Tacky to ask friends to help me paint?

[Anonymous]

I just left my marriage and don't have much extra cash. I just moved into my own place and it needs to be painted badly. I painted everything, but my bedroom. Do you think it'd be tacky to host a painting party? I'd have beer, pizza (or something) and music. With 3 or 4 of us, we could knock out my bedroom in a couple of hours. I plan to have everyone over for a party once everything is unpacked. I don't want to be a bad friend by asking.

[Anonymous]

Just ask for help with painting rather than doing some party scheme.

[Anonymous]

I would be irritated if I was asked to paint. It's a lot of work.

I have painted my own bedroom in half a day though without assistance.

[Anonymous]

Why could you do the rest of the place and not this one room?

If you were a close friend I'd help.

[Anonymous]

How old are you? How close are you to your friends? I would be down to do this with close friends. Not for acquaintances.

[Anonymous]

Depends on your friends. I'd want to do it -- bc I don't own a home and like home improvement kinds of things but can't really do them as my apartment building doesn't like tenants doing their own thing. I think sometimes people who own their own homes are sick of these tasks though.

I mean obviously don't say it's a party and then put people to work when they arrive. Ask them upfront (maybe by email so they can not respond or beg off) if they'd be interested; you really only need 1-2 takers for 1 bedroom. But then if they agree, def. have pizza/drinks available to compensate for their labor.

[Anonymous]

I helped my best friend paint, although it was to make up for not helping her move when we've always helped each other move. I don't think it's tacky if it's your close friends, and beer and pizza almost always is part of any painting/moving help deal.

[Anonymous]

OP here. I'm 34. They are close friends. My bedroom is close to 300 SF. I've been working like crazy and will be over the next few weeks. It's hard to dedicate time to painting such a large space. Guess it's a bad idea. I'll just do it myself.

[Anonymous]

if you are cute and single i'd do it for free

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I'm 34. They are close friends. My bedroom is close to 300 SF. I've been working like crazy and will be over the next few weeks. It's hard to dedicate time to painting such a large space. Guess it's a bad idea. I'll just do it myself.

I don't think it's a big deal to ask for help from close friends who know what you've been through. I 100% would and pizza/beer sounds awesome.

[Anonymous]

I think it is a good idea. My BF H just died and she asked a bunch of us to paint her basement. We all said yes. Pizza and wine... I am in.

If a friend does not want to do it, no biggie.

When we were young we did this all the time... we build each other's decks, painted, helped put floor in.

That is what friends are for, to be there when you need them.

We are 50 BTW. If they have little kids though it might be harder to find the time.

[Anonymous]

It's only tacky if you have more than enough $$ to pay for someone to do it. I would help you in a heartbeat. Ask - isn't this what friends are for?

[Anonymous]

OP here. I just left a violent marriage. I left without much just to get it over with. I'm not proud of being 34 and having to ask friends to help me paint. It's not something I'm proud of. I'm just trying to get myself together right now. I think I'll just do it on my own to avoid overburdening my friends. Thanks everyone.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I think it's totally fine to ask.

[Anonymous]

Give people an easy out in asking, so they don't feel like they have to do it. Otherwise, I think it's totally fine to ask. Also, I Think people often want to help friends who are going through a hard time and don't know what they can do. Giving them a clear way they can help, if they are able, is good. If someone can't paint, maybe they'll contribute supplies, etc.