Feeling upset

Don’t worry about it. Probably there was always a bit of non compatibility there and Covid brought it out. We have a similar position with some people we used to go out with. One couple we just didn’t really like but we kept asking them because the other couple were their close friends. Since Covid we have drifted and now we only keep in touch with our original friends and we don’t go out together much anyway.

People can display odd behaviour under any circumstances it’s all rather childish. When I was divorced my first husband I lost our mutual friends. I was not invited to family parties either it’s as if I didn’t fit as a single parent.
It was hurtful but I got over it and had to rise above it to move on. At least you are not alone so enjoy new friends you will encounter.

Neither couple is worthy of you or your headspace. Forget them.

sounds a bit childish to me.
who cares, let them do what they want.
you can't control other people.
does it really matter.

Bear in mind that you have each other.

I have found as a widow that I am often side lined and I have no-one to go to for a hug.

Hi, yes this is upsetting. But if it hadn't been covid that intervened something else would have emerged eventually. Sometimes the folk we think are our friends aren't really, they are just acquaintances.

So, treat them like you would acquaintances - if you bump into them say hello and be polite then move on. If you meet them at other events, do likewise. No need to explain yourself, as Razzamatazz says, rise above it.

Covid has shown me that some humans live by a different moral code. I have been very disappointed by the behaviour of some friends, they just can't be the people I need them to be.

Rise above this perceived insult and move forwards and onwards towards bigger and better things.