Friends not helping cover event costs

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 20/12/2015 (3941 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: Many years ago, when I was married and financially secure, I gladly covered the cost of tickets to special events like concerts, the ballet and MTC to friends who couldn’t afford them. I treated them to the show and they often paid for the parking or coffee and dessert afterward, and it was great fun.

Now, the tables have turned and I am struggling, while many of my friends are now financially secure. We still get together and have fun, but when they ask me to go to an expensive event with them I always bow out because I just can’t afford it. Sometimes they even get angry because they want to go, but they never think of inviting me as their guest.

So, could you please remind people that this is the time it would be so nice for them to remember the old times, and maybe spring for tickets to something wonderful that a friend couldn’t afford, but would certainly appreciate. Thanks!

— Feeling Left Out, Winnipeg

Dear Feeling Left Out: It’s understandable you feel this way, but tickets prices have skyrocketed in recent years and it isn’t the same as the days when you bought tickets for people. Sometimes tickets are hundreds of dollars each! Maybe this is something you’ll have to end nicely by saying, “I can’t afford these things now that prices have risen so steeply. Can we go to a movie together instead?” That passes on the message about finances and provides an alternative event that would be financially comfortable for you, and almost as much fun. It’s still a chance to visit, and that should be the major point of the get-together.

Please send your questions and comments to lovecoach@hotmail.com or Miss Lonelyhearts c/o the Winnipeg Free Press, 1355 Mountain Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2X 3B6

Miss Lonelyhearts
Advice Columnist

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