Hi Amanda , how are you ? I've missed working with you and the whole gang since my transfer last week .   We've missed you too . The office just isn't the same without you . How is your new job ?   It's great . I really get to focus on what I like to do and everyone has been very nice and welcoming . However , I'm having a small problem with my new colleagues .   What happened ?   Well , three people are celebrating their birthdays this month and the policy here is for everyone to contribute ten dollars to a card and cake for each person .   Wow , so you'll be out thirty dollars on your first week at work !   I know . It is a lot of money and I haven't gotten to know any of the people celebrating their birthdays well enough yet . At our old department , it was only three dollars for each birthday and there were only ten of us .   Well , every department is different . You wouldn't want your new co-workers to think you're a Grinch , right ?   What is that ?   A Grinch is a person who spoils the mood at a happy occasion by being selfish or unenthusiastic . You know - a party proper .   I definitely don't want to be that ! But , I still think it's unreasonable for them to ask me for such a big sum of money when we don't know each other very well . What should I do ? 