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Manners Matter: Who’s Treating?

Dear Mary Pat,

My friend just got season tickets for the Packers. He’s asked me to go to one of the games in September or October. The only thing is, I’m not sure how to handle the cost. I don’t know whether he’s going to treat me to the game, and then I would pay for the food and drinks. It wasn’t clear, and I don’t know how to approach him. I don’t want to offend him by offering money.

Signed,

Who’s Treating?

Valmy, Wisconsin

Dear Who’s Treating?

I don’t think you’ll offend your friend if you ask how much he wants for the ticket. Once you decide on the date, just say to him, “Let me know how much I owe you for the ticket.” If he says he doesn’t want anything for it, then you know he meant to treat you. Your idea of paying for the food and drinks is an especially good one in that case. If he tells you the ticket is $200, then you know to take $200 in cash for your friend, and then it would still be nice to buy him a drink, too, to thank him for inviting you.

Good luck,

Mary Pat