The Dinner That Taught Me to Stand Up for Myself—Without Losing a Friend

That stayed with me.

Later, lying in bed, I realized the dinner hadn’t been about money—it was about voice. About learning to speak up without guilt.

For years, I’d been a people-pleaser—saying yes when I wanted to say no, shrinking myself to keep others comfortable. But calling the restaurant ahead of time wasn’t rude. It was respectful—to both of us.

Because real friendship can hold honesty.Continue reading…

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