Every year, our friend group plans a girls’ weekend getaway, and this year, it was my turn to organize it. I found a perfect cozy cabin on a sparkling lake for $2,000 for three nights, splitting the cost to $250 each for our group of eight. I booked the cabin upfront, expecting everyone to pay me back before the trip. They all agreed, saying, “Sounds perfect, Sarah!” and “Thanks for taking care of that.”

As the trip approached, my friends started making excuses. Mary needed new brakes, Brittany was overwhelmed by student loans, and Melissa had to wait until her next paycheck. Weeks went by with no payments, and eventually, they stopped responding. I was out $2,000 and felt completely used.

Determined to teach them a lesson, I devised a plan. The night before the trip, I texted them, “Can’t wait to see you all at the cabin tomorrow!” The next morning, I stocked the cabin with food and drinks, then took the keys and left, claiming I had an urgent task. When they arrived and found the doors locked, I told them I’d forgotten the keys but would return soon.

Their texts turned desperate, and I finally replied, “I’ll come back once everyone has sent over their share of the rental cost.” Payments quickly started rolling in. Within an hour, I had received every penny.

When I returned, they mumbled apologies. The weekend was tense but marked by newfound respect. Mary apologized, saying, “Seriously, Sarah, I’m so sorry about the car thing. You were totally right to be mad.” Brittany added, “Those loans can wait, but friendships can’t.”

By the end of the trip, the tension had lessened, and we learned that respect is a two-way street. This experience made for a memorable story and taught us important lessons about standing up for oneself and the value of mutual respect.