I lived in a frat house during the glory days of the mid 90s. I'm sure it has changed some, but from what I remember, this is how it broke down to "buy my friends."
To live in the house cost somewhere between $1200 and $1500 a semester. Pretty steep just for a few parties and the right to wear a t-shirt about said party. But take off the "hater" glasses and take a look at it next to your "GDI" lifestyle.
-Included in our $1500/semester dues are:
-lodging
-meal plan (lunch and dinner M-F)
-utilities
-parking on campus
-parties with hot, classy chicks
-knowledge of secret handshakes
-uncountable hilarious stories from living in a house w/ approx. 40 guys, of which, at least one is hammered at all times
Somebody that didn't live in a frat might need to help me out with this, but I figured that I'd give it a go
GDI Lifestyle:
-Apartment (w/ a roommate) - Approximately $400/mo. or $1,200 per semester
- lunch and dinner during week -say $7 a day x 5 days x 12 weeks -$420
-utilities (splitting with roommate) - $200 per semester
-on campus parking (+tickets) - $100
-cover charges for parties in fort and on strip - $100
I may have incorrect assumptions on the costs of the GDI lifestyle, so someone please feel free to correct me. Bottom line is that telling me that I paid for my friends doesn't hurt my feelings or make them any less of my friends. Most of the guys that I still run with today were in my frat. Others that were in my frat, I could care less if I see them again. No differnt than you joining the band or spanish club or whatever it was you did outside of the classroom to be a part of something.