Pay for the party you host

[Ganesha]

If you ever call your friends (Asians of course) for a party in a restaurant, let's say, wedding or birthday party, unlike your Caucasian counterparts, do not ask them to do a GTPS (Getting Together, Paying Separately). They will be irritated. Even though you and your friends are in a foreign land, the tradition still takes a strong hold. They will never feel good if you call them up for your party and you ask them to pay for what they eat.

On the other hand, if your white friend calls you for his birthday party in some restaurant, expect to pay what you eat. That is an understood norm in the West.

[kazi]

interesting.. I find the scenario amusing.. maybe because I have never experienced the awkwardness of the situation... haha.. actually I am a shameless basterd when it comes to money and turns (time).. not because I am stingy or not-generous, but from a sense of fairness. but yes, there is that element of culture in this sort of thing. I really do not know which is better: to invite the limited few that you can afford to feed at a restaurant, or, invite a whole lot of friends to a house gathering.

But it all comes down to culture as you mentioned. An example is in the Oriental countries like Japan and Thailand and maybe China where no matter who invites the seniormost person pays the bills.. its about honor.

And I have another scenario here in the West: what if a bunch of friends invite a friend to say goodbye, or welcome, or congratulate. Who pays? the guy who is invited, or the bunch of friends?

(haha.. I'm still laughing... good one @Ganesha)

[Ganesha]

Glad that it sent you into fits of laughter! I guess, even in your case, people pay individually, unless the party is happening at somebody's parent's house and the parents are picking up the tab.

[kazi]

Recently I came to know that you can have mass birthday parties for kids.. you know like the mass bihe or other things like that back home. Several parents gang up to celebrate their kids' birthday... I was surprised. And the best part is that the kids love it.