Friendship is often shown through small acts of kindness—but sometimes those same acts reveal whether you’re truly valued or quietly taken for granted. I learned that lesson two weeks ago.
A close friend invited me to her baby shower, and I was genuinely excited. Wanting to help, I volunteered to handle the food—not just a dish, but food for fifty people. I spent an entire day cooking: chopping, baking, tasting, and preparing everything with care. It wasn’t just food; it was love.
Late that night, my phone buzzed. Her message stopped me cold:
“I’m so sorry, but I’ll have to uninvite you. The venue doesn’t have enough space. I still hope you can drop off the food tomorrow though.”
I read it again and again. Uninvited—but my food was still welcome. My effort mattered. I didn’t.
After sitting with the hurt, I replied calmly:
“Thank you for the invite. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to deliver the food either, as my plans have changed.”
The next day, I heard the shower ran out of food. I felt a brief sense of vindication—but mostly relief.
This wasn’t about food. It was about respect.
Kindness should never cost you your dignity. True friends value you, not just what you provide. Setting boundaries isn’t cruelty—it’s self-respect.
True friends never uninvite you while keeping your contribution. They want you, not just what you can give.
