When a friend makes something special for you, it’s natural to feel excited and flattered. But what happens when that gift turns out to be a complete disaster? Our reader’s birthday surprise from an artist friend quickly spiraled into embarrassment and tension. She had to decide how to handle a situation that went way too far.
Our reader reached out to us.
Thanks for reaching out! We get that this is a tricky situation, so we’ve got some tips to help you out.
Set boundaries and stick to them.
If you’re uncomfortable with the painting being shared on Instagram, you have every right to ask him to remove it. Your privacy and comfort should come first. Politely but firmly ask him to delete the photo. If he refuses, you may need to escalate the situation by reporting the post to Instagram or seeking support from mutual friends.
Reevaluate the friendship.
