I Was the “Rich Friend” Everyone Counted On, So I Decided to Change the Rules

When it comes to group dinners, it should always be separate checks, unless everyone ordered the same thing. That avoids the unfairness of people having to pay more for what they got. In Jessy’s story, it gets worse. She pays the entire bill every time.

This is Jessy’s story.

Dear Bright Side,

Whenever we went out for dinner, my friends always “forgot” their wallets, so I ended up paying. They always had excuses, like rent or urgent bills, and reminded me I was well-off anyway. Yesterday, everything got even worse. They asked me to cover a very expensive bill worth almost $1,000.

I smiled and agreed. Then I said, “But since we’re keeping tabs, here’s what you guys still owe me.” Imagine their shock when I pulled out a list I’d been keeping for months and read it out loud, name by name, while people turned to look at us. After that, I added that they can even pay in installments.

They were obviously embarrassed. The next day, they texted me saying how “cheap” I was for keeping tabs on them and that they’re not paying me back. Now, I don’t know if I was too harsh with them. Should I just forget it?

Sincerely,
Jessy

This is what the Bright Side team thinks of your situation.

Hello Jessy,

Thank you for reaching out. You’re understandably fed up with your friends. They’re clearly using you for your wealth. Trying to guilt-trip you by saying you are “cheap” must’ve been hurtful. These people are not your real friends. Real friends wouldn’t ask for your money consistently and not even offer to pay you back.

Your response was confident and made sense. If they refuse to pay you back, then you don’t need to entertain them any longer. You can find better friends who understand your worth and won’t use you for your money. In the end, leaving them be is the best choice you can make.

We hope Jessy can find friends who value her for her lovely personality, rather than her net worth. Unfortunately, like Jessy’s old friends, many people have the wrong idea about friendship. Just check out these stories of people who have a twisted understanding of what it means to be there for each other.