When I chose a vegan restaurant for my birthday dinner, I thought my seven friends would understand it was my special day. But when the $375 bill came and no one moved, one of them said, “You should pay. We hate vegan food — we only came here for you.” Instead of feeling celebrated, I felt cornered and embarrassed.

So I stood up, smiled, and walked out. Ten minutes later, I came back holding a stack of receipts from past steakhouse birthdays — dinners I had attended for their celebrations and happily paid my share, even though I don’t eat meat. The room went silent as they realized I’d supported their preferences without complaint, while they refused to do the same for mine.

Later, they texted saying I was “childish” and “embarrassing.” But the truth was, they were uncomfortable because I’d made them confront their entitlement. I didn’t apologize. Instead, I responded, “Next time, let’s rotate restaurant choices so everyone gets a turn. I want to celebrate with people who actually want to celebrate me.”

Now I know — true friends don’t just show up for the food. They show up for you.