Sarah’s excitement changed to resentment when her pals refused to pay their fair portion of the $2,000 cabin fee. She had a strategy to prevent them from getting away with it.

Every year, our buddy group organizes a girls’ weekend away, and this year was mine. The cottage I reserved cost $2,000 for three nights, or $250 per person for our group of eight. Everyone agreed to pay me back before the trip, but as the day approached, excuses began to pour in. Mary needed new brakes, Brittany’s school loans were insufficient, and Melissa had to wait for her salary. I soon found myself losing $2,000 and feeling exploited.

The night before the trip, I sent a joyful group text that concealed my plans. The next morning, I restocked the cabin with goods before leaving with the keys and garage door opener. When my companions arrived, they discovered the cottage was closed and besieged me with calls and SMS. I said, “Oh, no! I apologize, folks. They must have left the keys at home. But hey, wonderful news: I’m on my way back!”

I sent the message: “Look, I’m happy to come back and let you all in, but only once everyone has sent over their share of the rental cost.” Payments began coming in within an hour.

Returning to the cottage, I saw my buddies relieved yet embarrassed. “I hope I made it on time!” I chirped. We apologized and enjoyed some fun. At the end of the trip, the tension subsided and they realized the consequences of breaking their commitment.