Dear Annie: My daughter charges us for takeout and restaurant meals when we visit her

To Annie, please:

My adult daughter works, as does her spouse. When my husband and I visit them, which happens about four times a year, they send out food and ask us to pay our portion of the bill because they don’t cook. Occasionally, she will use my credit card to cover the entire cost. I always take the check when we go out to eat, which I consider to be practically required of them.

Since I have been entertaining them everytime they come to see us for the past 20 years, am I asking too much? Having Lunch with Bill

Dear Bill, I’m having lunch.

Sometimes old habits die hard when it comes to parents paying up the tab. Your adult daughter definitely doesn’t hesitate to give you the check if you’ve been paying for meals since she was a young child.

Regardless of justifications, charging guests for their portion of a dinner is rude. Say something like, “You take care of this one, and I’ll treat us all to dinner tonight,” the next time she attempts to bill you for lunch.

How Can My Partner Who Cheated Be Forgiven? is currently available! Both print and e-book versions of Annie Lane’s second anthology, which includes her favorite pieces on marriage, adultery, communication, and reconciliation, are available. For additional information, go to http://www.creatorspublishing.com. For Annie Lane, send inquiries to [email protected].

The 2024Creators.com copyright

More Advice

Dear Abby: My nephew s untreated mental illness is destroying our once-close bond
Dear Annie: I loved being a father to her kids, but I made mistakes
Dear Abby: Is it rude to use a gift card while dining out with the givers?
Dear Annie: I moved to help out, but my daughter only wants me around to babysit
Dear Abby: I thought pregnancy would bring us closer, but I feel sad and alone

Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!