“I love my friends but our holidays cost way too much.”

I had an amazing holiday with 15 friends a few years back. Since then, careers have developed, I’ve gone back to uni. 

I’m one of the lower earners. And on holiday, things tend to snowball – long-haul flights, private chefs, Michelin starred restaurants. 

I love spending time with my friends and the holidays are great, but the financial pressures are difficult. 

Recently, we all went abroad again. I found it hard to keep up. Meals came to £70-100, they could’ve cost £40.

I feel trapped to spend more – seven consecutive dinners is a lot! If I bow out of an activity, I just hope I’m not left alone. 

Now I’m more vocal about what I can afford. Sometimes friends cover my bill, which is lovely, but still feels awkward.

I’m scared of pity, being 'the boring one' and feeling left out. It often feels like I'm the only one who struggles in the group, but there must be others.

I’m starting to wonder if certain friendships require a certain lifestyle. Now they’re having kids, maybe priorities will change. 

Illustration credit: Emanuel Santos