<prompt> Human: This post is meant primarily as an observationshowerthought based on some behaviors from others Ive observed recently and is very much tied to the frugalFI crowd, and can sometimes be considered pervasive here.While its important to save money where you can and maintain a reasonable budget for eating, there is additional value in going to lunch with coworkers. When I say that, I really mean the extended idea of a marginal, occasional expense that is incurred when attending a social outing with others. In the specific case of lunch with coworkers, its important to be aware that always turning down an offer to attend in order to eat the premade lunch you brought is detracting from a sort of social capital that you could be building. Next time your boss or coworker asks if you would like to join for lunch, dont just consider how much that lunch is going to cost, consider what you might be gaining in social capital by joining. Once youre there, its likely nobody will judge you for ordering the cheapest item on the menu just say youre on a diet. Additionally, this can be extended to outside of work functions or even social calls with friends. Remember that youre not JUST paying for foodentertainmentetc. youre paying to spend time with people. Also note that the level of value in this can vary drastically based on your profession, culture, or even specific work place. Try to learn what is a reasonable expectation for yourself and your goals.This may seem exceptionally obvious to many readers, but Ive anecdotally observed this in a few folks whos goal is saving money.TLDR: Dont let spending money on food get in the way of spending time with people.  <response>: A minor point Id like to add: Lunch with coworkers doesnt necessarily mean having to spend a ton on eating out. If everyone brings lunch you could eat together in a room or outside if its a sunny day. If theres a cafeteria then you can bring your lunch and coworkers can buy their own food. The end goal is socializing, how you reach that point is up to you this expands to include happy hour, company picnic, etc. 