Wow, reading that story from u/No-Description-194 really got me thinking! A friend proposing at a book launch? That's definitely what I'd call a truly 'freaky story.' I mean, you spend years pouring your heart and soul into a novel, finally reach that 'huge milestone' of a book launch, and then someone decides that's the perfect moment to make it all about them? My jaw honestly dropped. It brings up such a tricky situation, doesn't it? On one hand, love is beautiful and worth celebrating, as those 'mutual friends' apparently told the author. But there's a time and a place for everything. A book launch is a 'deeply personal' achievement, a culmination of 'years of rejections and rewrites.' To have that 'overshadowed' by someone else's big news, even if it's a 'proposal,' feels incredibly disrespectful. I can totally understand why the author felt 'completely robbed of my moment.' Who wouldn't? I've always believed that when someone is celebrating a significant life event – be it a graduation, a wedding, or in this case, a book launch – the spotlight should genuinely be on them. It’s about respecting their journey and their hard work. I once went to a friend's art exhibition, and another person tried to announce their pregnancy right during the artist's speech! It wasn't quite a proposal, but the feeling of the moment being diverted, of the 'focus shifted to them,' was palpable. It just felt... off. It's not about being selfish; it's about basic etiquette and common courtesy. The author clearly communicated their feelings beforehand, telling him 'no' and explaining why they 'didn't wanna share it.' For him to still go ahead and 'get down on one knee' anyway, claiming 'I thought it would just fit the vibe,' sounds like a complete disregard for their friendship and the author's feelings. It makes you wonder if some people genuinely lack self-awareness or if they’re just intentionally inconsiderate. How do you even begin to address something like that with a friend? It's a huge breach of trust, especially when you 'felt completely disrespected.' This kind of situation can really strain 'mutual friends' too, as everyone takes sides. Is it really being 'completely dramatic' to want your own dedicated moment for a monumental achievement like 'published my first novel'? I don't think so. We all have those milestones that we dream of, and when they finally happen, we want to savor every second. My advice in these situations is always to communicate clearly, as the author did. If that doesn't work, then you have to seriously evaluate the friendship. What do you all think? Have you ever had a 'freaky story' where someone tried to steal your thunder and 'became their night'?