Split the bill or pay for what you had?

fablad75

Sorry if this is in the wrong section - I'm still trying to get the hang of this forum - but this IS about overspending... in a way:

I had lunch with a mate today. I ordered a light meal and shared a bottle of water with him, while he had a big expensive main course and got a smoothie as well. When the bill arrived, it came to £25.50. By my calculations, my share was approximately £8.50, while his was about £17.

But instead of forking over his share, he pulled out £13 and waited for me to make up the other half - which I did, which meant I paid an extra £4 to supplement his meal.

I've been walking around all afternoon feeling pretty !!!!!! off about it. I know I shouldn't be so petty, but surely a bill should be split according to what you ordered?

I actually get this a lot; I don't drink alcohol, so when I go to dinner parties, I have a coke or a fruit juice while everyone else is downing bottles of wine and beer. As it's too much work going round the table finding out who ordered what, we usually just divide the bill equally. I normally don't mind too much - but this afternoon really made me mad. And I feel guilty for feeling mad!

How do you normally split bills? And what would you have done today, if you were in my shoes?

lynzpower

I would pay for what I had, why should I subsidise other people? I wouldnt expect them to subsisdise me.

I think you are right

MinnieSpender

Cheeky bleeder! And I bet he's loaded too!

Stand your ground next time. It'll be worth feeling uncomfortable for two secs (although you shouldn't) while you pay your share and much better than feeling ripped off for the rest of the day.

Everest

If it was the difference between a couple of pounds I would normally let it fly, but if it's more than that I would stand my ground. I would ignore their move to go Dutch and take out what I owed. They can then either add what they owe or wait for the waitress to count a shortfall and have to pay it then.

Toto

I agree you should pay for what you have. I always order the cheapest thing on the menu if I have to eat out, it would !!!!!! me off too if someone then ordered a full meal and I had to pay half of that. Next time get your money out first for your meal and let him pay for his own meal.

Sallys_Savings

fablad...sorry to hear that this has happened to you. ...£4 is £4 more than you should pay. I wouldn't dream of doing this to a friend/colleague and I'm sure most people wouldnt.

I bet hes better off than you too...:(

If there is just the two of you its easier enough to work out what you have had so shouldnt be a problem, you both paying for your own.

I have a group of friends that I go out with frequently and so it is easier we all have a kitty but they always say pay half of what everyone else is paying.

I can understand when there is a group of you...as this has happened to me quite a few times...I dont drink and rarely have a desert or coffee.

I must admit I would probably of done the same as you, actually I know I would of done.

Perhaps you should invite him out again (dont eat for a week before hand ) and order a three course expensive meal ~chuckle~ along with expensive drinks and of course split the bill at the end. Wonder what he'd do? lol

Sallys_Savings

It sounds pretty good advise what Everest has suggested

K9cuddles

Oh this is a toughie.. I've been in this situation sooooooooo many times at works dos!! The non drinkers have to pay for the drinkers.. anyone that has desert gets away with etc!!

If it was just a few of us then I would expect everyone to pay there own share.. so if there's just 2 I'd would of defo said something!! When the numbers get big it's defo a case of just of splitting the bill by the number of people.

PeachPickle

Pay for what you had. Unless what you had was more expensive

MCBIRNIE25

I always split it 50/50. Most of the time one of us has something more expensive, and the other person does next time. never really thought about it amongst my friends,always just gone dutch. Maybe that's my DFW weakness. Saying that, i don't go out for meals or anything much anymore.

piglet6

Very tough... I am with you in that I'd feel cross if it was a big difference (extra £5, etc:mad: ), but for the odd 50p I'd let it go (garlic bread v. garlic bread with cheese kind of thing!!;) ).

It is difficult though - I know I'd have a problem bringing it up in conversation, unless I really knew the person well:o . I guess I'd second Everest's idea and get your money out first, before they have the chance to "assume" anything.:p :rotfl:

Piglet