Money Moral Dilemma: Should we stop splitting the bill?

lamp

Here's a bizzare thought that just occurred to me...

Perhaps the couple in question have it ground into them the habit of ordering two mains, something they've been doing for years, and want to raise about contributing more money but feel a bit funny about offering?

Maybe it hasn't even occurred to them... I think people tend to focus more on when they're being 'wronged' to when they're being treated well...

Nevermind friends, even a reasonable aquaintance will not take offence to you asking to cover your own bill when there is a big difference in what is being ordered.

Simples

meher

The only thing I'd refuse sometimes is to pay their share of drinks and I just declare it before we set out; specially if I don't like them so dearly - you see, these sort of wheeling and dealing should be used as expressions

Marco12452

Without a doubt !!!
Pay for your own, or don't go to restaurants with them.

faineant

As this is clearly spoiling the nights out I suggest taking a break and then after while suggest a night out for old times sake but with everyone paying for what they order. If that works then take it from there otherwise no need to pursue any further.

minerva_windsong

I'd just stop going out for meals with them, and if they are people that you want to stay in touch with suggest going for drinks or invite them to yours for dinner, saying you can't really afford to go out for dinner any more (use the Budget as an excuse if you have to).

Streethawk_2

Probably best to avoid having friends. Much easier in the long run.

redux

There is someone I know who has become infamous amongst plenty of people who know him for a rather worse variation

The bill comes, he takes charge, right how many of us are there, he counts round the group starting on his left and ending on his right, divides that into the bill, rounds up a bit for a tip ...

and nobody notices he doesn't put his share in

well, that's what he seems to think.

(Just think about that count again ...)

I remember being stunned on an occasion in Hungary in 1992, this happened even though the bill was only something like £13 between 11 people, I saw it but nobody else realised.

People have got wise, and promise themselves not to get taken in, but there can still be a variation like a group go to a cafe for tea, and someone has no money, I'll pay next time, we can all do it once in a while, but some more than others ...

Wings_of_Ambition

Just order three mains each when they order two each. See how they like it.

newkitchenfund

They know they are taking advantage of your very British embarrassment. My advice would be to find nicer friends who do not just see you as a walking wallet.
if you want to continue the friendship, I would tell them BEFORE you order next time that you are only going to pay your fair share (plus tip) - tell them you are on a diet or already had a big lunch if that makes it easier. And only bring enough cash to cover that.

warehouse

Wings_of_Ambition wrote: »

Just order three mains each when they order two each. See how they like it.

HAHA, brilliant!