Why do some people chuck a tantrum if you won't do as they say?

[WhereAreMyWellies]

Twice lately I've refused to do what 2 different people said. Friend 1 is fine as long as everything going her own way. We were going on a night out - 5 of us - and without my knowledge she nominated me as driver for the night. When I refused she got really angry and shouted at me on the phone and said not to bother going then. I was polite but said I didn't want to drive as I wanted to drink some wine and it would be better if we shared a taxi.

Second person keeps making demands on me about childcare. She keeps wanting me to pick her daughter up from school, take her to activities like brownies. I got fed up with it as I have 4 DCs of my own and she phoned a couple of days ago asking if I'd pick her up from school tonight and I said it wouldn't be possible and she started ranting at me then put the phone down.

I don't like fall outs but won't be a door mat but why do some people want everything their own way?

Because they are selfish arseholes! Seriously, well done you for standing up to them.

thank you glen

I have a funny feeling friend 1 is going to make life hard for me for not doing as she said. She is very good at turning people against others and at being very very bitchy and underhand. Oh well though, I am probably best rid of her.

Well, scenario 'B' isn't a friend is she - she's a user and you're well rid. I take it she doesn't reciprocate by picking your DCs up sometimes? No, thought not.
Scenario 'A' sounds like a bossy boots & you did the right thing to stick to your guns - designated driver is a voluntary not co-opted role, & if you'd given in it would have spoilt your night out but no-one else would have cared. Sounds like you have nice clear boundaries - a great asset!

Friend 1 - not called Wendy is she? . There were threads about this type of behaviour (turning a group of friends against one member) a while back.

Because they're bullies.