Having a special talent can be a gift—and sometimes, a curse. Tiffany Mulder, an acclaimed violinist, knows this all too well. Her incredible skill with the violin made her a standout in middle school, but it also made her a target for relentless bullying.
One classmate, in particular, seemed to enjoy making her life miserable. Fast forward years later, and karma came knocking when that same bully reached out with an unexpected—and audacious—request.
“Hey, long time no see!” the former bully wrote. “I’m getting married and would love for you to play at my ceremony in October. It would be such a great gift! Plus, you could use the photos and videos to showcase your talent—a win-win!”
Tiffany was stunned, not just by the boldness of the message but by how clueless the bride-to-be seemed. Tiffany wasn’t a struggling musician in need of exposure—she was a seasoned professional, celebrated by platforms like The Knot and Wedding Wire. Her services didn’t come cheap, either, costing $2,500 per performance.
She wasted no time setting the record straight. “Hi there! It’s pretty presumptuous to ask for a $2,500 service as a gift, especially given how much you used to bully me for being in the orchestra back in middle school,” she replied. “As for my portfolio, I’ve been recognized by The Knot and Wedding Wire for six years straight.”
Mic drop, right? But the bride-to-be wasn’t ready to give up. She complained about Tiffany’s pricing and even tried to rekindle a friendship, insisting they could “start fresh.” Tiffany wasn’t buying it. She explained, politely but firmly, that she had enough friends—and no time for negativity.
Still, the bride pushed. She offered $1,000 for a single song at the reception, thinking Tiffany would cave. But Tiffany had one more ace up her sleeve.
With a playful jab, she pointed out the irony of the wedding date—it fell on Mean Girls Day. “How fitting,” Tiffany joked, declining the offer. Then, in a stroke of sarcastic genius, she suggested the bride charge her guests five dollars each to cover the cost of her performance.
In the end, Tiffany walked away with her dignity intact and the last laugh. Sometimes, sweet revenge is served with a bow and a sense of humor.
What do you think? Was Tiffany right to stand her ground, or should she have taken the high road? Share your thoughts—and maybe this story—with your friends!
