My neighbor Karen and I have daughters the same age, so when she asked me to carpool her daughter, Emily, to school “just this once,” I agreed without hesitation. At first, it really was just once. But soon, those favors turned into almost daily requests. No gas money, no thank-you gifts, and never an offer to return the favor. I had become her personal chauffeur.
Last week, everything changed. I was running late for work and asked Karen if she could take my daughter, Sophie, to school just this one time. She hesitated, then said, “Oh, um… I would, but there’s just not enough space in my car.” I stared at her SUV, completely speechless. The excuse was weak, and the message was clear—she was happy to take, but never to give.
The very next morning, as if nothing had happened, she texted me again: “Can you take Emily to school today? I’ve got an early meeting. Thanks!” I smiled to myself and replied, “Sure thing, Karen. No problem!”
But instead of driving straight to school, I followed the exact route Karen always complained about—the long one. I stopped for gas. Then coffee. Then hit traffic near the park. By the time we finally arrived, the bell had just rung, and Emily had to hurry inside, clearly stressed and embarrassed.
That afternoon, Karen stormed over, furious that her daughter had been late. Calmly, I explained that I had a busy morning and figured she wouldn’t mind, since space and time always seemed to be such an issue for her too. I added that from now on, I wouldn’t be able to help with carpooling anymore.
She didn’t argue. She just nodded and walked away. Since that day, she’s never asked me for a ride again—and somehow, she’s managed to get her daughter to school all on her own. Sometimes, the best way to deal with entitled people is to give them exactly what they give you.
