1.
Your friend group plans dinner and drinks at a pricey rooftop bar.
You silently Google, “Are masala peanuts considered a meal?”
2.
They say, “Let’s split the bill equally!”
You had one lemon soda. Now you owe INR 1,500 and a part of your soul.
3.
They planned a 7-day yacht trip in Southeast Asia.
You agreed out of FOMO, and are now looking for a 4th part-time job to cover costs.
4.
Your friend works as a chef in a 5-star restaurant. She is of the opinion that, “One must support talent and hard work — no discounts for friends.”
You nod, but deep down hope she’ll accept shramdaan in exchange for risotto.
5.
The advice they give each other to stay financially stable: “Invest in stocks, crypto, and NFTs.”
The advice they give you to stay financially stable: “I’ll introduce you to my software engineer friend who’s looking for something long-term…”
6.
Friend: “Let’s do Secret Santa! Budget only up to INR 5,000.”
You: “Here’s a homemade cake, handwritten poem, and deep existential care.”
7.
Your friends discuss how “It’s so nice to finally afford good quality alcohol, instead of drinking the cheapest alcohol, like we did in college.”
You think about how you have started budgeting your chai breaks at office.
8.
Your friend gets INR 1 lakh bonus for Q4.
You got a jute tote bag and a “thank you” email from the founder.
9.
You tell your friend how you work towards implementing labour rights in India.
They tip the valet INR 500, look you straight in the eyes, and say, “Same.”
