Digital content creator Ebony Mackey (@ebonyandjohn) took to social media platform, TikTok, to share how declining a friend’s birthday trip resulted in the end of a friendship.
According to Mackey, her friendship of five years ended after she told her friend that she would not be able to afford an international trip to Italy within a month’s notice.
@ebonyandjon It always sucks loosing friends espexially when you’re grown! #friendship #ex #notfriends #fypシ゚viral #storytime #truestory #thoughts ♬ original sound - Ebony & Jon
“About 2 weeks ago I get a text from my friend, we’ve been friends for about 5 years now and she’s inviting people to her birthday celebration which is at the end of the month and I get a text message from her and she is saying that she wants to celebrate her birthday in Italy,” said the content creator.
Mackey goes on to reveal that the trip included 5 days in Italy staying at an Airbnb divided amongst a group of 10 people at the cost of $1350 (over R24 000).
The friends would also have to pay for their own airfare to Italy and other activities including a boat ride, an eight course group dinner and tipping of staff all within a months notice.
After weighing the costs, the content creator revealed that she politely told her friend that she wouldn’t be able to make the trip due to work commitments, however and also offered to treat the friend to a dinner or spa date after returning from the trip.
In her video, Mackey also shared that following this, her interaction with the friend declined and that she was sad at realising she had lost a friend. Her account sparked a debate with netizens sharing their opinions on the matter whist also consoling the content creator.
Commenting on @genxhalloweenbaby said: “A month is not advance notice for a 5 day, international trip.”
Another user, @heysweetcaroline, said: “My cousin invited me and 6 people to celebrate her birthday in Greece and a Mediterranean cruise. She gave us THREE years notice. Leave that girl alone because you deserve better, love.”
@nohometownglory said: “I live in Italy. 45 mins from the Amalfi coast. No reason ten people need to pay $1350 for an Airbnb!”
While @yolandambaleki said:“My mom always said if aren’t able to cover everyone’s cheque when inviting them something then you probably shouldn’t be hosting.
“This is in relation to birthday dinners inviting someone out of the country then hopping on the internet to call them broke after you explained that you wouldn’t be able to make it is absolutely absurd.”