She Ordered a $200 Steak and Asked to Split the Bill — I Responded Gracefully

I hugged her back. “That’s what friends are for. We learn.”

That night didn’t end with resentment or guilt.

It ended with understanding.

And yes — the salad was good.

But the real satisfaction came from something else entirely.

It came from honoring myself — calmly, respectfully, and without apology.

And that? That tasted even better.