Who pays for birthday dinners?

My parents think it’s weird that when I go to a birthday dinner that isn’t paid for. I never knew that it was etiquette to have the host pay for everyone until recently. I have always thought it was “Asian” culture.

I’ve NEVER been to a birthday dinner where the host paid for the meals. I have always thought that the birthday person gets their meal paid for lol. After all, it is their day right? If the host is supposed to pay for everyone how come I never witnessed this? I’ve only seen it done among older adults close to my parent’s age 40+.

Makes me want to not want to have a birthday dinner. I think it’s understandable if someone doesn’t pay for everyone because the tab can be so expensive! Restaurants are expensive if you add up.