...
By Melissa Fleur Afshar
Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
A cat owner has been cheered by viewers online after sharing why she refused to invite her friend over for dinner.
The woman, known online as u/howcanibequiltyassin, took to social media on June 12 to voice that the decision came after her friend, Rose, said that she does not like eating in homes with cats. The Reddit user's post has been upvoted more than 13,000 times and has led to an outpouring of support for the woman.
"A while back I posted a picture to [Instagram] of my cat sitting NEXT TO my counter as I was cooking," the woman said. "On his own stool. He was watching. Not anywhere near the food. He doesn't go on counters. He doesn't go near the food.
Read More on On the Internet
"My 'friend' Rose reposted it with her own caption, a puke face emoji and 'you can't eat [at] everybody house'," she added.
"Rose's reaction online could be a form of social signaling," Deborah Gilman, a licensed psychologist who owns Fox Chapel Psychological Services in Pennsylvania, told Newsweek. "People often use humor or exaggerated statements to fit in with a perceived social norm, which seems to be a pattern for this person."
Still, regardless of her intentions, Rose's comment did not land well with the cat owner.
"I ignored it and went about my business," the woman said, adding that Rose frequently uses trending catchphrases and humor in her social-media interactions. "She is very much the type of person who just regurgitates whatever popular phrases she sees on social media."
The woman generally avoids one-on-one interactions, with Rose considering these quirks, but added that she still values certain aspects of their friendship.
The situation escalated when the woman hosted a gathering to showcase her new cookware purchases, choosing not to invite Rose. The pet owner believed that she would not have been comfortable due to her previous comments about the cat.
Rose later found out about the gathering through posts on Instagram and accused the woman of exhibiting "high school mean girl vibes" by refusing to invite her.
The woman responded by pointing out Rose's aversion to eating at homes with cats, and questioned why she would want to attend a dinner party under those circumstances.
"Choosing not to invite someone who has expressed discomfort with your pet or home environment is a way of setting boundaries," Gilman said. "It shows that you prioritize a comfortable and inclusive space for your gatherings."
Many of the 1,000 Reddit users who engaged with the woman's post have also justified her decision to block Rose from attending the event.
"Your dinner guest list is your decision," one user, u/rb1327, wrote. "But you're not even friends and she obviously aggravates you. Are you so desperate for social media followers you won't just block her? That's what you should have done when she reposted your cat photo with the insulting remark. Move on from her already."
Another, u/maximussarc, added: "In my opinion, [the woman] respected Rose's feelings by not inviting Rose to a dinner party that would have made her puke."
To mend the pair's friendship wound, Gilman said that the woman might benefit from a direct conversation with Rose—to address the issue and set clear boundaries.
"Healthy friendships involve mutual respect, understanding, and the ability to communicate openly," Gilman added. "The woman might consider if a direct conversation with Rose about her comment and how it made her feel might be beneficial to heal the friendship."
The psychologist added that the woman's decision not to invite Rose may have been a form of self-preservation and boundary-setting, which she says is essential for maintaining a positive and supportive social environment.
"Sometimes, friendships fizzle out as people grow and change," Gilman said. "It's OK to reevaluate friendships and prioritize those that align with your values and lifestyle."
Are you and your friend stuck in an argument? Let us know via life@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
...
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines