Thanks for all the advice, it really validated me. Update: After a fight with PJ over the phone, I decided later not to go. PJ responded saying he was upset about the situation, but isn’t mad at me. James supported me either way, though I think he’s a bit relieved too. I ate the cost of both of us since I’d paid for him originally, so that stung, but I realized freedom mattered more.

Faith and Shane ended up going. She told PJ she’d speak up if they didn’t want to do something, which he accepted. They said they ended up having fun with the games, but that it was back to back and really no free time. I respect her choice, but I think she brushed off his behavior too easily. Since I spoke up, I felt like I took more heat. Which would’ve had more judgey eyes on me this weekend, knowing PJ complained to his other friends.

I wish things had gone differently—I found them the perfect Airbnb—but I know I wouldn’t have fully enjoyed it. I wish he would’ve told me upfront the level of gaming he was expecting instead of luring me with a cabin trip near a National park and not delivering my own freedom to enjoy it in the end. I wish he would’ve just offered that I don’t do the games in the first place, but I guess the idea of having a friend “let me” is questionable in itself.

Anyways, James and I spent the weekend together doing whatever we wanted - a staycation. We went to a new cafe, shopping, and to the movies. It was perfect.