I do occasional giveaways, donate to charities of my choice, and will often give extra treats to friends and neighbors. In the four years that I’ve had my business, I have never had a friend straight up tell me (she didn’t even bother to ask!) that they’d like a free cake as a gift for their graduation. I thought it was a joke so I laugh reacted and she then asked what was so funny? I then told her I thought she was joking and that if she’d like to place an order, it would be x amount. She then put a thumbs down on my message and said she just wanted a slice of a certain cake I make (I don’t offer slices as it is). I find it very off putting to ask for a gift, let alone free stuff from a small business.

I’m inclined not to respond because this person is known to cause drama in our social circle, but part of my feels inclined to set a clear boundary regarding my business. We met through our kids’ school, and are not best friends by any means but hang out sporadically in group get togethers. I have distanced myself from her a bit due to observing the drama, but I’m usually cordial. This conversation has definitely rubbed me the wrong way, though.

How would you respond? If at all?