Carrie and Ashley are both good friends of ours. We enjoy their company and accept their social invitations when offered. A few years ago, they had a kerfuffle that put a strain on their relationship. My wife and I don't want to play games or favorites, so we invite them both to events. So far, every event where they've been in the same room has resulted in some sort of unpleasantness public enough to detract from the event itself and usually ends
I am unemployed right now, so I try to be mindful of my expenses and always account for my necessities first. My friend reached out and invited me to a private dinner party at her home and requested $200 for attendance. That would cover the cost of the private chef and some other things. I couldn't spend that kind of money on a party. I explained to her that I could not afford to be there, and since then, she's been cold.