[jonKranked]

I just ran across this article, and am completely flabbergasted that this kind of behavior actually happens:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/09/10/lw.pay.for.my.party/index.html

I've hosted a few small get togethers in my time, but if ever I need/expect my guests to bring something, I let them know well in advance. Usually it would only be beverages (beer, wine, bottle of choice), not because I'm cheap, but because a good number of my friends that I invite like to put down a few drinks (myself included, but I always make sure I have booze for myself).

Has any garbage like this ever happened to other monkies? How did you handle it?

 

[Broken_Spoke]

I can't remember one situation where it wasn't upfront about what was expected at a party. On that note if I am invited to dinner I always bring a bottle of wine, or if it is my birthday I am always ready to pay for my own things if people don't offer to buy stuff for me.

 

[jdcamb]

The one thing I have found is... You can never have enough coke on hand. Folks just love that chit!

 

[X3pilot]

Wow. Some fine examples of pure selfishness. Birthdays cease to be a big deal all about you after you turn 11 and don't get the pony.

I if host a social event (rarely) I expect to provide food and suggest that if my guest prefer to bring their own libations feel free, but let it be known what the menu will be and what flavors of drinks I have.

I don't, however, tend to make accommodations to vegan diets, Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers point cards or other unique or otherwise weird eating/drinking habits.

I would never go out to a birthday dinner and expect anyone to pay for me. My last birthday, I took a few folks out to lunch and paid for them, just because I was happy to be around another year.

 

[AngryMetalsmith]

Some people just need to be slapped in the face with a dead fish.

 

[Windowlicker]

BYOB please.

 

[ridiculous]

Some people just need to be slapped in the face with a dead fish.

you mean those who can spend 500 dollars on themselves at a sushi joint?

 

[geargrrl]

how could you call people like that your "friends"? ( eek, or relatives?)

 

[Broken_Spoke]

you mean those who can spend 500 dollars on themselves at a sushi joint?

I want 10 of your most expensive rolls and a large bottle of sakke just for myself. Being drunk on rice, fish, and asshatness is a great feeling.

 

[johnbryanpeters]

Wow. Those are some twisted gatherings.

 

[loco-gringo]

I suggested we have a small party for a good friend's mother who will be 83 tomorrow. The mother has alzheimer's and loves my little girl so we thought it would be nice. We showed up with a card and flowers to have a chinese buffet. When I went to pay I was told my friend had already done so. It's hard to believe that my friends are so much more classy than plenty I see. I'm glad to be fortunate. Most people need to be slit in the jugular.

 

[BillT]

I read that same story as was thinking of posting that link in here until I saw that it was already done. I was amazed at what was detailed in that story.

 

[I Are Baboon]

You've got to be a moron to invite people to a party and expect them to pay, unless that is discussed up front. And in such a case, that's not a party. That's a "Hey, let's all take Joe out for a birthday dinner."

I prefer house parties though. More specifically, house cookouts.

 

[TreeSaw]

how could you call people like that your "friends"? ( eek, or relatives?)

If I ever expect my guests to bring something I am very clear about it, but usually I just do it myself.

 

[TN]

I didn't click the link, but the comments make me remember why I don't mind not having a huge (more than 1 or 2) group of friends.

 

[Spero]

I've been in that situation numerous times. The worst part about these instances is that, in my experience, the individual(s) responsible for the cheapness are usually the ones that could most easily afford the meal.

 

[Westy]

I just make sure I'm passed out or vomiting at that point in party. Few people will ask you to buck up if there is a chance they will get puked on.

 

[pnj]

My friends aren't that dumb....

I wouldn't call people that did that friends.

 

[SkaredShtles]

I didn't click the link, but the comments make me remember why I don't mind not having a huge (more than 1 or 2) group of friends.

Much more than that is too much hassle, IMO.

 

[Da Peach]

BYOB all the way.

 

[pnj]

Isn't it kind of common to pay for a friends birthday meal?

 

[SkaredShtles]

Isn't it kind of common to pay for a friends birthday meal?

Yeah... but usually someone says "Let's take El Guapo out for dinner!"

 

[sanjuro]

You are all invited to my party this weekend. Food booze and strippers!!!!!
$200 at the door.

 

[sanjuro]

Isn't it kind of common to pay for a friends birthday meal?

The first case was everyone else partied it up as well. I am glad to pay for my share and part of the birthday girl's bill, but not for everyone else.

But I don't have any casual friends, so I don't have these kinds of problems.

 

[X3pilot]

You are all invited to my party this weekend. Food booze and strippers!!!!!
$200 at the door.

Sorry, I prefer hookers and blow...