[Sophia M.]

Front Porch Forum: “Am I being too harsh for telling my friend I don’t want to join her multi-level marketing scheme?” (07/15/2025)​

No more pitches, please! Image source: Pexels

Pull up a seat, GrayViners! “Feeling Awkward in Alabama” just wrote in with a modern friendship dilemma: How do you keep boundaries when a friend just won’t stop pitching their business? If you’ve ever struggled to say “no” without hurting someone’s feelings, read on and share your wisdom—what would you do?

Hello, TGV!

I hope you can help me make sense of a rather sticky situation I’ve found myself in. One of my close friends has recently become involved in a multi-level marketing (MLM) business (the supplements kind). At first, she just mentioned it in passing, but over the past few months, she’s become increasingly insistent that I come to her “parties”, listen to her presentations, and even sign up under her.

I’ve tried to be polite and supportive without actually buying anything or joining in. I even went to one gathering and bought a small item just to be encouraging, but since then she’s been relentless. She keeps messaging me, sending me “opportunities”, and even turned a recent coffee catch-up into a sales pitch! It’s all she wants to talk about lately.

Eventually, I lost patience and told her quite directly that I’m not interested, and I really don’t want to be involved with any MLM stuff—either as a customer or a “team member”. Now she’s taken offense and accused me of not supporting her and “judging her life choices”. Our friendship has completely soured.

I feel guilty for being so blunt, but honestly, I was at my wit’s end. Was I too harsh for setting this boundary? Am I being too harsh for telling my friend I don’t want to join her multi-level marketing scheme? Should I have handled it differently, or is it fair to say enough is enough when someone won’t take the hint?

Thanks for your advice,
Feeling Awkward in Alabama

That’s the situation, GrayViners. Have you ever had a friend cross the line with sales pitches or felt caught between honesty and kindness? How did you handle it, and what advice would you give? Share your thoughts and stories below. And if you’re in a sticky spot with a friend, don’t hesitate, start a conversation here.

 

[Arkie98]

I knew a lady who would do that. Just did not know what the word no meant. Some times you just have to use a little tough love to get your message across.

 

[Rusty Vale]

I don't believe you were to harsh. You did what needed to be done. She wouldn't take no for an answer. Try sitting her down and explain it to her. If she still becomes overbearing about it, turn around and walk away.