Money Moral Dilemma: Should I stretch my budget to have an expensive holiday lunch with my friend?

Pollycat

JayD said:

So many of these dilemmas simply need people to TALK to each other!

+1 to this.
Why don't/can't people just communicate?

Brie

Pollycat said:

JayD said:

So many of these dilemmas simply need people to TALK to each other!

+1 to this.
Why don't/can't people just communicate?

Because they're English?  Because they are insecure?  Because they don't want to seem cheap?  Because it didn't occur to them when it was first mentioned?  Because they think their friend is really really really looking forward to the posh place and don't want to upset them?  

Pollycat

Brie said:

Pollycat said:

JayD said:

So many of these dilemmas simply need people to TALK to each other!

+1 to this.
Why don't/can't people just communicate?

Because they're English?  Because they are insecure?  Because they don't want to seem cheap?  Because it didn't occur to them when it was first mentioned?  Because they think their friend is really really really looking forward to the posh place and don't want to upset them?  

Why English?
Why insecure?
Why etc etc?
I really don't understand these dilemmas where they could be resolved by simply talking.

CKhalvashi

Brie said:

Pollycat said:

JayD said:

So many of these dilemmas simply need people to TALK to each other!

+1 to this.
Why don't/can't people just communicate?

Because they're English?  Because they are insecure?  Because they don't want to seem cheap?  Because it didn't occur to them when it was first mentioned?  Because they think their friend is really really really looking forward to the posh place and don't want to upset them?  

But I don't see the point in not communicating that it's going to be a stretch.

We've taken a huge drop in income during the pandemic but remain comfortable, and the last few years have left me personally questioning whether I can justify spending x, y or z, even if I can afford it. I've personally also been notoriously tight before the pandemic when it's come to certain things, but remain committed to spending £x on others.

Personally, I don't see the point in spending £200 on lunch when an equivalent experience can be enjoyed for £20. On top of this, it's Paris, there are many decent family-owned eateries in the city that aren't overly expensive and offer an amazing experience, as there are in many cities. These family-owned eateries offer just as nice food as the expensive restaurants, paired very often with much bigger portions. They're generally located outside of the tourist areas (and many here know tourist areas aren't my thing anyway) at a €1,90 tram ride outside of the centre, however with that said, an amazing bakery is located just opposite the Expo close to the change of trams T2 and T3 where I paid with a colleague something like €6-7 for 2 coffees and 4 pastries most mornings.

In short, you don't need to spend a fortune to have a good time. To me the idea of spending time with friends is more appealing than stretching my budget beyond what I'm comfortable with.