I just finished my post-grad studies a little over a year ago, and while I make decent/good money I still have student loans to pay off. Nevertheless, whenever I meet a couple, I make sure to cover the cost of a hotel or drinks or a meal - depending on whether or not they already have a room booked and what we’re doing. Basically, I feel like it’s a show of respect to chip in financially, especially given how much women tend to spend on lingerie/makeup/clothes.

Now, after a play session with a couple that I’m quite close with, they mentioned that they were planning on taking a trip to Europe and asked if I wanted to join them. I basically just avoided the conversation by asking for the dates and seeing if I could get off work, but I’m going to have to provide them with an answer eventually.

Should I just save face and tell them I’m too busy with work? Do I be honest and admit that I can’t afford it?