Hi Gary! Thanks for reading and sharing -- I just clarified to Annie, if you want to read my comment to her.

I just edited #5 to be clearer - so thanks for helping me to see where I lacked clarity.

I believe across the world and cultures - we all arrive with something to contribute to a bbq, dinner party, or even coffee. I wanted to - and intended to for this invite.

The reason my #5 point is a "never" for me across cultures is two things that I failed to say the first time well:

1. I was asked to essentially be a co-host without me knowing that was the idea -- if someone tells me: "hey we want to get together and we're all going to pitch in" -- that's clear and now I know: it's not one couple inviting another. It's like a potluck.

I'm game! - I fully support always helping a host. I've always hosted - and I always put everything myself. That part is perhaps cultural. No problem.

But to verbally say: I am inviting you...

And later say: I want you to split this with me --

That's a never - and especially when I don't even know them. I can't see this being acceptable for any culture.

But that's just me --

I still appreciate the dialogue of the nuances of such a thing.

In the end -- clear, direct, and timely communication help eliminate social faux pas like this. My host failed that miserably as well.

You live - you learn! 🥳 - Have a great week!