My friends are having a "rent" party

One of my closest friends, "Eric", and his BF live in a condo in a very nice neighborhood in the suburbs of Boston. They bought the condo back in late 2009 and got a great price given the general state of the real estate market at that time. Well, last year, Eric lost his job. His partner is ten years younger and his income is not even half of what Eric's was. Just a few days ago, I received an email stating that they are throwing a party to raise money to pay for the last two months of their mortgage payments, making it sound like a real sob story. I do emphathize, mind you. The email promises all sorts of great food and drink (Eric is a great cook)and the chance to win a new DVD player (probably a re-gift from Xmas). The catch is that everyone has to pay $75.00 to attend. Now, I am unemployed myself, and I really can't afford to pay $75.00. I can barely pay my own rent. I haven't eaten out or gone to the movies in months. Now, I just know that Eric's boyfriend is going to THROW A FIT if I do not take part. He's always acted very entitled and he is sort of the "gate-keeper" in the relationship, meaning that he always seems to be the one to decide who's "in" or "out" where their social circle is concerned. I do not want to jeopardize my friendship with Eric. What would you do in this situation? TIA

The most important thing for you to do at the moment, OP would be to Eat Some Tuna.
Please link to one of their facebook pages. This will help me formulate some good advice for you.
DAMN! DAMN! DAMN!
So, you're saying your friendship with Eric is jeopardized if you don't give them $75? You pay for friends? If you can help then do so in the amount you can afford. If you can't comfortably help, then don't
How rude, they're down to the last two payments on their mortgage and they want to have a party to pay it off. ..that takes some balls.
Be honest. Tell Eric (NOT the control-freak boyfriend) that you'd love to come but you can't afford the $ 75.00. If Eric is too much of a pussy to be bossed around by the boyfriend and you get out for being direct and honest, you haven't lost anything.
Tell Eric that you think that's a great idea and if you had the extra $75, you'd love to come but you don't. Just remind him that you're struggling too.... If he's that great of a friend then he should know your situation and sympathize.
[quote]the chance to win a new DVD player Is this party happening in 1996?
Fuck off, R1. That ceased to be clever or funny five years ago.
A 3 1/2 year mortgage?
You could buy 3 DVD players for $75. Stay home and rent a movie.
Just send your regrets. You don't owe him any explanation.
Actually, I meant their two MOST RECENT payments, not the last two on their mortgage, [R5]. They are behind on their mortgage payments.
OP
Are they on Groupon?
R9, why so Especially Sensitive Today?
Not%20R1
No you dopes, they've MISSED their last two payments and are not current on their mortgage.
Email and explain your situation and make sure Eric as well as the entitled one get it. Offer to help out at the party, be a designated driver, whatever is reasonable.
I'm confused. How can the boyfriend act entitled if they're begging money for 2 months of rent and they're soon to be homeless? Wouldn't it cost more in groceries and drinks and clean up than they would get back in guest money? It's a condo after all, how many people can they possibly fit? They should have had a BYOB party and told their guests to donate whatever they can afford, and then invite some very wealthy known to be generous guests.
Will holes be presented?
I would cough up the $75 for that!
If you lose your friendship with Eric over this, then he wasn't your friend to begin with
If you can't afford $75, you should not attend.
Colonel%20Duh
OP is Extremely Sore to Touch
[quote] I'm confused. How can the boyfriend act entitled if they're begging money for 2 months of rent and they're soon to be homeless? Queens can act entitled even when they're doing a Fantine and selling their teeth for lube money.
OP, my advice is to be courtaeous and kind (don't let any hint of attitude seep out when you speak to your friend), and tell him what you told us in your opening post. Certainly, of all people, your friend can understand cash flow problems? When it comes to problems in business situations and with friends, I think it's wise to collect your thoughts and then speak in a neutral tone and be courteous -- this way you won't obsess about how you should have done things differently, and you'll have some about of peace and dignity.
2 people, 1 of whom has a job & the other who apparantly had a good job, & they didn't put enough $ in the bank to weather a job loss? And they're asking their friends to pay their mortgage? Embarrassing. Time for Eric to get a job bartending, that pays well. I'm sorry, but no -- you don't owe them their mortgage. It would be different if someone had a catastrophic illness, but they just lived beyond their means & the older one isn't getting real and taking some job to make his payments.
Tell them you have a job interview out of town that day, therefore cannot attend.
The boyfriend always feels like the world owes him whatever help he needs, [R18], regardless of whether or not it inconveniences others. He's really a pill, actually. Regarding the food, I'm sure that they're using whatever is in their extra freezer. Eric is always buying all kinds of extra food whenever it's on sale. Same with liquor. Oh, and the DVD player is Blu-Ray. Forgot to mention that one.
OP
I'm so glad I don't have friends. I couldn't afford to attend their parties.
Fixing typos in R24: "courteous" and "...some amount of peace and dignity."
r24
Wait - they're serving thawed food in this party? Are they good looking enough to be rentboys?
I'm guessing, R30 , re: the food. It's not as if they would have the cash to hire caterers, after all.
OP
Your friends are terrible people. I'd love to ask everyone I know for cash to help me pay off my debts, but I just don't have the lack of scruples to do something like that.
R27 The more you go back and say stuff like, "I meant to say theyve been late on their last two payments... it's not their last two payments of the mortgate..." and "I mean, it's food from their spare freezer that they've bought on SALE..." and "It's a Blu Ray Player not a DVD Player," Makes it all just sound like you're making this shit up. Oh, you totally are.
They're unemployed and about to be homeless. Feel free to treat them like the garbage they are, OP.
Ann%20R.
[quote]Offer to help out at the party, be a designated driver, whatever is reasonable. R17, you must be desperate for "friends". Just because these idiots decide to do something idiotic does not mean any of their friends have to join in. OP, if you feel you absolutely must respond just say you can't afford ANY extraneous expenses now. If you make up any other excuse these 2 self-involved twats will ask you to just give them the money anyway.
Tell Eric to go fuck Todd!
I like friends that want to talk about books, music, the world, life, feelings, and go for walks with you.
Are they good looking, or can you at least look at them? Tell them to get a Cam4 account and put the prissy bottom to work.
Tell the truth that you are unemployed too and offer to help them set up the party and/or cook (if you know how).
Other people are supposed to throw rent parties for you.
Do these friends have tattoos? If so, you'll be hearing about their money issues for years to come. Tattoos = poor money management.
it's a dead giveaway
Wow. I spent 2 years out of work and was down to my last $45 before i got my current job and would never have had the nerve to do something like this. Most people had no idea what was going on with me.
R40 is right. You're not supposed to throw a rent party for yourself. This is like those people who give showers for their relatives. Just not done. They need to think about renting the condo out and finding a cheaper apt that the still employed boyfriend can afford. They are in an enviable position. They have a LOT of options but they need to talk to an expert. They can probably refinance and put the missed payments at the end of the new mortgage. And if they need to why can't they use their credit cards for cash withdrawals. I'd like to know how much their mortgage is and on top what about their condo fees and taxes etc.
My pussy is Especially Stinky Today.
Cheryl
This must be a NY thing. Pretentious paupers -- they should move.
Will they have another party then in 2 months time to pay for the next mortgage payments - say you will go to that one. Ask if they will be selling off their books and dvds etc, and put in an offer on the items you would like.
OP, you should let them know you'll be happy to help out even though you don't have any money. You should organize a talent show. You can tap, act, dance and sing. Surely, you have friends who play the tuba, xylophone, and french horn. I'm picturing a rousing tribute to Mickey Rooney - with extra sweat! Bring a newspaper boy cap! Tweed is very in this year. Other options: Kissing booth and makeshift glory hole.
Which Boston suburb? I'm getting a Framingham vibe.
It was a New York thing in the 20s and 30s
Whatever you do, don't eat the meatloaf that the old lady brings.
Temporary Layoffs - Good Times
These people sound like pieces of shit. What does it say about you that you are friends with them and want to remain so?
I would pay the entry charge to see Michael Evans shake his ass in tight pants.
Just%20sayin
EST trolls? Enough.
"You're not supposed to throw a rent party for yourself. This is like those people who give showers for their relatives. Just not done." Really? I've heard of lots of women giving showers for their sisters - I had no idea this was considered to be in bad taste.
OP: Throw a "Party" Party. Charge everyone $15 to attend. Only 5 guests, and you'll have enough money to attend your friends' party!
The%20Prophetes%20Juanita%20%22Jazz%20Hands%22%20Bynum
Or you can charge them $50 for a sumptuous rubber chicken dinner and require gifts from a list of items from approved designers. Dress code for the ladies!
Dr.%20Bridget%20Hilliard
Tell them to have a RentBOY party. They'll make a lot more money.
That's what I initially thought this thread was about, r57. Being the passive aggressive type I'd go through the sunday circulars and cut out $75 bucks worth of coupons.
I thought it was a rentboy party too. What's to stop the Alpha Gay whoring out his partner? It has as much class as this creepy part idea. It reminds me of the mother who sent out invitations to the friends of her AIDS dead son (whose contact details she found in his address book) inviting us to BUY his amateur drawings. Some people just have no sense of what's appropriate.
Oh for gawd's sake, you gullible idiots...,
Do they have family they can ask? Do a credit card cash advance, and then pay off the credit card? At least if you default on that you won't lose your home.
Your friends are trash, OP. What's going to magically change in 2 months? Why should their financial irresponsibility be rewarded? Tell them to fuck off and go to hell. With friends like those, who needs enemies?
Tell them you too are having a rent party but yours is $100 and they owe you $25.
I think they should apologize for sending you that invite. If you are out of work, you can't pay their morgage!
Mom
If you're unemployed, then it's really a no-brainer - tell them you can't contribute. It's nice to think contributing might bring you some good karma, but if your friend doesn't understand your situation and how YOU could use the money, then he's not really a friend. If they didn't think to save money to cushion job loss, then what they should be asking people to do is come help them pack up and move to an affordable place after they put their condo on the market.
there is not a word of truth to this imbecilic post.
1. Stiff them. 2. Let their house go into foreclosure. 3. Buy it on a short sale. 4. Become their landlords. 5. (Optional) Evict them.
Why do you all keep thinking this is real? He's changed the "facts" of this post four times.
Will there be a baked potato bar?
lesbian%2C%20wondering%20if%20I%20could%20eat%20my%20money%27s%20worth
I love you, you pay my rent!
The%20Pet%20Shop%20Boys
Eric Sounds Thoughtless
Have them serve creme brulee.
vietnamese food sounds just right about now!
I%20pity%20the%20pho
[quote]Now, I am unemployed myself, and I really can't afford to pay $75.00. I can barely pay my own rent. I haven't eaten out or gone to the movies in months. I stopped reading after this. You have your own problems and are not obligated to go. Don't feel bad at all about it.
OP, I have a full proof answer for these selfish bastards
Mariah%20Carey%20and%20her%20wind%20machine
Is there going to be creme brûlée? I love creme brûlée. If there is, then I'm willing to fork out $75.
Shirley%20M.
Tell your friends to have a "Kiki" instead. They can easily raise the money with a Kiki.
http://youtu.be/Ka3sNWDEPWA
Sarah%20Jessica%20Parker
Never associate with the underclasses
the%20Dowager%20Duchess
Tell them to amscray romfay eirthay doconay, ontopray!
It%27s%20time%20they%20learned%20to%20live%20w/in%20their%20means
I was just thinking about that woman today, R55 and R56. I'm going to look her up. Maybe she's me the misfortune she deserves.
What I would do is politely decline the invitation, and of course mention that I am unemployed myself. I don't see that it is any great offense for them to be doing this, and if it works to get their last two mortgage payments paid, then bully for them.
Take a shit in a plastic bag and fling it at them, shrieking "Here's your rent money, motherfuckers!"
Ann%20Landers
They should call it a "mortgage payment" party. They aren't renting.
what douchebags the gatekeeper deciding who's in and who's out in their social circle - run don't walk from these tools and since your friend Eric has chosen a guy like this as his partner, I would reconsider the friendship don't make any excuses. Simply respond: I am unable to attend - don't explain, don't complain
anon
A new DVD player??? Aren't they like $30 now?
R85 It's a Blu Ray... apparently.
r18, they act entitled because pride comes with a fall.
Clearly they know you're unemployed, so it's bad enough they sent your an invitation expecting you to fork over $75.00 for their little white trash rent party. But, if the friendship really would be jeopardized if you didn't pay then you're a fool for being friends with people like that in the first place.
So their gonna be broke. Cream,butter, milk, eggs and sugar are basics, and should be covered by food stamps, right? So, let them make ....creme brulee! I'd offer to make it for them, but I'm busy talking to aliens right now. PS, They really don't sound like long-term bosom buddies, OP. No, they really don't.
Shirley
Looks like OP is going to have to find some new entitled, self-centered, cunt friends who don't give a shit about him.
It seems so tacky and crass to ask your friends to donate money to pay your bills. OP, they know your situation. Just shoot them an email on Manhunt (where I am SURE they are hunting for cock 24x7) saying that things are tight and you can't offer financial assistance, but you'd be glad to help them cook or make origami decorations. And give blowjobs in the bathroom to the guests.
These people are not your real friends. You are better off without them.
your%20mother
I do sympathize, but there are options. If they get thru those two months they need to do one of two things: They need to take in a a rommate/border to help, or they need to move out and rent the condo until things improve. Personally I would move out and put it up for rent.
[quote]Regarding the food, I'm sure that they're using whatever is in their extra freezer. Eric is always buying all kinds of extra food whenever it's on sale. Same with liquor. They have an extra freezer and buys extra food for no reason? Americans just don't understand the meaning of poverty. Visit some third world countries and see how it's done. Let your friends fund their own debt problems. Obviously they've been living about their means and need to learn a lesson or two.
Even if it's just their last two mortgage payments their looking to make, the fact that they're behind on their payments makes it almost certain they'll continue to be so. In effect, what they're doing is setting a precedent here, so that you'll all soon be paying regularly for their friendship, which sounds just dandy.
This never happened... 100 replies of people who engaged the troll ? Seriously?
Adam%20A.
[quote]Even if it's just their last two mortgage payments their looking to make Second "their" should be "they're"--so spare me.
r95
It is not "rent" number one. It is mortgage payments which is an entirely different can of responsibilities. They should contact their bank and try to get refinancing or work with the bank to get their payment lowered. Or her should bite the bullet and take a part time job until he can obtain regular employment. The should be men and not beg off their friends. I can't stand guys like that. Although I do feel kinda sorry for them.
just%20sayin%27%20
That's the tackiest thing I've ever heard. They're throwing themselves a fundraiser??? Punch and delete, OP.
A rent party? Dear God, how terribly gauche. Where are my smelling salts?
Miss%20Manners
I wish I had thought of a "rent" party
George Bailey
Yea, OP. Have these guys told you all how much their mortgage payment is? That's the least they can do if they are asking for charity - not even a loan, but out and out charity. I can see how now having to live on one salary rather than 2 can be a setback but seems to me if they were sharing the payment then it might not take your friend that much to make up his share of the mortgage and other payments. Have they told you how much and where they are cutting back on their living? Are they still driving the same cars? Are they still dining out, etc. Have they taken any trips or vacations since your friend lost his job? Have you noticed that they at least seem to be economizing in a real sense? In any event - I would be much more sympathetic and willing to help a friend who was living alone and behind on their rent - not mortgage but rent. I am always happy to help someone avoid eviction. But your friends are ahead of the game because there are 2 of them - one with a job - and they own property. Just say no. Actually invites like this don't even require the courtesy of a reply.
OP: The party is no more than cosmetics. Basically, this couple wants people to give them money, and they're using the concept of "friendship" to lean on everyone. Why not simply email the one you're close to and tell him that you can't afford to come? Thereafter, try to maintain a one-on-one relationship with him, locking his partner out of your life. You don't want to give up a friendship (at least, not if it's valuable to you), but this party is truly an offensive act. I would imagine that many more than you will decline the invitation.
They should feature an "Oscar Pay-la-Renta" fashion show.
Entitled morons.
There is no reason for two homosexuals to beg for money as long as they have four useful holes between them that can be put to commercial use.
Don't respond to the invitation. If your "friend" asks you why you didn't RSVP, laugh and tell him you thought it was a joke.
Nope, no way in hell would I attend. I have friends and family who have fallen on hard times, and I've had them over for dinner, sent them gift cards anonymously, etc, but would never pay $75 to go there for dinner. I can't believe someone would even ask that...