When a Friend Crosses the Line: Learning to Stand Up for the Things (and People) I Love

I recently had an encounter with someone I’ve known almost my entire life, a friend I’ve been close to since grade school. We’ve seen each other through many chapters of our lives. He’s come to me during some of his lowest points: when things weren’t working out with his girlfriend, when he got overwhelmed by the pressures of fatherhood, when money got tight, and when life just felt too heavy. And I’ve always been there, never judged him, never made him feel small. I just listened, gave advice when asked, and offered whatever comfort I could.

So imagine how it felt when, during a casual conversation, he mocked my boyfriend’s hobby.

He laughed and scoffed because my boyfriend plays Beyblade. Yes, Beyblade, a hobby he enjoys and something he’s genuinely passionate about. He collects his own Beyblades, practices, and even joins tournaments, all using his own money. It’s something that brings him joy, connects him with a community, and gives him something to be proud of.

The comment stung more than I expected. Not just because he made fun of something my boyfriend cares about, but because it came from someone who should have known better.

I couldn’t help but think: Why do we feel the need to tear down other people’s happiness just because we’re struggling with our own?

I get it, my friend has a lot on his plate. He’s stressed, exhausted, and probably feeling trapped in a life he didn’t quite plan for. But does that give him the right to mock someone else who’s just… living differently?

The thing is, we all have hobbies. I cosplay. I watch anime. I collect Funkos. I find joy in little things that bring out my inner child, that help me express myself, and give me a break from the real-world pressures. Does that mean I’m not serious about life? Does that make me less mature?

No. It makes me human.

And the same goes for my boyfriend. His passion doesn’t hurt anyone. It doesn’t take away from our relationship. In fact, it adds to it because I love seeing people light up when they talk about the things they enjoy.

I didn’t say anything right then and there, I think I was too shocked. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized: just because you love someone like a brother, doesn’t mean you should let them cross your boundaries.

Friendship should be a safe space, a place where we’re allowed to grow, to stumble, and to be ourselves without ridicule. And while I’ll always wish the best for him, I also need to honor the people in my life who lift me up, not drag others down.

Doing what makes you happy doesn’t mean you’re immature. It means you haven’t given up on yourself. And no one should be mocked for holding onto joy in a world that too often tries to take it away.

To anyone reading this: hold on to your hobbies. Defend your passions. Love loudly and unapologetically. Because in the end, the people who matter will understand and the ones who don’t… well, maybe they’ve got some growing up to do.