The shock arrived the morning before the party. While she was busy cooking, she received a text message. It wasn’t a call or a detailed explanation. Reva messaged her that she had to uninvite the author due to space limitations. Yet, she still expected the food to be dropped off.
Reva’s exact message was: “Hey love! I’m so grateful you offered to cook! Just a small update—we’ve had to limit guests for space, but we’d still love the food if you can bring it. Hope that’s okay!”
A Friend’s Advice and the Inner Struggle
Confused and upset, the author called her cousin, Riya, and read the message aloud. Riya’s reaction was immediate and firm: “Hell no. You are not cooking for someone who uninvites you and still wants the food. Who does she think she is?”
Riya urged the author not to deliver the food, suggesting she “Keep it. Feed yourself for a week. Take it to a shelter. But do not let her walk all over you.”
Despite this clear advice, the author felt a confusing mix of habit and guilt. She had already cooked half the food, and so, she kept going. The next day, she loaded the massive trays into her car and drove to the house.
Reva didn’t even greet her at the car. She sent her cousin out to the curb instead. The cousin simply said, “Reva says thank you! This all smells amazing!” and didn’t even offer to help carry the heavy trays. The author drove away feeling like a fool and realized she was upset not just about the party, but because she felt used.
Continue reading…
