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"Last time you checked your name wasn't Sugar Mama. So why is it that your friend keeps looking at you to pick up the tab? These days it's easy to find yourself in an awkward moment when it comes to dealing with friends and money. Below, Cosmo tells you how to survive \u2014 without losing your mind or reaching into your wallet. Situation #1: She never wants to go out for fear of spending moneyHow to deal: Rally your friend by making it a challenge to see how much fun you can have for $10 or $20. Or agree to set a limit of how much cash she's comfortable spending and promise to head home as soon as you both reach your total, no matter what. (But getting guys to buy you drinks is totally legit.) By sticking to your word, you're proving to your friend that being broke doesn't have to be boring, says Debra Condren, author of Ambition Is Not a Dirty Word. \n\tAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below\n\t\n\nSituation #2: You go out for dinner, and she expects you to pick up the check\n\nHow to deal: It's happened to all of us. As soon as the waiter drops off the check, everyone at the table becomes engrosses in their text messages, cuticles, or anything else that keeps them from looking at the bill. Instead of being the one to pick up the check, try this move instead. Offer to split the tab, then lay down your card and hand her the bill holder so that she can do the same. If that doesn't get her to plunk down the plastic, you may need to reach for a little white lie. Say, \"I just spent a ton of money on my trip to visit my parents/an out of town wedding/the dentist's office, and I just can't cover you.\" Situation #3: She can no longer afford your standing dateHow to deal: Stay bonded by doing a cheaper version of your favorite activities. If you used to meet up for brunch on Sunday to rehash your wild weekend, meet at her apartment with bagels and coffee instead. If she's your shopping buddy, head to garage sales and flea markets with a mission to find the coolest thing for $5. But don't totally change your routine. If you love yoga, but your BFF can no longer afford to pay $15 a class just to spend a few hours in downward dog, find a new pal who can. Situation #4: She asks to borrow money to pay off her credit card bill or help cover rentHow to deal: It sounds a little hard-ass, but loaning money to a pal puts a huge strain on your friendship, not to mention your wallet. So, make this your mantra: If you can't afford to lose money, you can't afford to lend it. It's the die-hard rule of financial expert Lois P. Frankel, author of See Jane Lead. So when she asks, say, \"I'd love to be able to help, but I don't have any extra money right now.\" Situation #5: She always wants you to drive but never chips in for gasHow to deal: Next time she asks if you'll drive, let her know straight up that you won't be giving out any more free rides until she fills up your tank with gas. It sounds harsh, but it's the only way to stop being her car bitch. From there on out, ask her to pay whatever amount you think is fair. If bluntly asking for cash isn't your style, you can always swing by the gas station after picking her up and point out that they take credit cards if she doesn't have cash on her."^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.cosmopolitan.com/career/advice/a3090/how-to-deal-broke-friend/?click=rel>