I had to pay a $25 cancellation fee for missing a friend's birthday dinner.

By @gusmm · Friends

A friend of mine organized a big birthday dinner at a restaurant that required a non-refundable deposit per person. I got a flat tire on the way and couldn't make it, and now she's Venmo-requesting me the $25 she lost on my spot. I get that she's out the money, but it feels weird to charge a friend for something that wasn't my fault.

The full story

So my friend booked a table for 15 people for her birthday at one of those places that's impossible to get into. She had to put down a credit card and they told her any no-shows would be a $25 fee. Fine. But on my way there, I got a flat tire in the middle of the highway. Obviously, I couldn't make it. I called her, told her what happened, and she was like 'oh no, be safe!' but this morning I woke up to a $25 Venmo request from her with the knife and fork emoji. It's not about the money, but it just feels so transactional. Like, am I a friend or a customer?

How people voted

Side A — 28% (40 votes)
Both — 34% (48 votes)
Side B — 38% (55 votes)

Readers are split: “Side B” leads with 38% — 143 votes and 5 comments so far.

What people are saying

@derekkk — I get it, she's out the money, but it's the cost of having friends. It's just $25... she should have just eaten the cost.
@fayeactually — She had to pay for your spot. You should pay her back. On their side.
@quinnyk — A flat tire is not your fault. Her sending a Venmo request is.
@yeahno — It's a tough one. It wasn't your fault but it also wasn't hers. It's the restaurant's policy. I'd probably just pay it to keep the peace.
@gabekk — the knife and fork emoji is sending me

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