Is you really need 10 days to truly benefit from the fast. So coming off on day 8 may not maximize all your hard work and efforts. And I agree - if you can get to day 5 then "life is good". You can come off the fast and still enjoy time with your friend. A day of juicing and soup -- then try to stick to a raw diet for the next several days. Personally, I cleared my calendar through March 15th (no lunch, no dinners - nada). This way I have no excuse! LOL