Would you ask friend for this ticket money?

[Shewas]

I'm going to an event on Saturday booked ages ago. Me and friend A and friend B. Tickets were £38, friend A bought them and has the tickets, we all paid him ages ago.

Friend B can no longer go. She's a single mum with a tough life and her ex has announced he'll be on holiday, so she has no childcare. She's gutted not to be able to go, and knows the money is lost/spent. She said if we know of anyone who can use it to feel free to pass it on.

I bumped into a friend from way back I haven't seen in ages and mentioned we were going to this thing. He said he'd have loved to go. I said well actually there's a spare ticket.

That was a few weeks back and TBH I didn't really expect him to come, but he's just messaged saying he will and should he send me the money.

If it were my money, I'd say no, just glad to see it used and expect/hope he'd buy me a drink while we're out.

Friend B isn't expecting any cash, but I know she could use it. Would you ask him to pay (and pass it on, of course.)?

100% this. I wouldn't expect full price but if he pays half or whatever he's still got a bargain and your friend has got back some money she had completely written off. win win.

Is there part of the story missing? How is this even a question?

Why is this even a problem? Do what you think.0

Perfect IMO.

Don't ask her - she'll probably say no. Just tell him the cost and pass her the money. I have no idea why it's awkward or up for debate at all. Why is it awkward for him to pay for something he wants to go to - it's not as if he's just going to do you a favour.

I don’t think it’s mad like some people do. When you offered the ticket, in your head it was spare and your friend had said she didn’t expect money so you likely said it like it was free. So him offering is throwing a curveball because you likely didn’t expect him to offer to pay, he also might just be being polite and not expect to pay full price (especially if it’s not a sell out) someone else mentioned a quick text to him saying that your friend would be happy with a contribution and I agree. Anything is better than nothing for your friend at this point isn’t it? I would feel awkward as well. It reminds me of a time that my Mum asked me if I knew anyone that wanted some bunk beds, she was desperate to get rid of them as she was moving, as luck would have it someone I knew shortly after mentioned needing some - perfect! Except my Mum decided she wanted £50 for them, something she had failed to mention before so when I offered them to my friend, whilst I hadn’t said they were free, I had the idea that they were free in my head and felt too embarrassed to ask my friend for the money. My Mum ended up having to disassemble them and take them to the tip and I was annoyed that my friend would have saved her the hassle but she decided to be tight when she didn’t need to. Basically, I understand the slight awkwardness you feel because of the spirit you offered it in 😂

This is so weird to me. This happens in our friendship group all the time as we go to the theatre together a lot. Often someone has to pull out at the last minute for whatever reason and then they’ll post on the group ‘sorry I can’t make X, if anyone would like my ticket for free so it’s not wasted go ahead’. And someone else will reply ‘yes I’d like it, of course I’ll pay you back’. No one ever takes it for free even though it’s offered like that.
I thought this was just normal polite behaviour!!! Of course your friend should pay back your other friend- they clearly think so too or wouldn’t have offered.

He has offered to pay so let him and give friend B the money back. Why wouldn't you?

You're over thinking this.

I'm also a massive overthinker.

"Hi Dave, I know my friend would be quite happy that the ticket was used. If you did want to pay, I'm sure she'd really appreciate it. It cost £38."

"We missed you on Saturday. Dave enjoyed the event and was insistent you were reimbursed. Please let me have your bank details and I'll pop it over to you."

You're not telling your mate about friend B's issues and friend B is getting money back which you know she'll really appreciate it.

Your keeping confidentialities.

Enjoy Saturday 🥰

Yes it’s not your money to reject of course you should accept

Take the money and pass to your friend who hopefully can use it next time you go out.

I'd just be honest with him. Say your friend isn't asking for payment but tell him she's struggling so a contribution towards it would really help her. I'm sure he'll be more than happy to pay

Of course you should take the money. Maybe ask your friend if she’s ok with face value without the fees bit they can be a lot these days

This is just a non-issue. You know how much the ticket cost: £38. He asked you how much so you tell him: £38, please. Then pass it on to the friend who paid for the ticket.

Honestly, zero awkwardness needed.

Your friend said to pass the ticket on if someone could use it. Someone can use it and has offered to pay, so you just tell her “sorry you couldn’t make it, my pal Dave is coming, here’s the £38 for the ticket”.