My Best Friend Used Me for Years — Until I Gave Her the Most Expensive Lesson of Her Life
I never thought money could ruin a friendship, but it’s tearing mine apart. My best friend and I were close for years; I always helped when she was broke—paying rent, groceries, bills—without question. It felt good at first, but it became an expectation. She never repaid me, just said she was struggling. I told myself it was fine: “That’s what friends do.”
But the sacrifices were one-sided. She acted like someone would always bail her out. Then she asked for $2,000, saying I was “doing better,” so it “shouldn’t be a big deal.” It stung. I’d worked hard for stability; her words made my effort feel like an endless ATM. For the first time, I said no.
The next day, she posted online: “Some people are selfish, only caring about themselves even though they have everything.” It was clearly about me. After all I’d given—quietly, without thanks—she publicly vilified me. I was furious and humiliated.
I screenshotted it, messaged her, listed every unpaid dollar, and demanded it all back. I warned that if she refused, I’d take further steps.
Friendship should mean trust and support, not betrayal. This hurt deeply; she showed how little she valued my help. Now I wonder: Did I overreact by demanding repayment and threatening action, or was I finally standing up after being used for too long?
