So I (16F) have this friend, Maya. We’ve been friends for over a year, and things were good at first—she’s loud, outgoing, the “funny one” in the group. But ever since people started getting closer to me, I’ve noticed this weird shift.

It’s like she has to be the center of attention. If someone compliments me, she’ll instantly change the subject. If I’m telling a story, she’ll interrupt with a “joke” (just an insult about me) or make a side comment to get people laughing. It’s subtle, but it happens every time. Even teachers have complimented me on presentations or anything like that, and she’ll immediately chime in with some stupid comment.

Now look, I understand she might be insecure. She's mentioned family problems, probably has daddy issues and I do feel guilty about it, no one should go through that. But my dad's kicked me and my mom outta the house multiple times and I've never acted like this.

I tried to ignore it. I even gaslit myself into thinking I was just overthinking. But the last straw was at lunch the other day. A few classmates were hyping me up about something (I don’t even remember what—it wasn’t that deep), and Maya goes, "God, do you guys ever shut up about her? No one cares about how great she is." Dead serious. And the table just went silent.

I snapped. "Do you ever shut up? I swear, people can't even say good news around you or your fragile ego will burst. Just shut up, Maya. No one cares about you. Stop being jealous."

Now people are saying I was too harsh and should’ve talked to her in private, but honestly? I’ve tried. Multiple times. She brushes it off or acts like I’m imagining things.

So, AITA?