Fleeting Pleasure or Lasting Investment?

Sep 2 , 2023
By Carolyn Kissane

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Inviting people out for a meal is considered one way of expressing gratitude or affection. Long-lasting memories are preferred as the deluxe atmosphere of upscale restaurants can be an enjoyable experience.

But I find it impractical to spend what could be someone's entire month's wage on a single meal as the need for another round is inevitable despite the volume or five-star treatment.

Taking someone to a butcher shop requires a minimum of 2,000 Br on a meal consisting of half-raw meat, tibs, kitfo, and a few drinks. Alternatively, the same amount of money could buy four kilograms of meat that would last for several days.

I believe if one does choose to spend money on food, sustainable options such as purchasing a bag of teff, flour or a whole animal can last longer while serving the purpose.

The attraction of spending copious amounts of money on a daily basis is lost on me. Instead, it would be wise to invest in products that have a longer lifespan.

Fine dining is overrated. Certain meals are not even worth the high cost, especially if they fail to nourish. The hype from social media influencers often misrepresents the food making it look better than it actually is.

Often, people have a tendency to spend significant amounts of money on treating others.

Frequently, individuals spend recklessly due to influence from peers and stereotypes and suffer from feelings of regret later on. For instance, I believe that buying alcohol is like burning money, which is not only expensive but can also lead to bad decisions.

Having fun must not necessarily mean consuming alcohol. Some claim to drink simply to hang out and have fun, yet are witnessed becoming inebriated and regretting the time more than recalling the event.

Furthermore, with financial constraints in these tough economic times, many opt for a simpler and more humble way of living instead of aspiring to a lavish lifestyle. Their daily struggles and limited resources make it hard for them to fathom the idea of indulging in such extravagance.

When someone intends to be kind by regaling another person, they may miss the mark. For example, if someone declines an invitation to a fancy restaurant because they feel uncomfortable or do not have the appropriate attire, it can ultimately spoil the experience for them.

Can we normalise giving people the amount we are willing to spend instead?

Individuals must decide whether to treat or pay based on preference. While some would rather receive cash instead of being treated to something, there are those who claim that these people are prone to spending their money unnecessarily.

It is important to consider individual preferences when treating someone.While some people enjoy a meal, others may prefer receiving money instead. It may seem strange to offer a friend money instead of treating them but might serve as a better option for a distant acquaintance.

Pride can also be a factor in this decision. It is crucial to approach these situations with sensitivity and respect for the other person's feelings, regardless of whether they choose to accept money or a treat.

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PUBLISHED ON Sep 02,2023 [ VOL 24 , NO 1218]

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