DEAR ABBY: I am 20 years old, have been married for a year and a half, and have a 3-month-old son. We don't have much money and are struggling to get by.
Last week a friend of my mother's called and said, "Let's go to lunch. I want to see your new baby." I assumed it would be her treat. Imagine my embarrassment when I was asked for "my share" of the check. All I had with me was $5. My mother put in the rest.
Had I known I'd be expected to pay for my lunch, I would have suggested that she stop by my house to see the baby.
Was I wrong to assume that she'd be treating me to lunch? -- EMBARRASSED
DEAR EMBARRASSED: No. Since she invited you to lunch, she should have paid for it. However, some people make a practice of going "Dutch" and assume that everyone else understands.
Before accepting an invitation, leave nothing to chance. Ask, "Are we going Dutch?"