What's your value in the friendship?

The story goes like this (names have been edited):



Mildred treats Diane as one of her besties, she shares secrets with her, loves to dine and ktv with her, shops and talks to Diane on the phone very frequently. February came, it was Diane's birthday (her fav. shopping haunt is Mango). Mildred spent many days thinking of what would be the best pressie for Diane, and even went to town several times to search for it. Mildred finally decides on a elegant yet casual chic clutch bag for Diane. As Mildred wasn't employed at that time, she was actually quite financially tight.



When she was about to pay for the bag, she thought to herself, "I can only afford this $25 bag, i wonder if Diane thinks its cheapskate?". But she still proceeded to pay for the bag as she can only afford that. Mildred wanted to tell Diane how precious she is to herself. So she decided to hand-make a present for Diane. Mildred spent about 4 days to complete the gift.



Diane's birthday came, and Mildred gave her the presents. Diane seems very happy and touched with the presents , and Mildred felt glad. =)



August came, it is now Mildred's birthday. She treats all her besties dinner at a restaurant and is quite excited about what presents she will receive. Weirdly, everyone came with surprises and gifts except Diane. She did not give Mildred a present, claiming that she has no time and she apologised. Mildred was kinda disappointed but she can understand that Diane is very busy as she is working as a Business Developer (with a monthly income of $2.2k). So she accepted Diane's apologies and everyone had fun.



November came, Mildred and Diane met up one day to have dinner. Diane said she wanna pass the birthday present to Mildred (YES - after such a long time). So, they met up. Diane gave Mildred a Perlini Silver's paper bag. Mildred thanked Diane and they continued with dinner.



At home, Mildred opened the present and saw a pair of earrings. As Perlini have limited designs of earrings, Mildred immediately recalled that the pair of earrings are only selling at $5.90. To make things worse, those earrings were actually on sale! 50% off!!!! YES, YOU HEARD IT RIGHT! 50% OFF! Which means Diane only paid $2.80 for it.



Mildred felt sad, and she thought to herself "Do i mean nothing to her? Am i only worth such an insincere present? how important am I to her? If Diane is financially tight, I would appreciate so much if she can make me a card...".



Many people will say friendship shouldnt be measured with monetary means. But if a friend of yours whom you cherished did this to you, wont you feel hurt or weird? Will you be so graceful to say that its just the thought that counts? Wouldnt you think you are worth more than $2.80? As in, even if your fren is really broke, wouldnt you wish she made you a card?


Now, what are YOUR views?