how often do you go out to eat? What should I do?

Question

I'm just wondering. I'm single and when I do cook, it's usually something like Mac & Cheese out of a box or something. Not that I don't like to cook, just that I feel it's a waste for one person. I volunteer with big brothers, big sisters, and I eat out at fast food when I see my little, approx one a week. I also have a group of friends, and we try to go out once a month to a decent sit down restaurant. Other than that, there may be once or twice when other friends ask me to eat out with them. But I just went out with my friend on Saturday, and she wants to go out again tonight, and I said no, I can't afford it. I'm going to look at a condo for her and her hubby to buy, possibly, and she wants to go out to eat after. I'm just worried she'll want to do this after every condo that we see together. How can I tell her nicely I can't afford it??? I don't want to hurt her feelings, but they have twice the income I do, being two people who work, so they can eat out more than I can.

Answer 1

I can appreciate your being uncomfortable. I would come out and tell them that as much as you would like to join them, it's just not a smart thing for you to do financially. However, be prepared for them to offer to pay for you. It's not charity: It's because they truly enjoy your company and the money it costs to pay for your meal is worth it.

I know this because I have plenty of money, but friends who do not have as much, and I frequently offer to pay for them. It's taken quite a while for me to convince them that it is something I WANT to do to be with them. If you feel guilty, you can always offer to have them over to your place and cook for them.

Answer 2

I know where you are coming from. As someone who likes to eat out and also am financially challanged I find that it is easier to take the burden and do the entertaining. There are a lot of recipes for groups of people. Over the years especially after college I found that things like barbeques or soup/chili nights go along was as friends would always bring sides or we would share the burden. They probably were being considerate of me an knew my situation. Everyone likes to eat, so I sure you can find a common ground. This also allowed me to go out for the steak dinner at the sit down restaurant once a month.

Answer 3

I've told relatives that we're on a tight budget, trying to save up for our next vacation (which is usually concert and between the resort and the tickets it's expensive), In reality we only dine out once a week in the summer. And that is the truth mostly. Really, we just want to pay the bills. Anyway. I'm sure you're a better cook than you make yourself out to be. Invite them over for a home cooked meal. I'm sure you'll be great.

Answer 4

Dear One,
Have you ever heard of just saying "no?" There's no need to explain anything. Why don't you cook something and invite them over? It does not have to be fancy. If you work, you could put something on in the morning on the crock pot. It will be so delicious when you get home. Just make a tossed salad and freezer rolls to heat for about 7 minutes in the oven. Make someiced tea and coffee or both or just have water with lemon slices. If you have to have a dessert, a bowl of fresh fruit with some cool whip on top will work wonders! Happy eating!

Answer 5

You can tell your friend that you're trying to stick to a strict budget for yourself in order to (insert something here like "pay off my credit cards" "save for a place of your own", or whatever). Offer to cook something at your place -- spaghetti or barbecue chicken with mashed potatoes are easy things to make, and are usually pretty inexpensive to make (plus, there's bound to be leftovers for the next day). Or a bottle of wine and some cheese & crackers would be good, because I'm guessing she just wants to hang out with you. :)

P.S.: I'm a single gal myself, and I'll often make myself something huge (like lasagna or stew), then put individual servings into tuppers that I'll stash in the freezer. When I'm hungry and lazy, I'll just nuke what I've frozen -- nothing goes to waste!

Answer 6

Me I usually go out to eat around 2-3 times a week, sometimes more, sometimes less, I'm trying to cut back on going to the restaurants right now though.

Answer 7

Just tell them that you have other plans and that it would be better if you met up in the morning at a coffee house or a cheap breakfast place. Make sure that you pick the place, not them. If they give you a hard time about it say " This is within my budget so I hope you'll understand ". Hope this helps, good luck!.

Answer 8

Just tell her that while you love spending time with her, and you love going out, you're trying to stick to a really strict budget these days-- but you'd love to go out "next month" "next week" "next time" whatever-- or hell practice your cooking and it wont go to waste on just one person-- invite friends over to your place and cook for them!

Answer 9

pretty often