Keeping My Innovative Pet-Sitting Idea Secret: A Friend Dilemma

Some people share everything, like it’s group project season. But one pet-sitting entrepreneur hit a wall when her “supportive” friend started circling her backyard business idea like a dog sniffing a steak.

The setup is wild and super specific: instead of standard boarding, OP plans to turn her backyard into themed zones, a mini jungle gym for cats, a swimming pool setup for dogs, and a chill zone for rabbits. Her friend Amy knows about it, has acted like a cheerleader, then suddenly asked for details and kept pressing during dinner, even hinting she might copy the concept nearby.

That dinner turned into a test of boundaries, and now OP is stuck wondering if she was the a*****e for keeping her plans secret.

Original Post

So, I'm a 27-year-old entrepreneur, and I've been working on this innovative pet-sitting business concept where instead of traditional pet boarding, I transform my backyard into a pet paradise with different sections for various animals. Think mini jungle gyms for cats, swimming pools for dogs, and even a 'chill zone' for rabbits.

I've put a lot of time and money into designing and building this space. Quick context: My friend, let's call her Amy, knows about my venture and has always been supportive.

However, recently she mentioned she's considering starting her pet-sitting service and asked for details about my setup. I wasn't comfortable revealing all my ideas, especially since we live in the same area, and it could be seen as direct competition.

Yesterday, Amy came over for dinner, and she kept pushing me to share specifics about my pet paradise. She even hinted at wanting to replicate it in her backyard.

I deflected her questions, but she seemed persistent. Eventually, I made up an excuse and cut the evening short.

Now, I'm wondering if I was being selfish by not sharing my business plans with her. Would I be the a*****e if I continue to keep my ideas to myself?

So, AITA?

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This is similar to the AITA post where someone refused to share pet travel tips with their best friend.

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Amy went from “always supportive” to grilling OP at dinner about the exact setup, and that’s when the vibe shifted.

OP tried deflecting Amy’s questions, but Amy kept pushing like she was trying to map out the backyard zones herself.

After OP cut the evening short with an excuse, the real fear kicked in, someone could replicate the idea in their own backyard.

Now that Amy is considering starting her own pet-sitting service, OP is stuck asking if secrecy makes her selfish or just smart.

We're curious to hear your perspective. Share your thoughts in the comments.

The dinner didn’t just get awkward, it made OP question whether Amy wanted friendship or a blueprint.

Want the recipe drama too, see how they debated sharing pet treats with a struggling bakery owner.