Dear Annie: Not sending my son with money

Dear Annie: My 12-year-old son goes over to his friend’s house now and then.

His friend lives in a small town that is walking distance to ice cream shops, markets and delis.

Whenever my son visits, his friend’s mom will ask me to send him with cash for lunch or dinner or Venmo her money.

Whenever we have his friends over, we provide the food for them, as it’s the right thing to do.

I feel that, because they live in town, they should either pay for my son if they’re going to walk and pick something up or make something at home like I do.

Am I wrong for feeling this way? — Not Willing to Send Money

Dear Not Willing: It’s not the most polite thing to do — to “charge” someone you’re hosting, but if your son weren’t over at his friend’s house, you would be paying for his meals anyway.

You also don’t know what their financial situation is; if money is tight, then the alternative would be to not invite your son over at all.

Either feed your son before he goes, or send him with cash.

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“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.