Friendship problem! Please help!!

[scruffbag]

I have a really good friend who has supported me, while I have been going through the problem of my husband's redundancy.
My husband has now got a job, and I promised my friend I would take her out for a meal, when he got sorted.
The problem is I cannot really afford to do this, and I am already paying for her to go to a pop concert in a couple of months.
Please help!

[woofgang]

if she is a good friend then tell her, she will understand. If it was me, i wouldn't be allowing you to pay for the pop concert either...it takes time to get back to a stable financial situation after a redundancy.

[tonyav]

Well just explain your financial situation to your friend scruffbag imo.

[ummmm]

I would never expect a friend to buy me a meal in return for my support. The thought is there, they know that. That's good enough.

[pizza]

It shouldn't be a problem scruffbag just explain and if your husband has been out of work for some time she will understand it will take you a while to get back on your feet, paying for the pop concert is more than a gesture of thanks for her support,however you could always have a barbecue when the weather is better for all you friends and family that am sure have supported you both.

[scruffbag]

Thanks to everyone for all your help!
I will just explain my financial situation.

[tonyav]

Thats the right thing to do.

[Eve]

Same as ummm, I'd never expect someone to pay for something for my support and friendship, I've refused offers in the past (usually for legal advice) save them insisiting on buying a coffee if we meet in a coffee place.

I'd go with cooking her a nice meal.

[weecalf]

Think she should understand life is not like the soaps that when people get a job suddenly the are loaded with money .It will take time for you to get back to where you were so would not worry as you have been kind enough with concert ticket.

[coccinelle]

Well, you did say 'when he was sorted' which could mean in a few months time when debts have been paid off etc and you're finally 'sorted'.