12 Frugal Habits That Can Make Your Friends Feel Guilty

It's pricey out there right now, and we're all looking for ways to stretch our dollars a bit further. But if you've ever turned down a pricey dinner or even got caught regifting, chances are your friends gave you that look. How do you know when your focus on cutting costs is actually costing you your relationships?

Here are 12 frugal habits that can rub people the wrong way. Although we're by no means saying you need to eliminate these habits entirely, there are ways to continue to focus on saving and lower your financial stress without sacrificing joy or making your friends squirm.

When that invitation rolls in, is your first thought how expensive it's going to be? Rather than make your friends feel guilty for sending an invitation in the first place, think about how you can share in the celebration and the positive memories while still spending within your means. You could politely decline, for instance, but send a meaningful gift to show you care.

Nothing can kill a great dinner vibe quicker than arguing over the bill, especially getting into the minutiae. Try to agree beforehand how the check gets settled and use one of the myriad check-splitting apps to make the conversation quick, so you can move on to more enjoyable topics and everyone can have a guilt-free evening.

Holiday celebrations can get expensive quickly, but not giving any gifts or hosting others when you are receiving invitations and expensive items will upset and confuse friends and family. Instead, agree on things like a price limit or a potluck.

Ride-sharing is a great idea all around. If you're always the passenger but never contribute to the gas or even buy the driver a coffee, you might find yourself dropped from the carpool list. Always offer to contribute up front, even if it's something small, so your friends don't have to ask.

While re-gifting an item is a great way to pass on something you don't need and check a gift recipient off your list, follow a few rules: Regift only if the item is new and in its original packaging with all of its parts. Don't regift a handmade gift – that's just rude. And don't regift in the same circles. Any of the above could alienate the gift giver or the new receiver.

While all of us have to watch our own budgets, getting into others' might cause friction. Don't ask friends and acquaintances how much something costs and then give your opinion on whether they overspent. You'll soon notice friends and family redirecting the conversation or not engaging at all to avoid feeling guilty or a lecture.

Vacations are times to enjoy yourself with friends and family. Although it might feel great to plan your getaway on a slim budget, others might have more expensive ideas in mind for excursions, and they shouldn't feel bad about that. Instead of saying no to everything, agree to a vacation plan beforehand and plan a mix of free attractions, walks, and some more expensive treats so everyone is happy.

Borrowing is a great way to save costs on one-off items or projects, but you'll alienate people by either not returning it on time or returning it in poor shape. Don't make friends feel guilty asking you for the item back, and always return an item you borrowed in the condition it was given to you.

Are you an expert at prepping leftovers for a second meal? That's admirable and saves money, but there are times when it annoys people, and colleagues might feel guilty complaining about you. Check out the rules for desk lunches, avoid pungent-smelling food, and clean up afterwards in communal areas.

Repurposing items is a fantastic way to reduce, reuse, and recycle. However, if your collection of bags and containers becomes more of a hoarding habit, you'll annoy family members and neighbors. Recycle what you need and direct your surplus items to community projects so you don't become overwhelmed with clutter.

Everyone loves a giveaway, but are you taking too much? If there's a freebie, make sure everyone else gets a look and an opportunity, too. Take only what you need, which avoids waste and ensures everyone else gets their fair share.

While everyone can learn something from a frugal person and pick up some useful tips, it's important to use some perspective. Not everyone sees it from your viewpoint. If you continually make every conversation about your frugal habits, you'll soon alienate people. Instead, balance your interests with others in conversations.

Frugality does not mean you have to be cheap or unsociable. Many people who avoid wasting money stick to a tight budget but still have time to enjoy themselves while they pay the bills. A recent study showed that two in three Americans believe frugality is an attractive habit to have.

By balancing your point of view with theirs, you'll have a healthy budget, great friends, and a wonderful lifestyle. Just remember that your frugality doesn't have to be everyone else's.