So, my dad came to the US in the 70's with a bunch of his friends. They all graduated from dental school together and came over to the states because at the time, dentists were lacking and it was easy for foreigners to come in and become citizens.
Fast foward to 2010, my dad and the rest of his buddies (minus a couple) have done really well for themselves. My dad owns his house and all his cars in a well-established, popular neighborhood. And eventhough his business has been affected by the economy, he's still pretty well off. He's a hardworker and never spends beyond his means.
The other day one of his buddies gives him a call. Apparently, one of their friend's, who doesn't live in Philly but in VA, needs help. His daughter is getting married, he's broke, and he asked if the guys down here could chip in for the wedding. All of my dad's buddies and him are meeting up at a restaurant to "discuss" the situation tonight. I know my dad really well. He says he's just going to see his friends and talk and that he won't give any money, but my dad caves in easily. If all of his friends decide to chip in, he'll feel pressure and give money too. I don't want my dad to even go so he's doesn't potentially put himself in a spot where he feels like he should contribute. My dad on the other hand says no one is going to give money, they're just going to talk about the issue, and if anyone decides to give money, it will be later on, not tonight.
What do you all think? I just can't believe that someone would even consider asking potential guests to the wedding to chip in. Not only that, this broke friend has lived beyond his means for a long time (his friends are in politics and he has to keep up). He lost his dental license a while ago, and his wife is the only one actually working (in retail no less) to help pay bills. It just makes me so angry. Grr. sorry for the long post, I just needed to get it out.