Her friend was rich and visiting the friend reminded her that she herself could not have all the things her friend has. Therefore, she does not like visiting her friend. We are told this in order to help us understand just how fixated Madame Loisel is on material goods and on the trappings of wealth. This will help us understand her character, which is what drives the events of this story.
She was the first female aviater to fly ALL ALONE across the atlantic ocean... in that ruggedy thing. Thats a courageous thing to do, and especially alone
