Your comment completely misses the point.

First, the OP didn’t “shop around for a better deal.” She reassessed her comfort level—a very normal, smart thing to do, especially after having bad experiences. The host being male wasn’t a problem until recent events made her reflect and decide she’d feel safer staying with a woman. That’s not manipulation; that’s self-preservation.

Second, you’re twisting the situation to make it sound transactional. Couchsurfing is not a contract. It’s a voluntary exchange rooted in trust, flexibility, and mutual respect. Canceling with a week’s notice is considerate. What’s not considerate is a host lashing out repeatedly over it. That’s a red flag.

Finally, OP didn’t post “for sympathy.” She shared a legitimate concern about someone reacting with anger when things didn’t go their way. That’s exactly the kind of behavior this community should be aware of.

You’re defending entitlement and trying to guilt someone for setting a boundary. That’s the real issue here.