be a nice way to catch up. We'd both been busy, and I missed the easy chats we used to have. So, I sent her a quick text: "Hey, let's catch up for lunch soon. When are you free?"

When my phone buzzed a few moments later, I smiled, expecting a cheerful reply. Instead, my stomach dropped as I read her response: "She's asking me to have lunch with her, as if she's my friend LOL."

I froze, staring at my phone. I felt that awful feeling of anxiety creeping up my chest. That text wasn't meant for me; clearly, Lisa had been talking about me to someone else. What had I done to upset her? She was clearly angry with me, and I was completely unaware of what on earth I might have done! Did I insult her by accident and she's held a grudge ever since?

My heart started pounding; my mind raced with questions. Why would she say that? Was this how she really felt about me? I came up with all kinds of theories, but I truly couldn't think of anything I'd done that she could hold against me.

Trying to stay calm, I replied, "Umm, I think that text was meant for someone else. Do you have a problem with me?"

Her response came quickly, but it only made things worse: "Why would I have a problem with you? Yes, lunch sounds great!"

Watch: What type of friend are you? Post continues after video.

I sat there for a moment, staring at her reply. Did she really think I'd just ignore what I saw? Her response felt dismissive, like she was trying to pretend nothing had happened. I felt my face go hot with stress and anger. But more than that, I felt hurt.

My mind quickly started to race down dreadful rabbit holes — was she texting her husband? Or a mutual friend? Or maybe she was bitching about me to somebody I've never met, and she was using them to vent to about me.

I wasn't going to let her brush this off so easily. I replied, "You clearly sent that text by mistake while talking about me. What is your problem?"

There was a long pause before she answered, and when she finally did, it was all deflection and denial. She didn't apologise, didn't explain. Instead, she kept dodging my questions, acting as though I was the one making a big deal out of nothing.

I pressed her again, hoping she'd own up to it and maybe salvage the situation. But instead of taking responsibility, she went silent. Then she admitted that she was texting somebody that I have never met.

A few minutes later, I realised she had blocked me. Just like that, it was over.

I stared at my phone, feeling a wave of emotions — anger, hurt, and humiliation. I couldn't believe someone I considered a friend would be saying nasty things about me behind my back and then try to gaslight me when confronted. Then my mind started to wander yet again. How many other times has she texted people about me over the years?

In the days that followed, I kept replaying the whole thing in my head. I showed the text thread to multiple people, who all agreed that I had remained classy throughout. Another friend of mine said that if it had happened to her, she would not have been so nice and polite. I thought about all the times I'd seen Lisa when she'd been perfectly friendly towards me, always greeting me with a hug. Had it all been fake? Or had something changed along the way without me noticing?

At first, I blamed myself. Maybe I was being too sensitive. Maybe I misunderstood the situation. But deep down, I knew better. That text wasn't a misunderstanding; it was a glimpse into how Lisa really felt about me.

Her reaction — the nasty comment, the gaslighting, and the final act of blocking me — told me everything I needed to know. It wasn't just the words in the text that hurt; it was the realisation that someone I was fond of couldn't stand me. And yet, she pretended to like me.

As painful as it was, I came to see her mistake as a strange blessing. I feel that the universe did me a huge favour and showed me what Lisa really thought of me. Now, I never need to waste my time on her again. I don't need someone like that in my life.

If Lisa had an issue with me, she could have been honest. Instead, she chose cruelty and avoidance. But that text was a wake-up call. It reminded me that not everyone who smiles at you is your friend.

It's better to know where you stand with someone than to live under the illusion of friendship.

As told to Ann DeGrey.

Feature Image: Getty.