Two weeks ago, I was excited to attend a friend’s baby shower and volunteered to cook for 50 people. I spent the entire day before chopping, cooking, and baking, eager to celebrate her milestone. Late that evening, I got a message from her: I was uninvited due to limited venue space, but she still wanted me to drop off the food.
I was stunned and hurt. After investing so much time, energy, and money, being excluded felt like a slap in the face. I calmly responded, thanking her for the invite but saying I couldn’t deliver the food due to changed plans. The next day, mutual friends shared that the shower lacked enough food, causing issues.
It was disappointing to have my kindness taken for granted, but it taught me a valuable lesson about setting boundaries. Saying no is okay when efforts aren’t appreciated. I don’t hold a grudge, but I’ve learned to prioritize relationships with people who value my time and care. True friends reciprocate love and respect, and those are the bonds worth keeping.
As for the ads, I ignored them: sensationalized clickbait like “Pa Viagra! Seksi 3 orë” or “Seks 10 herë në ditë” felt irrelevant and tacky compared to the real lesson of self-respect.
