I put my vacation request in months ago. Flights booked, hotel reserved, itinerary planned. Last week, my coworker—let’s call her Jenna—asked if I’d swap my vacation dates so she could attend her cousin’s wedding. I explained politely that everything was already booked and non-refundable. She nodded, said she understood, and I assumed that was the end of it.

The next day, out of the blue, our boss called both of us into a meeting.

“I’ve been reviewing the schedule,” she said, “and since Jenna has a family event, I’ve reassigned your vacation dates.”

I was stunned.

I explained that I had confirmed plans, paid in full. My boss just shrugged. “I’m sure you can get credits or move things around. Jenna has a more urgent need.”

I looked at Jenna. She didn’t even meet my eyes.

So I stood up, calm but firm. “I’m sorry, but that won’t work. I put in my request early and everything is paid for. I’ll be taking my vacation as planned.”

There was silence. Then my boss sighed, nodded, and reversed the decision.

Lesson: Stand your ground. Kindness is great—but being a doormat is not part of the job description.