Sarah was excited to host her annual girls’ weekend and booked a beautiful $2,000 cabin, expecting each of her eight friends to pay their $250 share before the trip. Everyone promised they would, but as the weekend approached, excuses started rolling in—car repairs, student loans, and delayed paychecks—and none of her friends actually paid her back.
Feeling frustrated and taken advantage of, Sarah came up with a plan: the night before the trip, she filled the cabin with snacks and set up a cozy bonfire but took the keys with her, locking everyone out when they arrived.
She told them she’d only return once she received full payment. Faced with locked doors and no way in, her friends finally sent their money, and Sarah came back, sparking an honest conversation about trust, respect, and responsibility.
Although the trip didn’t start as planned, it ended with heartfelt apologies and a renewed sense of friendship—proving sometimes tough love is the best lesson.