Birthdays can randomly be pretty expensive. You might buy them a gift, take them out for dinner, or pay your way at an event. But this is the cycle of birthdays. You do unto others and you would have them do unto you. It’s just part of being a human with friends and family. Plus, you might get some joy out of taking care of others. You might love to make them feel treated, even if it’s just one night out of the year. What is your money for, anyway?

Of course, there have to be limits around this. Nobody wants to feel taken advantage of. This is why you have to do your best to communicate on both sides. You have to clear up expectations, lest feelings get hurt. But there are a few things that should be generally understood by all. One– if someone is paying for you, don’t take advantage of them and order the most expensive thing on the menu. It’s tacky. Two– if you invite someone out for their birthday, the expectation is that you pay. Unless you clear it up ahead of time.