On 3/5/2015 chickenbutt said: If I were your friend and I were taking you out for your birthday, I would want it to be where YOU wanted to go, because it is your birthday.
That said, however, I guess I'd just have to go with the flow. It might stick in my craw just a little bit that she isn't interested in my feelings and my choice. But I'd just zip it and go along with what she wants.
I get the vibe that she is VERY strong-minded about having her way. Otherwise, I imagine she would ask you where you want to go, since it's your birthday. That's why I guess I'd just let it go and, like somebody else said, pick your battles.
I get the complete opposite impression. This friend took her to a steakhouse 4 years in a row even though she herself doesn't eat red meat. I think if she was very strong-minded that never would have happened, and she would have insisted on going where she wanted to go back in 2011. But she didn't. And not in 2012, 2013, or 2014, either. I think she's pretty clearly demonstrated that she DOES care about baileysue's feelings and choice.
And this year she simply suggested another place. I don't see that as strong-minded about having her way at all. I think she sounds like a sweet & caring friend who just suggested that they try a restaurant they might both enjoy. A 4-Diamond restaurant. And she's picking up the tab.
Someone like that can take me out to dinner for my birthday any time!