An old friend called me this morning and asked me if I'm doing anything for my birthday, which is today. I told her no and she asked me if I'd like to go out to dinner tonight with her and some friends. She then proceeded to ask me where I would like to eat and I suggested Red Lobster. She didn't mention anything about who would be paying for my meal, so I assumed she was, based on the way she was talking. This afternoon she called me again to set a time. I asked her casually if I would need to bring money and she said that each of us would pay for our own bill. Unfortunately, I'm broke. I don't know how to tell my friend that I was under the impression she would be paying. It would be nice if everyone chipped in to pay for my meal, considering it is my birthday and they invited me. Am I right in thinking this?
2007-06-25 05:25:46 · 10 answers · asked by Desiree 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Yes you are right about this. It is your birthday and they SHOULD pay for your food and as many drinks as you feel you need. You should not even have to ask! What kind of lame friends do you have any way? You shouldn't even be asking this question! BTW, Happy birthday, and if I were your friend I would treat you to good food and gifts and let you know that I'm GLAD you were born.
2007-06-25 05:33:01 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
This is a touchy won. She invited you and she should pay, but she has told you that she expects you to pay your own way, which is rather tacky. I would just cancel. If she pushes for an explanation, tell her that you cannot afford to eat out at this time, which is why you had no plans to begin with and that when she invited you, you thought she was actually extending an invitation to be her guest. She was also thoughtless to wait until the day of your birthday to call. It is unfortunate because I hate to think you'll sit home alone on your birthday.
Another option is to call her and tell her that you now have a serious craving for tacos, and could you go to a taco place, instead, which will be cheaper.
Sorry this is happening on your birthday! Happy Birthday, anyway.
2007-06-25 06:14:01 · answer #2 · answered by lawmom 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you are right. She asked YOU out to dinner for your birthday. This would give me the impression that she would be paying. If you don't feel comfortable asking for help paying for your meal then you could just cancel and do something else. You could also call her and explain that you are broke and that you were under the impression that she would be paying since she asked you out and suggest maybe going somewhere cheaper that you could afford. That is a pretty crappy way to start your birthday off. Good luck and hope your day turns around.
P.S. Happy Birthday! (Today is also my 3 year old daughter's birthday :)
2007-06-25 05:49:33 · answer #3 · answered by skylo0406 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Normally the birthday person pays for the dinner and the guests bring her gifts. If you are broke, tell your friends the truth. If they offer to pay for your dinner, attend it, if not stay at home.
2007-06-25 13:54:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you are correct to assume that since they invited you. Its a bit tacky of no one to tell you until the last minute. It is almost universally accepted, that if someone asks you to go to dinner and no mention payment is made, they are paying. Especially on your birthday!
2007-06-25 05:47:41 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
I agree that your assumption was valid and it would be nice. However, since that is not the case, you need to be honest with her / them and just admit that you are broke, don't want to impose where it was not their intention to pay for you and back out as gracefully as you can. Or, you can have a sudden "emergency" and ask for a rain-check for a time when you know you WILL have money.
2007-06-25 05:30:13 · answer #6 · answered by Yahzmin ♥♥ 4ever 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I think you have every right to think she should pay. Who likes to buy their own birthday present and she invited you to start with. She should pay.
2007-06-25 05:52:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Explain to her that you'll pay for her lavish meal when you next get paid.
2007-06-25 05:28:49 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Yup.
2007-06-26 06:11:56 · answer #9 · answered by LY 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
as far as your picture is concerned, i would too
2007-06-25 05:33:02 · answer #10 · answered by George 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋