Best friend doesn't want to come to my 18th

The inside source was her mum. I just wanted to write "inside source".

Perhaps you should help her instead of getting frustrated at her mental health condition.

Research social anxiety.

haha :') even mums can get it wrong sometimes, unless she outright told her mum. Just talk to her, I know she evading you but just try. Maybe give her a call, start the conversation about something else and then move onto the topic of your birthday.

if it's because she genuinely doesn't like going out and feels uncomfortable, i wouldn't get too mad at her for it. some people feel really awkward and anxious being around drunk partying people when they don't like being like that, and if she previously hasn't gone out to situations like that it's nothing personal, she probably wishes she felt comfortable enough to go out. maybe suggest a girly night in with pizza and movies as well to celebrate you're 18th? that way it's an extra celebration plus she's included

Thanks, I was planning on trying plug eventually. My sister's made me a plan for my birthday and it pretty much involves trying to make it all the way down West Street Thank you for the advice, I'll give it a go

Believe me, we have all tried asking her if she's okay. We've told her mum we're worried and her mum has said the same thing. Problem is, we've done all we can and there is no answer back from her. She always goes out with family. Just not with friends. And I think I'm allowed to be frustrated when she left me waiting at a bus stop for fifteen minutes in December, dressed for a party.

If you go to West Street, I'd avoid Basement, particularly if you've had a few drinks, those stairs are shocking and West Street Live (a bit cramped!). The places on Carver Street are waaay better!

As for your friend, maybe try a little gentle persuasion . "It won't be the same if you're not there", "we'd love you to come", "it's only one night, you might enjoy it", "everyone else is going", "we might not get too many more chances to do this again" etc. But if she is insistent she doesn't want to come, then there's not much you can do.

Edit: Just seen Laura's advice, if she really doesn't want to go and it's not her thing, then that's a great idea, plus you can extend your birthday celebrations!

You cant get annoyed at someone when its not their fault they are like that.

I know, but she knew I was waiting for her outside by myself. She really could have called me earlier. It's not like she even said sorry. Ah well, I'll let it go eventually.

In the OP's defence, she does seem to be willing to help her friend. It's not like she's hanging out to dry/ditching her. She's making alternative plans purely to suit one person. This will cost her more money, cause inconvenience, particularly around exam time and host two separate birthday celebrations, when she would otherwise only host one.

And if she's left outside in the freezing cold, which can be quite frightening for a young girl,I think she's entitled to be a little miffed. She's going above and beyond to help this one friend, seems to be understanding of the problem (as much as someone who hasn't suffered with mental health problems can be) and is even talking to this girl's mum to try and help her. She seems to be there for her, but there's only so much she can do!

I'm not sure what else she can do?