Having each other’s backs during times of need is one of the cornerstones of a good friendship. However, that does not give anyone the license to take advantage of the person who will be there for you, regardless of the circumstances.
A bride didn’t seem to understand this concept when she asked her childhood friend and bridesmaid to bake her wedding cake. With the total amount costing around $800, she wanted to pay a meager $150.
The ludicrous request didn’t sit well with her friend, whose husband urged her to skip the wedding altogether.
Some people seem willing to take advantage of their friends for their own gain
Image credits: freepik (not the actual photo)
A woman shared her story of how her friend tried to lowball her into making a wedding cake
Image credits: Wedding cake / freepik (not the actual photo)
With the original price being $800, the bride wanted to pay a mere $150
Image credits: freepik (not the actual photo)
The disagreement created some division within the bridal party
The author provided a breakdown of her expenses
Image credits: CakesNGames90
A sense of entitlement can be an expression of grievances and frustration
Many people would be quick to jump to conclusions and accuse the bride of being entitled. However, her behavior may be a result of pent-up frustrations and grievances.
According to psychotherapist and psychoanalyst F. Diane Barth, a person may act entitled as a result of mistreatment or not getting what they need.
“It can be a way of saying, 'I deserve to be taken care of, or treated with compassion and respect, just as much as anyone else does,’” Barth wrote, adding that their behavior could be a “shift towards self-respect.”
The bride may have been feeling the pressure as her wedding day approaches, along with the financial burden of her bills racking up. However, it does not excuse her to make such a ridiculous request in the name of friendship.
An even uglier scenario would be that the bride could be taking advantage of her friend blatantly, given their closeness. According to journalist, entrepreneur, and former Johns Hopkins Carey Business School professor Bruce Y. Lee, refusing to respect boundaries and trying to make a person feel bad for setting them are tell-tale signs.
Most experts would always advise establishing these strict boundaries and declining unrealistic demands. In some cases, it may be necessary to set limits, even in close friendships.
The woman had the right to say no, given the amount she was offered for the effort she would need to put in. She may need to speak with the bride and work out a reasonable compromise. But if that doesn’t work, she may be better off following her husband’s advice and skipping the wedding.
The author also answered some questions
Most commenters sided with the author and her husband
However, some thought she was being unreasonable
