Annie’s Mailbox: Invitation comes with price tag

Dear Annie: Three months ago, my husband and I received an email invitation to a friend’s 70th birthday party, given by his adult children.

A month later, another email arrived, informing us that each guest was expected to pay $25 for our meals at the restaurant, and that there also would be a “money tree.” I thought that was tacky, but we like this guy and still planned to go. Then, a week before the date, we received a third email, saying the price would now be $32 apiece. The son said he’d be at the entrance to collect money, and for our convenience, “there is an ATM nearby.”

Annie, if the hosts couldn’t afford a restaurant, why didn’t they simply have people at their home for coffee and cake? I called the son and told him we are senior citizens and on a fixed income. I said we were sorry, but could not afford to attend. Then, the son tried to put a guilt trip on me.

I have never heard of anything so nervy! There’s a Yiddish word for it, but I don’t know how to spell it. I hope we haven’t lost a friend. – Now I’ve Seen it All

Dear Seen: The word you are looking for is “chutzpah,” and yes, the son seems to have a lot of it. Unfortunately, he’s not alone. A lot of people think it’s OK to make the guests foot the bill for whatever event they decide to have. We do suggest, however, that you send the honoree a nice card and a small gift if you can afford it. We are certain it will be appreciated.

Annie’s Snippet for Labor Day (Credit Jonas Salk): “The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more.”