Paying for theatre ticket that would go unused otherwise

[BadActingParsley]

I bought 2 tickets to see a play, not expensive, but assumed husband would come. He can't make it so I asked a friend v short notice. I know she'll offer to pay, £20, but as it would have gone unused otherwise...would it be better to just say it's on me? I don't think she'll mind either way but it seems weird to ask her to pay.

Had a similar situation, asked friend when DD was too ill to attend a gig with me. I wouldn’t accept any money for the ticket, she bought a couple of drinks in lieu. Everyone happy!

I think tell her it’s on you, as you say you thought it would be left unused anyway so she’s doing you a favour by coming with you

i was in exactly the same scenario last month. She offered to pay, I said it was on us and she insisted on buying the coffee and cakes afterwards.