Do you agree with the advice from this columnist, as to the asker's obligations?

Yesterday I was reading the advice column in the local paper. The person asking said that she had a friend from college, who she was fairly close to. The asker got married and had kids after college. The friend is not married, but chose the career path, got a job for a non-profit, doing fund raising. The friend’s non-profit charity is having a fund raiser and sent an invite to the asker and her husband. Asker said she RSVP’d “no” and the friend called her to express disappointment. Asker said she can’t afford it right now, because the night out would entail not only ticket costs, but babysitter, new clothes, etc. Friend was upset and said she has been to many occasions for the asker, bridal shower, wedding, baby stuff, etc. She feels offended that just this once, the asker can’t come through for her. Asker’s husband suggests a $200 donation to the charity and that’s it. Asker said she feels the friend is bean counting, tallying up obligations.

Advice columnist says the asker should go, is obligated, and should suck it up and deal with it.

I disagree. You?