I Flew In to Help My Best Friend Before Labor—But What
A Friendship Tested
At 35, I realized: “Sometimes the people you’d move mountains for are the same ones who hand you a shovel and expect you to keep digging.” Claire was my best friend since college, and when she needed help during her third pregnancy, I said, “I’ll come. Just say when.”
Old Patterns, New Expectations
I planned a two-week visit to support Claire. But right away, something felt wrong. Claire announced, “I’m having the C-section tomorrow morning. Nine o’clock.” I adjusted to help with her kids and the new baby.
The Breaking Point
Then Claire gave me a strict document titled “Maya’s responsibilities while Claire recovers and Jordan rests.” Jordan was often out, and Claire said, “You can really focus on the kids and house.”
Walking Away
I left, telling her, “I came here to help as your friend, not to be your housekeeper.” Claire blocked me and accused me of abandonment, but I knew, this “is not friendship. It’s exploitation.”
