I'm Not an ATM

I'm disappointed! In Laos, people usually just let me be — they don't ask for things. But not in Cambodia. I thought the Laos-born Cambodian could be a friend, but no — this, too, was transactional. Today, while hanging out, I bought her some pants because she said I brought no money. I was put on the spot, and she saw I had money in my wallet and chose a bigger note.

I had also paid more on our first night for dinner as a group and for ice cream, but I had rationalized that with me having bigger notes while they had small change. But no — the friendship seemed one-sided. When she sees other foreigners, she acts cute, friendly, and talkative.

How disappointing — I had been played for $6 USD. I've told her I don't like this dynamic: I'm not an ATM, and I'm stepping back. She is now pleading to give the money back, even admitting, "Don't make me lose face over $6" and "I'm afraid you write bad on Khmer people."
Paradoxically, I am writing about this. But it’s not bad — it just is what it is.