Prefacing this by saying Im waiting on an autism assessment, so this may be why I'm baffled.
My friend invited my daughter, 10, away for an overnight stay at a UK resort with her two children and another friend from school. She would have been paying for it all and likely much extra costs whilst there, aside from spending money I'd have sent. She would have been offended if I gave any money towards it. She also said I could come if I wanted to but wasn't clear if my two DS' were also invited. I've known said friend for 11 years, our daughters have grown up together.
Friend really struggles with money, is disabled and a single parent, but had received some backpay and wanted to use it to treat the children. I said no thank you and she left it. However the other night when she had a glass of wine she told me she was heartbroken when i said no, and that it was like a stab in the heart to her. I laughed thinking she was joking and she said she wasn't.
I'm still a bit confused...why was I expected to agree? Is it not my choice as a parent and a person to say no? It was a lovely offer, but I felt uncomfortable about it. I now feel slightly irritated because I've been made to feel bad about something because I "should" have said yes.
I understand her angle to a degree, but not the extent of the upset? Its rattling around in my mind because I don't quite get it. Any insight appreciated!