This is a powerful story and i hope it helps many people.

You are a victor and be very proud of yourself. Your friend is a taker and don't pay her attention.

My former boss called and kept me on the phone for about an hour because she was sharing your story.

I can relate too.

True friends are rare. Many people coming our lives are "users", takers, and mixers.

Users are professional in what they do and you have to be brilliant to beat them. I know one snake, an IVY league college graduate, a college professor, and the most niceness person in the world. Another one, whom I threw out of my house two decade ago. They put me on the "BBC" and didn't care!

The professor always based her interaction on what benefit her and her children ONLY.

I'm so happy with my time and things these days. Any of my giving must clearly answer thses questions: Why am I giving? Whom am I giving my time, energy, and things to? Who benefit 90% of the time? Is it for an individual, community, or society?

Now, I focus my giving to women who really need help and I'm so happy so far. I don't do gift anymore and I'm a winner.

I learned a lot from my mother, MIL, and older sister. Life is fantastic when we say no---self-respect.

Welldone, Pene.