My Friends Thought I’d Pay for Everyone Because I’m Vegan — I Refused, and They Got Exactly What They Deserved
We all hope our friends will support the choices that matter to us, especially on our birthdays. But sometimes, the people closest to us can make us feel small for simply being ourselves.
That’s what happened to one of our , Serena (22, F), when she tried to celebrate her birthday in a way that reflected her values.
She told us her story:
I’ve been vegan for three years now. It’s not a trend or a phase, it’s a part of who I am. So for my birthday, I wanted to pick a restaurant that offered vegan and non-vegan options, so everyone could enjoy something they liked. To me, it was the perfect compromise: thoughtful, inclusive, and aligned with what mattered to me.
But as soon as we sat down, things took a turn.
While flipping through the menu, one friend wrinkled her nose. “Ew, it’s all rabbit food!” she said. Another chimed in, “We still have to pay for this? What a rip-off!” They laughed together, like it was the funniest thing in the world. I tried to smile, but inside, my chest tightened. It was my birthday and they couldn’t stop mocking something I deeply believed in, although I had never pressured them to follow my lifestyle.
