I always covered dinners for my friends. They said they were broke and I had the good job. I never asked for payback, but over time, it felt less like generosity and more like being used.
One night, I tested it: “I forgot my wallet—can someone grab this one?” Silence. Excuses. No one reached for the check. I paid again, but I went home knowing the truth: without my money, I wasn’t wanted.
I pulled back. Weeks passed. No one checked in. And strangely, I felt lighter. I tried pottery, volunteered, made space for myself. That’s where I met Jonah—gentle, present, the kind of person who listened. With him, I finally felt chosen, not just needed.
Months later, Devon apologized sincerely. Mark even started picking up checks himself. People do change, I guess. But I didn’t go back.
Now my circle is smaller. Real friends split the bill, respect boundaries, and care without conditions. That “wallet test” wasn’t petty—it showed me who truly stood beside me.
Sometimes the ones who let you fall were never your safety net. And the ones who catch you when you don’t even ask? Those are the ones worth keeping.
