A friend recently told me she was so broke she hadn’t eaten in days. Since I always prep my meals, I offered to bring her some after work. I packed everything carefully, hoping it would help even a little.

But right before leaving, I saw her Instagram post. She was out at a café, smiling over a dessert she claimed she couldn’t afford. For a moment, I felt confused and honestly a bit frustrated. I had been preparing to help someone I thought was in real need.

I stopped myself from jumping to conclusions. People express their struggles in messy, complicated ways. A single photo doesn’t reveal the whole story, and even people who are overwhelmed sometimes reach for small moments of comfort.

So instead of assuming the worst, I reached out gently. When we talked, she admitted she’d been stressed and embarrassed. She exaggerated because she didn’t know how to explain her worries honestly. The café visit was her attempt to feel normal for a moment, even if it didn’t make financial sense.

Her honesty helped me understand. I still brought her the meals, but with kindness instead of frustration. She thanked me for listening instead of judging, and we agreed to communicate more openly.

That moment reminded me that empathy starts with patience—and everyone handles their challenges differently.