The Menu ...

[gshaheen]

@redvelvet

^My parents enjoy entertaining…because they both (especially my dad) enjoy cooking…and they’re what I consider perfectionists. But never have they expected the guests to bring a gift…nor have I ever expected it. If they do…then that’s kind of them…if they don’t that’s fine as well. The chief purpose of having the gathering is to bring people together for good company.

I think many of us have tried pricey food that’s mediocre tasting at best…and we’ve had food that costs considerably less but tastes amazing. You’re complaining about $5…I’ve tried cakes from Walmart for cheaper than $5 that are so moist and delicious. It’s hard to determine a person’s intentions. For all you know…it could be that they personally enjoy that particular cake (even if it’s $5)…and thought you would as well. Maybe they sincerely wanted to bring something…and were pressed for time…and in a hurry bought the cake. Sometimes it may not be so obvious…but people could be having financial issues, etc.

As for the woman who came into the living room with her shoes on…just cheerfully tell her, “You know we’d like for you to feel comfortable in our home like all the other guests…so go ahead to take your shoes off…so you feel more at ease in walking around etc.” There’s always a tactful way to go about things.

agreed 100%, but not everyone has that ability including me . i desperatly wish i can learn to do that, saves me much of trouble.