I can't go dutch

[Whatinthedoopla]

I am currently low on funds, and will be going out to a distant cousin's birthday, but didn't realise the meal is costing £80! And this is without drinks!
I accepted the invitation before knowing the price.

I assume people will be drinking alcohol etc, I am literally going to order 1 soft drink and that's it!

How do I politely decline going Dutch? These are family members I don't see often

The best way of dealing with this is to hand over cash for your meal/drinks and leave early. Going Dutch or splitting the bill is fine if you all have roughly the same but I agree that if I was low on funds or eating with heavy alcohol drinkers or those who eat five courses etc I would just say we will all pay for our own. Most places will split bills like that now.

I don’t drink much these days and often go for meals and just have a bottle of sparkling water and maybe a soft drink - I just say I’m going just cover my share plus tip and no one is ever offended but if you really can’t afford to go I’d just come down with a heavy cold or similar

Snap! I’m in the UK and am British. If you google it the answer is the same. I think it must have got twisted or misunderstood maybe over the years? 🤣🤷🏻‍♀️

i would tell the truth! no shame in having better things to spend money on!