Expert: Amanda Gamble - 6/27/2009

Question
We were invited to a birthday party for a woman in her late thirties. It is a party on a riverboat cost 50 plus dollars per person. At our expense. the question is  what is the right thing to do? My mother thinks that the birthday woman should pay for the admission on the riverboat. She said that she has never heard of  the guest paying their own way. I figure since I am paying for my own way then she doesn't receive a gift. I feel that my 50 plus  admission fee is my gift. Whose right?

Answer
Dear Kay,
 A hostess never gives a party that she cannot afford. Especially
 not in honor of herself. Your Mother is right to be shocked. If
 you wish to skip giving a gift,that is certainly acceptable as well
 as  understandable.

                                Best regards,
                                  Amanda Gamble