I have hosted a friend for dinner four or five times. I cook and tell guests to bring beverages of their choice. This friend has made a point of wanting to reciprocate once she moved into a larger apartment. Finally, she did and invited us to dinner. We went, and she sent a Venmo request for payment the next day. I am outraged. Help! —Anonymous
TWO CHOICES: Ignore her ridiculous Venmo request. Or thank her for it and tell her you will credit her bill against the much larger tab she has run up at your place. (Then drop the matter; this is not worth tangling over.) Hosts can make whatever kind of invitation they like, but the terms must be clear beforehand.
—Adapted from “Social Q’s” in The New York Times Magazine