Woman Asks Best Friend's Boyfriend for Outlandish Favor—Shock at His Reply
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A video capturing a man's calm and willing reaction to an unusual request from his girlfriend's best friend is earning widespread praise on TikTok, with viewers saying he set the gold standard for partner behavior.
The video, posted by Kiana Walden (@kiiannaaa8), has amassed 1.4 million views since it was shared on July 2. It opens with an on-screen message explaining the fabricated challenge: "asking my bff's boyfriend to pick up my grandma 2 hours away, then take her 7 hours to Utah to see if he'll say yes."
The man, shown through a video call screen, listens attentively on the call. Despite the extraordinary nature of the request—driving two hours to Long Beach, returning to San Diego, then embarking on a seven-hour drive to Utah—he barely hesitates. "Yeah, how far is Long Beach?...what time does she need to be picked up?" the boyfriends asks.
A screenshot from a viral TikTok video about a woman making an outlandish fake request to her best friend's boyfriend.
A screenshot from a viral TikTok video about a woman making an outlandish fake request to her best friend's boyfriend.
@kiiannaaa8 on TikTok
As it turns out, the entire situation was staged. "It was the Friday before a long weekend, so just getting to my grandma's house would've been a two-hour drive, then two hours home, before the seven-hour Utah drive even started," Walden told Newsweek. "We're really close friends. I'm hanging out with my best friend all the time, so it would be impossible not to become close with the person she's dating."
The interaction the viral post underscores broader findings on how social dynamics can affect romantic relationships.
Previous research has shown that "perceptions of approval from a partner's friends and family increase relationship stability, while social network disapproval can prove detrimental," noted an April study published in the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy.
The study found that men's heart rate variability (HRV) scores "when talking to partners and to friends were more favorable if men perceived that friends' approval of their relationship was high."
'The Flag Could Not Be More Green'
Later in the viral clip, doing time estimates out loud, the boyfriend says: "If I go get her now, it's two hours. I get there at like 1 [p.m.] and then two hours back, get back at 3 [p.m.]. Should I just go get her now?"
Walden, offscreen, plays along saying: "Yeah, go get her now...she'll be ready whenever and then she'll be riding with you Shayan and Dylan." Grinning, the boyfriend says: "It'll be your grandma, me, Shayan and Dylan." Asked if he's met her grandmother before, he replies, "Never...yeah, we'll get to know each other."
Walden ends the call saying: "Thank you so much, you're the best." She tags her best friend, @Ella Reames, in the caption of the post, which reads: "he passed the test."
Walden told Newsweek that her best friend "100 percent" knew about the fake request in advance. "I told her the idea first because I wanted to see what his reaction would be. She was just as curious as I was," she said.
Though the road trip never happened, the boyfriend did meet Walden's grandmother a few weekends later. "She loved finally meeting him. My best friend loved how her boyfriend responded, it was so sweet," Walden said.
Social media users flooded the comments section of the TikTok video with admiration for the boyfriend's response.
"The fact it isn't even his girlfriend's grandma but his girlfriend's FRIEND'S grandma, and he didn't hesitate. The flag could not be more green!!!!!" wrote user olivia1234. Another viewer, d.scalise, echoed the sentiment, saying: "The flag is NEON GREEN."
User Hair and Hay chimed in with: "Omg & he hasn't even met her?! I wish men like this existed."
Others suggested the boyfriend had proven himself to be long-term material. "Now that's your husband girl, that's your husband," wrote Jhoselyn.S, while user Kyyyyyyyyyy added: "Your friend needs to marry him immediately."
"The difference between a nice guy and a kind guy," commented 🇳🇴Susanne🇳🇴. Another viewer, leiila_z, wrote: "I love men who just do things—no complaining, no whining, no second guessing, just problem solving."
Do you have a relationship-related video or story to share? Let us know via life@newsweek.com and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Buzz Feed
37 minutes ago
- Buzz Feed
39 Satisfying Products That Deliver On Their Promises
A 5-in-1 Edgelift Curl Brush that's basically a one-stop shop for perfect curls — it smooths, separates, and defines, plus the precision parting handle doubles as a heatless curling tool. It's designed to work on any hair type over three inches, minimize breakage, and leave curls so defined that each and every one of them could have their own photoshoot. Also, it's a secret weapon against the "my kid just slept in a tornado" bedhead situation. TikTok viral Puracy stain remover designed to remove even the most stubborn of stains — and yes, I'm talking about the ones that are deeply set into clothes (even after putting them through the dryer). Reviewers said it's gotten out stains like red wine, olive oil, marinara sauce, coffee, grease, and more! Wet & Forget's shower cleaner because stepping over the soap scum and grime-ridden parts of your floor should *not* be part of your everything shower routine. Instead, spray down every gross area with this, let it sit for 12 hours, and then rinse. A clean shower will appear before your very eyes! Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up eye gel with caffeine to help reduce eye puffiness, yerba mate to brighten skin, and three types of hyaluronic acid to help plump and firm. One reviewer likes this *more* than The Ordinary's caffeine eye gel because it's more moisturizing! A tennis shoe cleaner concentrate reviewers say works fast to make your shoes spotless and squeaky clean. This works on leather, suede, canvas, and MORE, so you can restore the endless collection of comfy shoes you can't part ways with. A jar of the beloved Sol De Janeiro Bum Bum Cream that delivers IMPRESSIVE results for people wanting to smooth and tighten skin — and that's all thanks to its caffeine-rich guarana extract formula. The notes of salted caramel, vanilla, and pistachio will have you in self-care heaven with how good it smells, too. A tub of The Pink Stuff so you can make the messiest of messes clean again with this cult-followed paste. Its fast-acting formula can turn almost any stain into a thing of the past (even if it's been around for eons). It works to remove crayon, grime, permanent marker, or rust from your walls, jewelry, silverware, wood, and more — it's truly so versatile! A hydrating Cosrx snail mucin repairing essence — its star ingredient, snail mucin, might sound like it belongs in a witch's cauldron, but it actually can help hydrate skin, heal acne, and smooth the appearance of fine lines on all skin types. People of *all* ages love this — so when you finally get in on one of the most viral skincare products out there, you'll be equal parts impressed and annoyed you didn't get this sooner. Mielle's Rosemary Mint oil that can help strengthen and promote hair growth at the root thanks to the mint, rosemary, and biotin formula. Reviewers with all hair types, from "very-straight" to "type 4c" love this product! A glasses lens cleaner with tiny microfibers that'll cut through fingerprints for crystal clear vision. You can use the little brush to flick off dirt or dust before wiping away smudges or oils. Your lenses will have a streak-free finish without any scratching! A viral veggie chopper, slicer, and spiralizer so you can meal prep in a matter of minutes — that even goes for the eye-watering onions you love but can't stand to chop. Just put your vegetable on top of the blades, press down the lid, and you'll have perfectly cut veggies sitting pretty in the *built-in* storage container. Skin1004's zombie face masks with albumin (egg white extract) to lift and aloe vera extract that'll deliver deep hydration to your skin. Once the mask dries, it'll look rough and cracked (hence the "zombie" in the name), but once you wash it off 10 minutes later, your skin will look glowy and feel tighter. A Clorox toilet wand with disposable cleaning heads that only need water to start cleaning and transform your loo from yucky to sparkly — one reviewer said it took as little as "25 seconds." It's much more sanitary than your standard toilet brush thanks to its disposable cleaning heads, meaning you'll have a perfectly clean brush every time you attach a new scrubbing pad. A long-lasting pomade hair wax stick with a mess-free applicator so you can easily slick back stray hairs or smooth edges — without having sticky hands! One reviewer even says it's "better than gel." 👀 A mold and mildew stain remover to whiten the dirty caulk and grout in your sink, shower, and tile floors that's... well... seen better days. All you do is apply it, wait 6–8 hours, and (with *no* scrubbing required) you'll see a VERY visible difference. One reviewer who got it after reading one of our articles and said "It's unbelievable!" A waterproof Philips Norelco OneBlade electric hair trimmer reviewers say doesn't cause any nicks, irritation, or razor bumps *and* it's the best shaver they've ever owned! The 360 blade means you can shave in any direction, so every last hair is taken care of. Bonus: a little symbol appears on the shaver when it's time to replace the blade (isn't that so cool?!). A slicker brush to clean, dentangle, and fluff up blankets and carpets that look a little... gnarly. It's designed to make sheepskin, wool, cashmere, merino, and faux fur look brand new again. A root touchup powder for grown-out roots, grey hairs, or any spots you want to appear fuller — just tap the spongey end on your head to apply wherever you want! It's the perfect temporary fix in between salon appointments because OF COURSE your favorite hair stylist is booked out for the foreseeable future... A ceiling fan carbon filter if the air in your home is feeling a little stuffy 'cause of dust, dander, pollen, and other allergens. Just stick it to a fan blade, turn on the fan, and it'll immediately start working. Reviewers who keep their house tidy were shocked by the amount of stuff this still picked up. An exfoliant foot peel to remove dead skin and leave you with baby-smooth feet — you'll be GAGGED at how much skin comes off. If you have cracked heals, calluses, or dead skin all over the bottoms of your feet, just slip on these booties for an hour and watch your feet shed for the next 6—11 days. Slipping your newly soft dogs into fuzzy slippers has never felt better! Or, a bottle of professional-grade callus-removing gel that's way stronger and "melts off" tough, dead calluses to reveal softer, more supple skin, especially if you were a little extra hard on your feet or wore overly tight shoes. Reviewers say they prefer the results from this *over* treatments they get at salons! A carpet spot cleaning spray — it helps remove the coffee, red wine, and food stains that make you say, "Ugh!" Cleaning accidents will be easy thanks to this fast-acting and no-rinse formula. Gold Bond's firming neck and chest cream that can help tighten skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, while simultaneously moisturizing (thanks to the hyaluronic acid). Some reviewers noticed an "immediate" difference in their skin, noting that it's *BETTER* than the more expensive creams they splurged on. And a retinol body lotion to help skin appear tighter and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and sun damage. And reviewers say that using it consistently helped the appearance of the textured skin on their upper arms and legs. A hydrating lip-plumping gloss set with a ginger plumper to give the appearance of fuller lips during the day and a mint moisturizing mask for nighttime use. Reviewers say the plumper "delivers on its promise" and gives a spicy-tingling sensation but isn't overwhelming. A self-tanner to help you get a sun-kissed glow that looks so good, people will think your tan came STRAIGHT from Aruba — even though it came from this mousse. It has *no* horrible scent (aka you won't smell like a wet dog), and it takes just one hour to develop an even (!!) tan. I Dew Care's ultra fine dry shampoo powder that'll make oily, flat hair more voluminous without any hint of greasiness! It's compact, easy to apply, and safe to carry onboard a flight since it's not in an aerosol can (unlike other dry shampoos). Just dab the cushiony end on your roots, shake out the product, and style — then you're done! A maximum strength wart-removing gel designed to dry out and remove these growths thanks to its salicylic acid-based formula. It even comes with waterproof patches so you can conceal your wart and prevent it from spreading. A polar bear-shaped hydrating balm that'll help dark circles *and* eye puffiness all in one swipe. This balm infused with Icelandic glacial water and niacinamide is the perfect way to look and feel a little more refreshed — even if you got, like, zero sleep! Plus, Catrice's "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener so you can make under-eye bags and discoloration vanish with a small amount of product — reviewers say a little goes a long way! It's packed with hyaluronic acid and shea butter to help your skin look nourished and radiant, so you can take on the day with an "I slept a full 10 hours" glow. An Anua pore-clearing cleansing oil to help control sebum, remove blackheads *and* dissolve makeup — some people are even left with visible residue on their fingertips! If you want to start double cleansing, this is the perfect first step. A Kojic Acid Dark Spot Remover Soap that helped one reviewer make their dark spot of 20 years *poof* into existence. It's formulated with powerhouse ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, and turmeric to help hyperpigmentation disappear. And if you're worried it'll leave your skin feeling dry or stripped, it *also* has shea butter, olive oil, and hyaluronic acid to help combat that. A prescription-strength Differin retinoid gel because it can help fight, treat, and prevent future breakouts with consistent use — reviewers say it takes time to see results! It can normalize skin cell turnover, restore skin texture, and get rid of those inflamed, clogged pores that sweat, dirt, and oily skin can cause. One/Size blurring setting powder to help minimize the appearance of fine lines and blur pores. You'll get up to 24-hour shine control, so you can literally wear this for a full day and still have flawless makeup. Plus, you won't get any flashback if you want to take a mirror selfie at work! A minty teeth-whitening pen that's painless for your teeth *and* bank account since it's cheaper than a professional treatment (and just less of a hassle). This handy pen can lighten years' worth of coffee, tea, and wine stains in just a few uses! A Briotech spray with a hypochlorous acid formula (which is antibacterial) that can help reduce inflammation, redness, irritation, *and* help you avoid those pesky breakouts. It's a super easy way to cleanse your skin without washing your face! Reviewers compare it to the Tower 28 SOS Spray, which is pricier, but it does the same(!) thing(!!). Truremedy Naturals Remedy Tea Tree Oil body wash to help calm and soothe skin irritations like athlete's foot or good ole dry skin. The blend of jojoba, coconut, and olive oil helps moisturize, refresh, and deodorize your entire body. Essence's Volume Booster Lash Primer because this, plus your go-to mascara, makes for a match made in heaven — aka your lashes will look super volumized. You'll fall in love with this nourishing, moisturizing formula that's packed with acai oil and mango butter! NYX Brow Glue — reviewers say it holds your eyebrow hairs in place all day, leaves behind no flaky residue, and can give you a ~feathered~ *or* more natural brow look depending on how you apply it. Some say this is cheaper (and "better") than Anastasia Beverly Hills's "brow freeze"!
Buzz Feed
5 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
36 Products With Astronomical Results
A super popular bottle of Elizavecca hair treatment that contains ceramides and collagen to help give your hair shine and make it smooth in just five minutes! A padded wire-free push-up bra with adjustable drawstrings so you can achieve the cleavage of your dreams. This'll be your favorite bra you've ever owned because it works some SERIOUS magic — reviewers are even saying they like it better than the Victoria's Secret bombshell bra. A pack of 42 corn-remover pads that'll cover and help heal painful sores. Just throw one on and repeat as many times as you need (for up to 14 days) until it finally falls off. You'll be singing "ding dong, the corn is dead" in no time. A jar of Brazilian Bum Bum body cream made with a caffeine-rich guarana extract formula to help smooth and tighten skin. People are in loooove with this stuff, and some reviewers even just use it as, like, a perfume. Yeah, it smells that good, thanks to pistachio, salted caramel, and vanilla. You'll love it as much as Kel loved orange soda. A sand-removal powder bag — a talc-free and reef-friendly product that'll get all that sand off your body easy peasy. Don't let the sand stop you from enjoying your vacay; this bb is gonna take care of the part of the beach that you absolutely can't stand. Some Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil, which is perfect for all skin types and will help to effectively get rid of makeup residue, blackheads, and excess sebum while also preventing clogged pores. In fact, it's so effective, some reviewers say you can actually see the gunk and oil leave your face. You'll be kinda grossed out by the ick seeping out of your pores while also being totally in love with the results. Blackheads, be gone! Mielle's (TikTok-famous) rosemary mint strengthening oil made with biotin and moisturizing oils like jojoba, rosemary, and mint that can help stimulate and nourish your scalp while also strengthening and promoting hair growth at the root. This is like the ultimate scalp smoothie. A piercing bump solution so you can help stop that little bump on your nose piercing that's tripled in size in two weeks from growing annnnyyyy more. Before you totally ditch your new piercing, let this stuff help heal and reduce the size of your keloid! I know, I know, I get 'em too, and yes, they can be terrifying to look at. A three-pack of Miss Mouth's Messy Eater stain-treating spray because every time you go to eat pasta, ice cream, or pretty much anything, your white shirt wants a bite, too. Stained carpets, linens, clothes, and upholstery stand zero chance against this stuff. Plus, it's perfect for your messy little one who gets food and such on absolutely everything they wear. Grass stains? Now you see 'em, now you don't! Houdini couldn't even do a trick this amazing. A car visor extender for us shorties because pulling the car visor down alone DOESN'T DO A DARN THING TO BLOCK THE SUN. IDK about you, but I've considered a booster seat a few times. Well, I guess, no need for that with this magical little heaven-sent baby available, huh? Promising review: "Driving to and from work has been a pain lately, even with sunglasses on. Being short, my regular car visor was not shielding the low sun. This shield cuts the glaring rays without inhibiting my vision. Perfect." —KimGet it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in two styles and three colors). A hydrating eye stick with a cutie little polar bear design, perfect for its ~cooling and calming~ effect. It'll fight dark circles, lines, and puffiness — just like the PowerPuff Girls whooped Mojo Jojo every chance they got — while *also* delivering moisture without oils. Sensitive skin friends, this one's for us. Plus, 48 pairs of under-eye masks to keep sleepy-looking eyes at bay. You can kiss puffiness and dark circles goodbye, cuz you're gonna look like you slept as much as Sleeping Beauty after you use these. Refreshed, awake, brightened under-eyes are in your future with these lil' miracles. It'll look like your bags drank coffee, too. And an under-eye brightener because you aren't sure if you'll ever actually not be exhausted, but you can def stop looking like it. It's ~enriched~ with shea butter and hyaluronic acid to give your dark circles a more radiant look. The pinkish tint helps balance out the blueish tint under your eyes as if you said a spell to make your dark circles *poof* away. A *self-cleaning* grooming brush that'll rake up so much dog fur, you could build yourself another (literally, look at that review pic below!). So, how does the *self-cleaning* part work? Just push the button on the side, and the bristles will retract, so you can easily toss all that pet hair right into the trash. Easy peasy lemon squeeze-y — pftt, this thing invented that phrase. CeraVe Retinol Serum with ~encapsulated retinol~ to help reduce the appearance of your post-acne scars and pores without making you all red and flaky. It's gentle, but don't let that fool you, this stuff is totally effective! SweatBlock wipes that do exactly what they say they're gonna do! Just press these on dry, clean skin before bed, air dry for five minutes before going to sleep, wake up the next day, wash the treated areas, and there ya go! Dry for up to SEVEN days!! A bottle of Rain-X Original Windshield Treatment to help improve driving visibility and wiper blade performance in those vicious summer showers so you don't have a freakout moment since you can't. see. ANYTHING. Rain, snow, and sleet are no match for this top-notch repellent. A Truly Beauty boob polish made of an acai and retinol blend to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and stretch marks, and brighten, smooth, firm, and tighten your booby skin. I'm sure your tatas already look *absolutely amazing*, but if you've ever been intrigued by these lil' jars at Ulta, give it a try! A K-beauty zero sebum drying powder to help keep oil under control, whether it's on your face or in your hair. This stuff really said *Oily skin? Take a look around. Do you see her anywhere? NEWS FLASH, you're not gonna*. Emergency Stain Rescue Remover so you can say bye-bye-bye to that one lasagna stain from three months ago. It works on carpet, upholstery, or clothes and will banish all kinds of stains — dirt, grass, ketchup, blood, caked-on deodorant marks, grease, and more. Sometimes, doing the most isn't a bad thing, and this stuff proves it. A six-pack of Keurig cleaner pods you can simply put through a cycle on the machine to get rid of all the gross crud and built-up coffee grinds in there. The first cleaning might take a few extra pods, BUT use them weekly, and your Keurig will be easier to clean. You'd be surprised how much better your morning latte tastes after your coffee machine is clean as new! A nail renewal formula to help improve the appearance of that one discolored toe that you banged extra hard on the cabinet corner and has looked a bit frightening ever since. Been there, done that, wish I had known about this. An O'Keeffe's Lip Repair sleeping mask so you can wake up with soft, hydrated lippies. No one loves a chapped pout, so let this cauldron-crafted balm heal and repair your dry, cracked lips. Reviewers love love love this brand's Working Hands and Healthy Feet creams, and they're obsessing over this sleep mask just as much. A leave-in conditioning spray for curly hair to help you on those mornings when your kid wakes up with their hair literally everywhere, and you've got five minutes to work some sort of magic on their little locks — talk about a scary situation. And this stuff gets the job done without any nasty parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. Breakage, buh-bye. Elasticity and bounce, helloooooo! A set of Wonder Hangers because your closet is full, but you can't resist a sale, and having to get rid of your clothes is a frightening thought. These things can hold up to 30 pounds, and one can hold up to five garments. 😱 I say we grab a pack of these, then celebrate the new space in our closets by buying more clothes. An overnight tank cleaner that'll clean your toilet tank without you having to literally do an-y-thing. Throw this in the tank annnnndd that's about it. Couldn't be easier. A pair of seamless Nippies silicone pasties to help conceal your areola and nipple while also providing comfort and support without the need for an *actual* bra. These are perfect for all those sheer, backless, and strapless tops you've got, and they aren't all lumpy, so they won't make your tatas look weird. A fabulous lip-plumping gloss set for some seriously luscious lips. These results are *actually* astonishing. I haven't been this speechless since Nic and Olandria's soul ties kiss (IYKYK). Ooh-la-luscious. A three-step cradle cap system that includes a sponge, brush, comb, and storage stand to gently but effectively get rid of the flakes on your little one's head. It's sensitive on your baby's scalp without having to compromise effectiveness. A pumice stone for your toilet so you can finally get rid of that ~unattractive~ hard water ring in the bowl. Keep your throne squeaky clean and looking brand new! And you can use it on other surfaces like sinks and tubs! An Ogx leave-in conditioning cream to apply to your towel-dried hair for a magic trick. *Voila*, defined, bouncy curls that'll put a little extra pep in your step and have you walking into rooms like you're entering the Love Island villa in slo-mo. A ChomChom pet hair roller that'll pick up fur and lock it inside the roller for an easy-peasy cleanup. And this reusable baby doesn't lose its effectiveness after use! This thing stands on business like *no* other. A cutlery drawer organizer to organize all your utensils andddd give you more space. You can fit 24 utensils in just one of these, and since the compartments are stacked, you may even have room in your drawer for a second one or, just more space for spatulas and such. A Bissell multipurpose carpet and upholstery cleaner that parents and pet owners are totally loving. It'll help remove tough stains, like grass, mud, and pet accidents, simply with warm water and a special formula. That wine stain? So long, wine stain! An adjustable lid organizer to organize all those Tupperware tops because your current organization system probably makes you wanna scream in terror and shut the cabinet door every time you open it. And don't get me started on trying to find the actual matching container. One word: nightmare. Your cabinet will look soooo much neater, and you'll no longer be living in your own horror movie —Tupperware Cabinet Of Terror: Finding The Matching Lids. A Burt's Bees after-sun soother for your face and body because getting sunburned sucks, and the aftereffects aren't any better. Plus, reviewers are *loving* that it's not greasy and absorbs quickly into the skin. Since it's hotter than two Michael B. Jordans in Sinners, have this on hand juuust in case the sun gets a lil' disrespectful, cuz yes, this heat is DISRE-FREAKIN-SPECTFUL. You, shook after seeing the Keurig cleaner before and after pics: Reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Neighbors File an HOA Complaint About Mom's 'Tacky' Chalk Art. She Finds Creative Way Around Restrictions (Exclusive)
One mother has decided not to let an HOA complaint restrain her artistic expression NEED TO KNOW In early July 2025, Mackenzie received an email from her Home Owners Association (HOA) regarding a complaint filed by her neighbor As a result of the complaint, which was linked to her driveway chalk art, the mother must wash away her artwork every night or face consequences However, Mackenzie has found a way around the new limitations to ensure her creativity isn't restricted A mother of three living in Alabama recently found an unexpected creative outlet by drawing chalk art on her driveway. After a TikTok video featuring the colorful drawings and motivational quotes went viral, she decided to make it a daily practice and share it online. However, just five days into her new routine, her homeowners association (HOA) received a complaint. In early July 2025, they sent her an email enforcing community guidelines, which included a 10 p.m. curfew mandating that her artwork be washed away each night. Undeterred, Mackenzie has been waking up at 6 a.m. daily to continue her chalk art – proving that her creativity can't and won't be restricted. 'Waking up early to redraw the chalk art became my quiet protest,' Mackenzie, who asked for her last name to be omitted, tells PEOPLE exclusively. 'I'm not doing anything harmful. I'm spreading color and kindness.' The 32-year-old mother and her 2-year-old son have been turning their driveway into a canvas every single morning for over a month. It's become a daily ritual she can't imagine skipping. When it comes to choosing a motivational message for the day, she picks something that resonates with her and runs with it. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 'I love drawing sea creatures, florals, and little whimsical pieces, but the main thread through all of it is positivity,' she shares. 'Every morning, I try to put down an inspirational or funny quote. Something that might make a neighbor smile on their morning walk or scroll on TikTok.' Unfortunately, one neighbor didn't share the same enthusiasm as Mackenzie. 'I got an email saying someone had complained about it being tacky. After some back and forth, we have agreed to wash it off by the end of the night or there will be a fine,' she explains. Despite the one negative response, she has received an overwhelmingly positive reaction from the community, both online and in person. 'People have left me chalk, knee pads, and sweet notes. A neighbor even put a little cushion on my driveway for me to sit on,' Mackenzie reveals. 'It's shown me just how kind people really can be, and how one person's negativity doesn't speak for the whole community.' While she admits the early mornings are tough, she says it's a mix of stubbornness, spite, and genuine joy that keeps her creativity and determination alive. Mackenzie has lived in the neighborhood for a few years, and this is the first real conflict she's experienced. It came as a surprise, especially since she's always felt a strong sense of connection to her neighbors. Although she has her suspicions about who filed the HOA complaint, she tells PEOPLE she has no interest in confronting them. 'At this point, I'd rather put my energy into the art than into justifying it,' Mackenzie says. She and her family are deeply connected to the neighborhood, and despite the setback, it has sparked something wonderful – an inspiring online community that continues to support and motivate her. A single negative experience won't drive her away. 'I've learned that sometimes, the most beautiful things come from pushback. I didn't expect chalk art to change my life, but here we are,' Mackenzie says. 'As long as I'm able, and as long as people are smiling when they see it, I'll keep going.' Read the original article on People Solve the daily Crossword
