If you are visiting an acquaintance for a couple days, it seems likely you will leave as friends. Friends generally share 50/50. You will also be a guest so it would be your place to set the tone with a gift such as a plant, bakery goods, a bottle of wine, etc Guests who chip on are always welcome. You may offer to go buy breakfast like some bagels or donuts for your host if they are providing the other meals. If you go out be prepared to split the bill. Let us know how it goes and if you felt comfortable with this sometimes touchy issue. Good luck.

This all depends on the relationship with the person that you're visiting. An acquaintance is not necessarily a friend yet you must be clear on the intent of your visit and expectations. You should offer to share all the expenses. Don't assume, because that makes an ass out of you and me. They might resist but you can buy groceries, take them out to dinner, treat them to a day of fun (theater, movie, sight-seeing boat cruise). At the very least, please bring a gift for your host/hostess.

This is one of those things that you have to work out together. If you were invited to stay at the person's home the right thing is to bring a small gift to say thank you. As for who pays for what it would be nice if you could shoulder some of the expenses, You might want to take your host out to dinner, or find a grocery and cook for them. I would expect that you need to be honest about how much you can afford. If your acquaintance has put together an itinerary, movies, dinner, theater, attractions and you just can't afford to do all those things, say so. I doubt that your host expects you to pay their share and they may have planned to pay for you. If not, you must let them know that you are unable to spend that much money. You say this is an acquaintance, if it's someone you don't know well, you may be staying at a near-by hotel, in that case you should each be paying your own way unless otherwise planned. Offer to pay your share of parking and gas if they are doing all the driving and split the bill for dinner.

This can be difficult. It is good to just split everything  50/50, but if you are staying with them, then it is always good to offer a thank you by taking them to dinner, bring a bottle of wine to share or a house gift if you aren't going out and they are cooking at their home. On the other hand, I like to take my guest out and pay for at least one meal in my home town. So if we are going out at all, the first meal is on me.

We all have a different economy we  have to live with depending on income and individual values. I am particular about wine and so when I go out to eat and I choose a more expensive wine than my friend would have chose, I like to let them know that I would like to get the wine tonight.

 Usually an usher in a wedding has some hand in planning the bachelor party that happens before the wedding.  Remember the Hangover? Besides that,  your responsible for looking nice, walking ladies down the aisle to show them to their seats and making a toast (if you're the best man).  Weddings are a lot of fun and enjoy the festivities!

 Be honored.  Your real job is to look nice, act charming and escort guests to their seats, but there are a few other responsibilities.  If it's a formal wedding, you will probably have to rent a tuxedo.  Someone will tell you when and where to show up for a fitting and you don't get to pick the style, but you do have to pay the bill. There are usually dinners and parties that you are expected to attend.  Wedding rehearsal dinner and bachelor party come to mind. Then there are photography sessions, wedding rehearsal and the wedding itself. Someone will tell you where you must be when, but you are responsible for showing up, Can't blow it off to watch a basketball game.  You will be told what to do at the rehearsal dinner, don't miss it.  You will be expected to show up early for the wedding and escort guests to their seats, traditionally you offer your right arm to the women and engage them in conversation as you walk them to a seat,  bride's family and friends on the left, groom's on the right, but your cousin's wedding may be less traditional and they may have their own plan for seating.  Usually there is a procession up the aisle of bridesmaids and ushers and a recessional on the way out, but again, rehearsal,  they'll tell you what to do.  Have Fun.

Depends on your style and the relationship. You would not want to overwhelm a person with an expensive gift...or would you? Be creative in any case and do not attach strings when giving gifts.

You should acknowledge the birthday in some way. If it is a new relationship, maybe treat the person to lunch, funny card, flowers, bake a cake or if you're over 21 treat for cocktails. There are several inexpensive ways to say happy birthday.

Everyone should have their birthday recognized. Flowers, dinner, home-cooked or take your friend out for lunch. So many nice ways to say Happy Birthday.

Recognizing a birthday is always a good idea . You may not know enough about them to shop for them. A dinner out, An activity like a picnic or hike. A gift is not necessary, but appreciated.

It is tacky to talk about money.

Yes, it's none your business but some people like to tell you anyway which isn't polite either.

YES!

Yes.

Let the food go-hopefully the date was better than the left-overs!

I don't think so. If your date paid for the meal ask them if they want the left-overs before you take off with them, If not, ask if they mind you taking them home. If you are in a nice restaurant, you might even leave with a tin-foil swan. And if the date goes really well, you might want to share them in the morning.

I think it is fine to take a doggie bag home. Sometimes when you are anxious on a first date and talking more than eating, there is a lot left over. It is great not to waste... especially if you have something that you can use as left overs. Offer it to the date if they paid. A nice rare piece of prime rib should not go to waste ... . Neither a chicken piccatta or eggplant parmesan .

Tough one.I think this is a case by case answer. I think a good rule may be don't lend money to anyone if you really need it back. It's an idea to ask the parents but I would say only if they can afford it because really it is between you and your friend and your friend should ask his/her parents before you do.

Talk to your friend first and tell them you are desperate for your money. Maybe you didn't make it clear that you needed it back. There is a difference between giving and lending. Make sure you make a schedule for repayment when you lend. I wouldn't go to the parents. They probably don't realize you lent money in the first place. In the long run, try not to get into this habit. Money and friends don't mix well.

Talk to your friend first. If you go to his/her parents you might not have that friend anymore. "Neither a borrower nor a lender be, loan oft losses self and friend" paraphrased Shakespeare here. It's hard to pressure a friend for money owed, but if you really need the money, and your friend is unable to pay it, ask him/her to go to their parents or you will have to.

Avoid eating with them first of all since they can easily put a damper on enjoying your meal. If you must try sitting in the same direction as them so you can't see them...

The homecoming queen (you know who you are) at my school was a beautiful, nice, smart girl but OMG did she have terrible table manners. It was like looking at a train wreck, you couldn't help it. Your roommate probably didn't have a parent who insisted upon having nice table manners and you really don't want to become their parent. Just keep doing the right thing and maybe they'll pick it up but if you really can't stand it you might want to suggest they close their months when they chew!

Whether they have bad manners or just an obnoxious way of chewing and breathing , it is hard to "teach " some one manners without insulting their behavior .If is a boyfriend or girlfriend then you will find it important and you can help them know that you want to help them be their best selves ... you have something at stake . If it is just a room mate / friend , then just try to be patient . When you are in a bad mood it will bother you more , so seek privacy and leave them to eat alone .

Let's face it, it's a good friend who helps you move. If you are lucky enough to have wonderful friends to help you then make sure you treat them to all drinks and food to show your appreciation. Do not ask your friends for help unless you would be willing to help them when they move. Try to make it fun, some music and laughter.

If you ask, you must be ready to help out when they ask you. The more friends, the quicker it goes. Make sure to get them a thank you gift, like a case of beer or bouquet of flowers.

If you are invited for a meal it is appropiate to bring a small gift. A plant, seasonal fruit, flowers, a bakery treat is always welcome. Do not give wine or any alcohol if you are not over 21.

A bottle of wine, flowers, plant or candles would all be appropiate gifts. Also write a nice Thank-you note.

I like to bring different kinds of tea or coffee, for a more formal gift,add a Pretty teapot, or interesting coffee mugs.

A small orchid is one of my favorite gifts to give and to receive, Trader Joes always has a good deal on them. Whole foods, flowers and plants are a little bit nicer and healthier even though perhaps a bit more expensive,  and it is always nice to have the personal assistance in picking out a plant and get the growing instructions and find out about light requirements and watering instructions at a small nursery.