(I am working third shift so sleep during the day. I also have children in school so I can’t turn off the phone. One very needy friend often calls during the hours I am sleeping, wanting me to run errands for her. This is because she is “so busy” and she “knows I would be home and my kids are in school so it shouldn’t be a problem and it’s so very important.” Each time I remind her of my work hours and need for sleep, but she persists. One night I call her on my work break.)

Friend: *sounding sleepy and annoyed* “Hi, it’s [Friend]; who’s calling me in the middle of the night?”

Me: “Well, aren’t you chipper, [Friend]! It’s [My Name]. I’m at work and I’m out of milk and cereal for breakfast for my kids; can you run to the store and get some for me?”

Friend: “You’ve got to be kidding me! It’s f****** 2:00 am!”

Me: “Oh, yeah, I’m very aware of the time, but I really need someone to help me out here, and I knew you’d be home!”

(She decided we couldn’t be friends anymore because I was so very rude and inconsiderate.)