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My best friend planned a backyard birthday dinner and told me she wanted a low-key night with her favorite people. I showed up with flowers, a bottle of wine, and every intention of staying late. Within twenty minutes, her sister put a baby in my lap and said I was 'so good with kids' while the rest of the family started eating.

I thought it was temporary. It wasn't. For almost two hours I was following toddlers away from the pool, wiping popsicle hands, and getting asked to refill juice boxes while the adults played charades. Every time I tried to sit down, someone told me one of the kids had 'bonded' with me.

I finally hugged my friend, said happy birthday, and left. The next day she told me I made her feel unsupported and dramatic because family events are always chaotic. I told her inviting me to a party is not the same as assigning me a shift.