Reply #18: I've about given up on these gatherings

[skygazer]

Unless it's truly a close friend of mine. Weddings, showers, all those events seem to be turning into greed-fests. Or maybe I'm just getting cynical in my old age.

People I work with who I've had the dubious pleasure of hearing plan their weddings openly talk about how they've padded the guest list in order to get more gifts. Invitations openly invite you to participate in "money trees" or "dollar dances" or to contribute money to the couple for their honeymoon! I feel like I'm being shaken down every time I'm invited to such a thing.

I give gifts to people because I like them and want to get them a gift. I'm sick of feeling obliged to purchase expensive items for people I barely know. Inviting 250 people to a baby shower just strikes me as over the top.