OK, forget the price of the burger and look at the actual point they're making.

Isn't the price the point? The question is whether the poorer of the two is comfortable with the expense. At many times in my life, I was the one "not hungry" when invited to a restaurant.

Fine, xapata! Yes, if you suddenly find yourself with a shitload of money, and you have friends who can't pay their bills every month, they have $0.00 in the bank, literally can't afford to ever eat out, and a $20 meal would be a grand expense and a momentous occasion for them... yes, go ahead and offer to pay for those friends every time.

Thanks, I'm glad to have your approval.

If you're curious how I handle those friendships: I invite them to dinner at my house. Much as discussed in the article.

Please tell me one place in the bay area where you can get a burger and a drink for $20?

The correct answer

I picked a random food and $20 as a "small" amount. The burger wasn't the point :-)

I have some friends who aren't comfortable with any out-of-home food expenses. They exclusively cook at home.

TBH I'm not even sure what we're talking about anymore.

I sometimes have trouble with message threads, too.