Hmmm, M's reaction makes me think that the subject of dating/asking you out has come up between her and her step brother before, and that she stressed to him how much against it she was. She may be lashing out at you as an extension of being angry with her step brother because he crossed that line that she drew with you (not that it makes it okay).
To me, it sounds like something that only M will be able to (or not be able to) get over herself. I don't think there's much you can do besides letting her know that you're willing to talk and try to work things out when she is (if you want to still continue being friends with her). The friend groups may just be avoiding you and possibly M so that they aren't caught in the crossfire. Or, maybe M told them your relationship was something more insidious with A than what it was. Personally, I don't think friends who ditch you based off of something like this are worth having – so, you can decide whether you want to give them time to hopefully come around, or not.
As for A, you two clearly have a connection and online together well. I wouldn't give that up to try and appease M when she's acting so irrationally and refusing to talk to you. Friendship is not blind loyalty no matter how shitty the other person treats you, so she's not being a friend to you right now. Plus, this might be a cork that can't be put back in the bottle for her – so, you could be risking something good you have with A for someone who might NOT recognize your feelings/efforts and move forward.
Steel-toed boots FTW – clumsy person
He makes his own choices. And you can make yours.
If you don't like how he treats you or the time he spends with with. Tell him. If he doesn't want to fix that issue. You don't have to stay with him.
The teddy bears are for the orphans he leaves behind. Haha.
Hmmm, M's reaction makes me think that the subject of dating/asking you out has come up between her and her step brother before, and that she stressed to him how much against it she was. She may be lashing out at you as an extension of being angry with her step brother because he crossed that line that she drew with you (not that it makes it okay).
To me, it sounds like something that only M will be able to (or not be able to) get over herself. I don't think there's much you can do besides letting her know that you're willing to talk and try to work things out when she is (if you want to still continue being friends with her). The friend groups may just be avoiding you and possibly M so that they aren't caught in the crossfire. Or, maybe M told them your relationship was something more insidious with A than what it was. Personally, I don't think friends who ditch you based off of something like this are worth having – so, you can decide whether you want to give them time to hopefully come around, or not.
As for A, you two clearly have a connection and online together well. I wouldn't give that up to try and appease M when she's acting so irrationally and refusing to talk to you. Friendship is not blind loyalty no matter how shitty the other person treats you, so she's not being a friend to you right now. Plus, this might be a cork that can't be put back in the bottle for her – so, you could be risking something good you have with A for someone who might NOT recognize your feelings/efforts and move forward.
She could be perimenopausal?
Have a small wedding at your new house! Perfect compromise!