Here is what happens to my friends and me and I am sure this is a reflection on different financial values and life attitude in general. Well, I don't drink any alchohol while a few friends of mine love drinking very much. They would gather to have dinner/drink almost every day(at least four times a week). I am often invited but due to my no-drinking habit, I usually turn the invitation down. We are all family men but they are a few years older than me. Their children are much older than my kid so probably they don't need their fathers' attention and time. I always put my family first so this is also one of the reasons I don't join them that frequently. Financially, every gathering meal/drinking is not cheap because it involves a lot of drinks and dishes. The average cost of such dinner/drinking is equivalent to 1/5 the average monthly income in the city where we live. So every month, the cost for these "gatherings" consumes all the income that a man can earn for months. This is considered a huge waste of money in many people's eyes cause most people don't earn much. Although I don't drink, occasionally I will treat them and pay the bills for the guesture of friendliness. Do you think my friends' lifestyle is a waste of money and time ? How much do you spend on such gatherings on average ? Please let me know.
Isn't it crazy how our financial values and attitudes shape the way we live our lives? Your crew seems to be all about partying and having a good time, while you're more about taking care of your family and keeping your finances in check. But you still hook 'em up with treats even though you don't drink - that's real friendship right there.
Spending money on your shindigs is all relative, you know what I'm saying? Some people might think it's a total waste, but others see it as an investment in their social life and networking skills. The key is to find that happy medium that works for your wallet and your lifestyle, ya feel me?
Personally, I like to keep things within budget when it comes to hanging with my homies and having a good time. Life is about making memories with the fam, but not at the expense of your bank account. How do you balance your social life and your finances, my friend?