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Host Throws Alcohol-Free Halloween Party, Best Friend Buys Booze And Demands She Chip In $75
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Host Throws Alcohol-Free Halloween Party, Best Friend Buys Booze And Demands She Chip In $75

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While some folks could say a lot of things about alcohol, one thing is always for certain: it’s an optional pleasure in life.

Those who don’t partake in it, or maybe prefer non-alcoholic versions, are not at odds with those who enjoy a glass or a bottle… or a keg. It all boils down to how you want to live your life and it shouldn’t be a given either way.

Well, some people might beg to differ. So much, in fact, that they might resort to passive-aggressive Venmo requests to the amount of $75.

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    The idea of a party implies that there might be alcohol in it, but we live in an age where that doesn’t have to be the case

    Image credits: Kenny Eliason (not the actual photo)

    For some, it’s hard to accept a non-alcoholic policy and so they try to “fix” it at the [$75] expense of the host

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    Image credits: Kevin Malik (not the actual photo)

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    Image credits: RDNE Stock project (not the actual photo)

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    Image credits: NotABoozinSusan

    While the host didn’t warn guests about the partially-dry house party rule, she didn’t feel like paying $75 just because she’s the host

    The story goes that Redditor u/NotABoozinSusan hosted a Halloween party. She chose not to serve alcohol because she doesn’t drink, but made sure there are other snacks and drinks available.

    While her friends and family know about and respect this, her coworkers were not all aware of it. This was by no means a prohibition for guests as they could still bring their own drinks if they wanted to.

    However, it seems nobody did, and OP’s friend Kev felt it was his duty to make sure alcohol reaches the thirsty party people by going to the store and buying everyone drinks.

    Afterwards, he gave a stern talking to OP about how she should’ve made sure there is alcohol available because bandwagon, and she should be cool about it. He also proceeded to Venmo her a $75 request to compensate Kev for his booze run. The story soon ended up on Reddit for people to judge.

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    Image credits: Mary Taylor (not the actual photo)

    Folks were mostly on the party host’s side, save for forgetting to tell people it’s a BYOB (Bring Your Own Booze) affair

    Minus not practicing effective communication and simply not thinking of telling people it’s a BYOB party, folks online understood and supported OP. In OP’s defense, though, she never had a problem like this before, and has been to a number of parties with varying degrees of alcohol servings, so it just never crossed her mind.

    Folks online didn’t think OP was responsible for paying for the drinks—especially since she was not partaking in them anyway—but also because $75 felt like a lot, if Kev is asking to cover half. And that would be quite a lot of booze—like black out drunk for some. But Kev never provided a receipt, all the while only bringing two bottles of tequila and whiskey, and a six pack.

    Mostly, folks hinted at the argument that Kev had the idea to buy everyone a round (or seven?) of drinks at his own expense without consulting OP and then also hoping he’d be reimbursed for it all. That’s not how it works, man.

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    If anything, it’s OP’s house, it’s her rules. If someone wants a drink at this point, it’s a them problem.

    Image credits: cottonbro studio (not the actual photo)

    There is nothing wrong with going BYOB, but there are some things to consider beforehand

    In this day and age, it’s OK to ask party-goers to chip in on party expenses, especially if it’s something you will be partaking in. However, there are some things to keep in mind for a BYOB party as per the established etiquette.

    First, and foremost, the crux of the issue: let people know that it is a BYOB party. This in turn can benefit from other bits of relevant info, like whether drinkware and ice will be provided or whether there are any guidelines on what to bring.

    Speaking of which, providing mixers and garnishes, basic bar essentials, glassware, and other things to help party-goers feel less awkward if the host is not having any drinks themselves is always polite, respectful, and a huge plus as far as party etiquette goes.

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    Oh, and if you are actually drinking, and want to have something that someone else is having, ask. If you follow these rules, you’ll do just fine and your party will be a hoot.

    With all of this in mind, we’d love to hear what you think OP should’ve done. Share your stories and takes in the comment section below!

    Image credits: RDNE Stock project (not the actual photo)

    The host also provided more context to the situation in the comment section

    And speaking of comments, folks were mostly on the woman’s side, minus her forgetting to tell people it’s a BYOB party

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    Some folks played devil’s advocate and showed how everyone involved did something wrong

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    And some ignored Kev altogether, saying the host was the root of all the problems by forgetting a key piece of info

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    Robertas Lisickis

    Robertas Lisickis

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    Read more »

    Some time ago, Robertas used to spend his days watching how deep the imprint in his chair will become as he wrote for Bored Panda. Wrote about pretty much everything under and beyond the sun. Not anymore, though. He's now probably playing Gwent or hosting Dungeons and Dragons adventures for those with an inclination for chaos.

    Read less »
    Robertas Lisickis

    Robertas Lisickis

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    Some time ago, Robertas used to spend his days watching how deep the imprint in his chair will become as he wrote for Bored Panda. Wrote about pretty much everything under and beyond the sun. Not anymore, though. He's now probably playing Gwent or hosting Dungeons and Dragons adventures for those with an inclination for chaos.

    Gabija Saveiskyte

    Gabija Saveiskyte

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    Read more »

    Hi there! I am a Visual Editor at Bored Panda. My job is to ensure that all the articles are aesthetically pleasing. I get to work with a variety of topics ranging from all the relationship drama to lots and lots of memes and, my personal favorites, funny cute cats. When I am not perfecting the images, you can find me reading with a cup of matcha latte and a cat in my lap, taking photos (of my cat), getting lost in the forest, or simply cuddling with my cat... Did I mention that I love cats?

    Read less »

    Gabija Saveiskyte

    Gabija Saveiskyte

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    Hi there! I am a Visual Editor at Bored Panda. My job is to ensure that all the articles are aesthetically pleasing. I get to work with a variety of topics ranging from all the relationship drama to lots and lots of memes and, my personal favorites, funny cute cats. When I am not perfecting the images, you can find me reading with a cup of matcha latte and a cat in my lap, taking photos (of my cat), getting lost in the forest, or simply cuddling with my cat... Did I mention that I love cats?

    What do you think ?
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    Sarah Kathrin Matsoukis
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I never have expectations when invited and I never come empty handed either. I don't drink and I think people who can't enjoy a get together without mind altering substances have a problem.

    Helena
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There's a reason it is called a social lubricant. 1 or 2 drinks before schmoozing with strangers does not an alcoholic make. If you throw a holiday party, particularly one that is associated with getting a little raucous (like halloween) it is expected you'll have at least a modicum of some kind of alcoholic beverages (some go so far as themed). I don't have a drink rarely, but would never think to throw a party where I didn't provide some alcohol and then put in a byob stipulation in there. Not everyone is comfortable with socializing, alcohol helps. It is an ice breaker, conversation starter etc. It doesn't even denote people will get drunk, but there is a reason it has been part of social occasions since pretty much the beginning of its invention.

    Load More Replies...
    VioletHunter
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The kind of people who only go to parties to get drunk, are exactly the kind of people she'd not want at her party imo.

    Ace
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The vast majority of party drinkers are not going to get drunk. If you assume that wanting a drink or two is the same as wanting to get drunk then I must assume that you're a non drinker, maybe too young? For many people it legitimately helps them relax, drop their inhibitions and makes the party better for all,

    Load More Replies...
    Zedrapazia
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I agree with the person who says that assuming you'll get free alcohol and don't bring anything to a party is a bit rude. Especially given what that friend guy had bought, what band was this to be so expensive? I could probably go to the next supermarket and get a bottle of vodka for 10, would I drink, it can't be that he spent around 140 on alcohol (given what he sent OP was half).

    Load More Comments
    Sarah Kathrin Matsoukis
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I never have expectations when invited and I never come empty handed either. I don't drink and I think people who can't enjoy a get together without mind altering substances have a problem.

    Helena
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There's a reason it is called a social lubricant. 1 or 2 drinks before schmoozing with strangers does not an alcoholic make. If you throw a holiday party, particularly one that is associated with getting a little raucous (like halloween) it is expected you'll have at least a modicum of some kind of alcoholic beverages (some go so far as themed). I don't have a drink rarely, but would never think to throw a party where I didn't provide some alcohol and then put in a byob stipulation in there. Not everyone is comfortable with socializing, alcohol helps. It is an ice breaker, conversation starter etc. It doesn't even denote people will get drunk, but there is a reason it has been part of social occasions since pretty much the beginning of its invention.

    Load More Replies...
    VioletHunter
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The kind of people who only go to parties to get drunk, are exactly the kind of people she'd not want at her party imo.

    Ace
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The vast majority of party drinkers are not going to get drunk. If you assume that wanting a drink or two is the same as wanting to get drunk then I must assume that you're a non drinker, maybe too young? For many people it legitimately helps them relax, drop their inhibitions and makes the party better for all,

    Load More Replies...
    Zedrapazia
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I agree with the person who says that assuming you'll get free alcohol and don't bring anything to a party is a bit rude. Especially given what that friend guy had bought, what band was this to be so expensive? I could probably go to the next supermarket and get a bottle of vodka for 10, would I drink, it can't be that he spent around 140 on alcohol (given what he sent OP was half).

    Load More Comments
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