Friendship is often revealed through small acts of kindness—the effort you give simply because you care. Two weeks ago, I was reminded how telling those moments can be when a close friend invited me to her baby shower.
Wanting to make the day special, I volunteered to handle the food for fifty guests. I planned the menu, shopped, and spent hours preparing everything, imagining a joyful celebration and a grateful friend. The night before the event, however, I received a message uninviting me. Confused and hurt, I realized the decision wasn’t a mistake, despite all the work already done.
The experience was painful, but it brought clarity. True generosity shouldn’t depend on recognition, and not every relationship values effort equally. While friendships should be reciprocal, this moment reminded me to protect my boundaries and invest in people who genuinely appreciate my presence. I still choose kindness—but now with greater self-respect and discernment.
