This Is Why I Don't Hang Out With You

I became friends with a classmate of mine in elementary school. We lost contact, both moved, and then, years later, found each other on Facebook. I has forgotten why I had distanced myself from her years earlier but now I remember. Here is the story...

So, today is Tuesday. Last week I decided I wanted to go see a new movie that came out. Most of my friends work during the week and the earlier in the day you see a movie, the cheaper it is. I messaged this friend about going with me because she does not have a job either. (I have been laid off for 5 months now.) She said great and we made plans for Friday morning.

Unfortunately, she had to bring her very young son and ended up missing most of the movie. I stayed till the end because it was more than half way through. She felt horrible about it and asked if I would want to try again on Sunday because the baby's father would be able to watch him. She said she would pay, so I agreed. Remember I am unemployed and can't really go around spending money to watch movies (in 3D) over and over. 

We went to lunch and then went to our own homes. 

Sunday came and we were once again at the theater. Here is where the trouble really started. We were in line to buy the tickets and I gently asked her if I was still going to go up to the counter with her or if we are paying separately. I am a very nice person and do not like other people paying for me. She said something like, "Which ever, I'm sure they can do it either way", which was her way of gently saying I had to pay for myself. I didn't really mind until I heard what she said next. "We have to pay bills to you know!" and laughed. I ignored that because, like I said, I am a very nice person. 

We watch the movie and then I (stupidly) ask if she was hungry. She said "a little" and asked if I was. I really was. She knows the mall better than me so I asked if they had a Subway. Yes they do, and she lead the way. As we approached the counter, she said, "Is there any way that you can pay for me and I'll pay you back?" 

I started to get angry. I made sure to say "Five dollar foot longs all the way, right?" to which she agreed. Their soda machine was down so I paid for the sandwiches and we found a table. I hardly ever get a drink anyways, but I know she always does. We were looking around at the different restaurants when she offered to go get the drinks. I thought she was offering to pay, so I said sure and told her what I wanted. My sandwich was already unwrapped. I was very hungry. 

We decided to get drinks from one of the other restaurants and I once again told her what I wanted but she was still standing there. That's when I realized she was only offering to go to the counter and pick them up but I had to pay. I was sort of stuck at that point and got a $5 out of my wallet. She went and got two fountain drinks, came back and somewhat reluctantly handed me about 80 cents. I was somewhat amazed. 

I started remembering that this is exactly how she had acted years earlier. She would promise to pay me back but never did, promise to call but really expected me to make all of the calls. And, she always wanted to talk about herself.  

During lunch I made sure to do most of the talking. I had to pay, so I got to vent. I had a lot to vent about thanks to a fight I had with a family member of mine. Every time she started talking, I basically interrupted and began talking about my problems again. Why not.

After lunch, we walked to our cars and went home. I vowed to never do anything with her again when money would be involved. She is a nice person, easy to talk to, will let me vent, and is a very loyal friend, but she costs a small fortune. 

That is it for my story. I had to get out there because it was driving me crazy. Writing has always helped me calm down and why not make it a post here, right? Thanks for reading!