Peer pressure

I got invited to this show, which I felt compelled to attend. It was a Christmas gala, put on by a local merchant, meant to showcase this shop's merchandise for the holiday season. I was very hesitant to attend, partly because it was not really my thing (I'd rather be home with my kids after a long day of working) and partly because I am totally broke this week and have not an extra dime to spend on anything. You go to these types of events (females primarily get invited) and you spend some time doing some token socializing, eating hors d'oeuvres and the like. But the primary reason for the fete is to hock some products (Pampered Chef, Tupperware, Fantasia, Partylite and many others). Generally these products are not items you really need. You feel compelled to buy because others around you are. There is also the element of not wanting to offend the host, who likely has extended to you the invite. So peer pressure has really got you between a rock and a hard place. I held firm, I didn`t buy anything tonight, and I felt incredibly awkward about it.