I had a best friend for a few years who I cared deeply about. She got into a toxic narcissistic relationship with someone and we lost touch. After that ended, I gradually started hearing from her again and really hoped that maybe our friendship could come back but it’s never been the same. I ended up moving into her house and moved out a few months later because the landlord was selling the house in Dec of 2022. Subsequently, I’ve dealt with a plethora of health issues and significant life events non-stop for about 8 months including unexpected surgery in February. She didn’t reach out or pay me my deposit back. I asked and finally she told me she ran into hard times and spent my deposit but didn’t have it. I told her about my health issues and asked over and over again about a payment plan to which she just stated she would pay me when she had it.
Fast forward it’s now September… I moved out in December… legally I should have received my deposit back 21 days after moving out. I am on food stamps. I had a period of time where I couldn’t work because of my health issues and it is still like pulling teeth to get a response from her let alone money. I have only gotten a portion of my deposit back and when I expressed to her how much the lack of communication was hurting me, she has not acknowledged it, just acted like I’m an inconvenience. I feel so cast aside and taken advantage of. I didn’t do anything wrong and the stress from this situation has absolutely exacerbated my health issues. This person used to be my best friend. All I’ve wanted to do today was cry. I couldn’t focus on work. I am so heartbroken. The past year has been so challenging and I just don’t have any bandwidth. I wish I had help for this situation and I wish this situation didn’t make me feel like such shit. I feel I’ve been more than patient but having my very valid feelings ignored and then treated like trash from someone who was one my best friend hurts so very much.
I’ve shown friends our text thread and they’ve reassured me that I haven’t been overbearing or out of line to feel this way. I know I’m grieving and at this point, I just don’t know what my options are. I live in California and I’ve heard small claims can be a nightmare. I am also broke. Any advice would be welcome. Our friendship is definitely over which sucks. I’m just hoping I can get my money back and move on.
