Fair or not fair?

swingaloo

2 married couples arrange to go away for a week together (Ignore Covid 19 as this is only for the end of October and in this country so hopefully will be able to go ahead). Its a hobby based week and a cottage that they have stayed in a couple of times before and the cost has always been split 50-50 between the 2 couples.  Its self catering with 2 double rooms.
The money has to be paid in the next couple of weeks.
One member of the party has now decided that as she is 'Not really interested in persuing the hobby anymore and cant see any point going she will be staying at home to decorate that week while her husband is away'. So her husband says he thinks she is just being 'awkward' but that if she doesn't want to come she can stay at home and the 3 of us will go.
But, he now says he expects the cost to be  split 3 ways rather than 4 ie- us pay 400 and him 200 rather than the 300 each it would have been. Apart from the fact that she will probably get over her strop and then decide to come in the end, is it fair that we are expected to pay the extra just because of his wifes change of mind?
I can sort of see both sides but still feel a bit niggled.

thorsoak

No - as she has changed her mind, she should still pay her share - even if she doesn't go.

Martin_the_Unjust

thorsoak said:

No - as she has changed her mind, she should still pay her share - even if she doesn't go.

Is the right answer

Fireflyaway

You agreed on the deal based on 4 of you going as 2 couples, so if she backs out I think her husband should still pay 50%. It's not your fault she changed her mind. Plus if she does eventually go and you had paid 2/3 it would be awkward if they then we're not forthcoming in giving you the difference back! 

Retireby40

It should be split between couples. So they should pay their half regardless if someone drops out. You should approach it saying it's basically paying for the double room regardless of other parts of the cottage you can use.

I'm surprised the husband fancies a trip away on his own with another couple. 

swingaloo

More or less what we thought. The hubby would go as its a golfing-fishing thing and the men spend most of the day away from the women anyway so he doesn't care if she comes or not. They aren't a very 'close' couple.  Hubby said he is going to object to paying 2 thirds but I don't want to have an atmosphere about it when we go. Having thought a bit more about it Im pretty sure she will change her mind anyway as she has done the same type of thing before about days or evenings out.  Thanks for the replies.

Petriix

Maybe suggest that he brings someone else along to get his money's worth? Especially if he isn't 'close' to his wife.

pinkshoes

She should just see it as paying her share to have week of peace and quiet at home!!

(so yeah, it should still be 50/50).

To look at it another way, the couple going are having to share a room, so surely THEY should get the discount?!?!

NinjaTune

Petriix said:

Maybe suggest that he brings someone else along to get his money's worth? Especially if he isn't 'close' to his wife.

This made me laugh more than it should seeing as the OP is being asked to cough up extra.  Sorry OP x

Totally unfair.  If it's a 2 bed property then poor old lonely friend will still be occupying his double room, irrespective of whether his wife joins him; more room to starfish.  I honestly can't believe either of them have the nerve to challenge whether they should pay their fair share of the costs!

If the issue is with the 'extras' involved with pursuing the hobby then his missus needs to take that up directly with the company supplying it, not you.

burner01

Is the hobby swinging?

swingaloo

burner01 said:

Is the hobby swinging?

Yes, swinging a golf club and a fishing rod.