Friends don’t let friends take a cab

Dear Amy: We are a group of friends in our early 40s.

When my partner and I travel to see one of these couples, they don’t offer to pick us up at the airport. They have actually said that they would prefer if we just took an Uber to their home.

I am a bit traditional. If someone is spending the money to come fly to my city to see me, I should pick up and drop off, or pay for their cab. We have had a candid conversation with our various friends about this, and they stated that their perspective was concerning time and responsibilities.

They said that we can all afford to take a cab or carshare. That is definitely true.

Would it be different if someone was just using the host’s place as a crash pad to do other things, as opposed to making a special trip just to see these friends?

What are your thoughts? — Curious in New York

Dear Curious: Following is a list of people you are obligated to pick up from the airport: Parents and grandparents; elderly aunts, uncles and elderly or infirm friends; servicemembers, missionaries, or volunteers returning from long overseas assignments; longdistance loves you are eager to impress; kids coming home from band camp.

Here is a list of people you are NOT obligated to pick up from the airport: Friends from college whom you will be hosting in your home for an extended personal visit.

I agree with others in your group. The hours spent on an airport run would be better spent vacuuming the guest bedroom and preparing a nice meal and a fresh cocktail.

In fact, unless the circumstance is extreme, I would always rather find my own transportation from the airport — because this gives me the flexibility to dawdle if I want to, or — worse — circling the airport like a wayward seagull.

Give this one up.