Having a special talent can be a tremendous advantage that benefits you throughout your life. However, there are times when standing out because of your talent can also make you a target for bullying during childhood. This was the case for Tiffany Mulder, an accomplished violinist who faced challenges while growing up, but she ultimately turned those experiences into something positive.
Tiffany Mulder, now a renowned violinist, has been playing the violin since her middle school years. Back in those days, she excelled at her craft, but this didn’t always sit well with everyone. During her time in middle school, there was one particular individual who relentlessly bullied her because of her involvement in the school orchestra. Despite the teasing, Tiffany stayed focused on her passion for music, and it eventually led her to become highly successful in her field.
Fast forward to adulthood, and Tiffany’s former bully reappeared in her life, this time with a request that caught Tiffany by surprise. The woman reached out to her, hoping Tiffany would play the violin at her upcoming wedding. The tone of the message was overly casual, considering their past, with the former bully acting as if they were old friends.
“Hello there! Long time no see,” the message began. “I’m getting married, and I’d love for you to play the violin at my wedding in October. It would be an amazing gift, and you could even use the photos and videos to showcase your talent! A win-win situation!”
It was clear that the bride-to-be assumed Tiffany would jump at the chance to expand her portfolio, possibly believing Tiffany still needed the exposure. However, Tiffany’s career had already taken off. She had no need for additional opportunities to build her portfolio. In fact, she had been recognized by prominent wedding industry platforms like The Knot and Wedding Wire for six consecutive years.
Tiffany responded with a mixture of politeness and firmness. “Hi there! It’s pretty bold of you to expect a service valued at $2,500 to be offered as a gift,” Tiffany replied. “I remember how much you bullied me back in middle school for being in the orchestra. Just so you know, I’ve been acknowledged by The Knot and Wedding Wire for six years straight. I’ve been working in the wedding industry for 19 years, and I started building my portfolio when I was just 12 years old.”
Her response didn’t sit well with the bride-to-be, who then complained about Tiffany’s prices. Despite this, she continued to ask for a discount, even going so far as to say she wanted to rekindle a friendship with Tiffany. The violinist, however, remained skeptical about the sincerity of this newfound friendliness.
Tiffany, recognizing the awkward attempt at flattery, calmly explained that she already had a circle of close friends and didn’t need to deal with any negativity from her past. She was too busy with her career and personal life to entertain the idea of rekindling any form of relationship with her former bully.
Nevertheless, the bride-to-be persisted. She was insistent on having Tiffany play the violin while she slow danced with her new partner at the wedding. At one point, she even offered Tiffany $1,000 in an effort to secure her services.
Tiffany found humor in the situation, especially considering that the wedding was scheduled for October 3rd, also known as Mean Girls Day. She politely declined the offer, stating that she wouldn’t be interested in working “for exposure.” In a lighthearted moment, she jokingly suggested that the bride ask her wedding guests to each contribute five dollars to help cover Tiffany’s performance costs.
In the end, Tiffany’s refusal and her witty response served as her form of revenge. It was a reminder that the tables had turned, and the person who once belittled her was now asking for her help, only to be met with a well-deserved rejection.
