I’m a 26F, and my best friend 27F has been incredibly frustrating whenever I talk about the possibility of moving.

Whether it's more career, a relationship, or just a chance - I've been pretty vocal about this consideration I have about moving out of state and even out of the country. Personally, I wouldn’t mind relocating at all, in fact, I would love the change. I’ve always wanted to experience living somewhere new. Here’s the problem: One of my closest friends doesn’t take this well at all. Every time I bring up the idea of moving, whether it's for career, or just a change — she shuts down emotionally. Sometimes she’ll just change the subject, other times she’ll get visibly upset and won’t talk to me for days.

What frustrates me the most is that I’ve never said I want to cut her out of my life. Of course I’d still visit, stay in touch, call her, keep her updated — she’s someone I care deeply about. It’s not like I’m disappearing off the face of the earth. But it feels like she’s already mourning the friendship just because I’m open to relocating. She’s even said things like, “What’s the point of being close friends if you’re just going to leave anyway?” It’s really frustrating because it feels like I can’t talk about my future goals or plans around her without her spiraling into sadness or trying to guilt-trip me into staying. She’ll try to convince me that the new place I’m excited about is awful or that I’m making a mistake — not from a place of concern, but because she doesn’t want me to leave. I understand that change is hard and that friendships evolving can be painful. But at the same time, we’re at a stage in life where people do move — for marriage, work, school, growth, etc. That’s just part of adulthood. I want to be able to share my aspirations with the people close to me without feeling like I’m doing something wrong or being punished emotionally. I feel like her attitude is really limiting, and honestly, it’s starting to weigh on me. We’ve been friends for 13 years. It’s not that she’s a bad person at all — she just struggles with severe anxiety, and I think she deals with a lot of loneliness. She’s always been a bit socially awkward and introverted, and I’ve kind of been her only close friend. I don’t say that in a condescending way — just to give context.

I care about her deeply, but I don’t know how to navigate this dynamic without constantly suppressing my excitement or dreams.

AITAH for thinking she’s being too sensitive and needs to get over it?