AITA? Expectations of old friends

I went to grad school with one of my friends back home in the Midwest where I grew up and I moved away after graduation 3 years ago to take a job in the west coast. We’ve kept in touch with occasional calls, and most times I’ve come back home we’ve met up. They also came to visit me in my new state a few months ago. We work in the same field, but I have advanced with additional training and a new job, but they have remained unemployed after our program. They have struggled alot post grad with mental health and job issues, and ive tried to be supportive, without judgement and have offered help in their job search. Most of our conversations are me listening to them vent without reciprocation or interest in my life. Recently, my brother had a baby and I spent a week back home to help care for my sister in law and help around the house while they adjust to a newborn, and to spend time with my first nephew. I made plans the first night in town with said friend and and had a pleasant evening (though still mainly hearing about their job and problems). They asked to hang out again during the week, I politely declined as I wanted to spend time with my family and nephew, and wanted to make dinner for them each night to help out. My friend then sent a message saying they wished we could spend more time together and were disappointed. I followed up saying the next time I’m in town I’d let her know, it was great seeing them, but the rest of the week was busy with family. She then sent a text saying I was basically making a excuse to not see her. I felt like I was kind and clear in my response. We made plan in advance, hung out, but when she invited me to hang again I politely said I wanted to spend time with family and I couldn’t. AITA? I haven’t replied because I honestly don’t know how. I’m getting so tired of my friend only looking at things through her eyes and not understanding that not everything is personal or about her. We’re in our 30’s and the guilt tripping is really upsetting, no other “friends” do that to me

Posted May 1, 2026, 11:35 AM UTC

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