large booking at restaurant- how to split the bill?

missbiggles1

seven-day-weekend wrote: »

I have been in a similar (I think) scenario recently. A group of friends were having a Murder Mystery evening. Now I can't imagine a much worse and un-relaxing way to spend an evening than dressing up and putting on a silly voice. I would hate it.

However, I would actually like to sit and watch the performance. It would be enjoyable for me to try and guess who was the murderer.

It was obvious though, that me doing this would spoil the evening for my friends. They wanted everybody to take part (and enjoy it). So I politely declined the invitation.

(I suppose if I'd have had some sort of disability that prevented me taking part, that would have been different. It was my choice not to do so that would have spoilt it for them).

Is that a similar scenario?

One (of many) reasons I've successfully avoided karaoke evenings for years. If you're all going to get up and make idiots of yourselves it is at least balanced. If one or two people are looking on and not joining in, the ones who do are far more likely to be embarrassed and have their fun spoiled.

seven-day-weekend

PasturesNew wrote: »

Not an attempt, it was clearly humour!


Everything I say is humour. Not my fault your Internet translator's wonky.

OK. I have ASD tendencies and don't always get some types of humour.

duchy

missbiggles1 wrote: »

As I said earlier (perhaps you missed it?) several people gave explanations many pages back. I'm afraid it isn't our fault that you couldn't understand them.:D

If not understanding why supposed friends would be so precious or so demanding that everyone conformed or didn't come.......I'm very happy not to understand.

It reminds me of teenagers who insist their friends must only enjoy and do the same things they do and not step out of the box. Most people grow out of that phase fairly quickly......although clearly not everyone

missbiggles1

seven-day-weekend wrote: »

They did not say I wasn't welcome, I was always welcome, but the hostess was trying so hard to fit me into a role that I would find acceptable, that it became apparent that someone just watching would spoil her experience. And seeing as she was organising it, I felt it appropriate to decline rather than be the party pooper.

I actually find what you have said rather insulting. But perhaps that is your attempt at humour?

So did I, particularly as she'd aready posted the same sort of comment earler.

moneyistooshorttomention

seven-day-weekend wrote: »

Pampas grass in your front garden is a sign to say 'Swingers live here'

Well - I now know even more about my neighbourhood than I wished to know:eek: - as there's some in the vicinity.....

It "could" just be that a lot of what I spot around here is rather more old-fashioned than I'm used to.....as I gather it was a 1970s fashion.

Ames

onlyroz wrote: »

I'm sorry but you'll have to direct me towards the post where somebody said they would sit there with a "face like thunder" miserably eating their soup, pronouncing to the whole table that it was all they could afford and that they were still hungry afterwards. I don't recall such a post but this thread has got rather long now...

People seem to think that the person who's skint will sit down, announce to the table that they're having soup and tap water because it's all they can afford and then sit gazing longingly at everyone's food.

In reality they'll probably just sit down and order, or if they have to explain say something along the lines of 'sorry, don't fancy much/had a big lunch/some other excuse'.

Georgiegirl256

Ames wrote: »

People seem to think that the person who's skint will sit down, announce to the table that they're having soup and tap water because it's all they can afford and then sit gazing longingly at everyone's food.

In reality they'll probably just sit down and order, or if they have to explain say something along the lines of 'sorry, don't fancy much/had a big lunch/some other excuse'.

Exactly. Like you say, in reality I bet this happens hardly ever, if at all. I can't imagine anyone having the gall to actually sit there and moan on about how they can only afford to eat the cheapest thing and then say things like "oh I wish I could have what you're having" or "mmm yours looks lovely", whilst all along looking sad and forlorn.

I've never encountered that, and yes I could see how that would be annoying and spoil your meal. But for someone who comes out and just wants certain courses or just a small amount and is happy with that, then I really do not see how it would spoil a persons enjoyment of their meal....unless of course they allow it to, which I think a lot of people on here are doing....and that a shame.

Peter333

seven-day-weekend wrote: »

I have been in a similar (I think) scenario recently. A group of friends were having a Murder Mystery evening. Now I can't imagine a much worse and un-relaxing way to spend an evening than dressing up and putting on a silly voice. I would hate it.

However, I would actually like to sit and watch the performance. It would be enjoyable for me to try and guess who was the murderer.11

I (and the lady wife) have been on a couple of murder/mystery weekend, and loved it. Each to their own.

onlyroz wrote: »

Well yes, the person on a perpetual diet who orders a salad and then proceeds to preach at everyone about how many calories they're all consuming will probably put a dampener on events. But I don't see how the person who says "sorry I have a small appetite but go ahead and order what you want" can possibly "ruin" the meal.

As for forcing the whole table to order starters and a main when some might prefer a main and a pud, I don't get that either.

I agree. Nothing worse than someone nagging at you, and commenting on what you eat. Whether they're eating less than you - or more...

PasturesNew wrote: »

Yes, sticky toffee pudding & custard -v- a bit of lettuce with some goop on it ... no contest.

Only a bunch of psychos would choose a starter over a dessert ....

Actually my wife and me sometimes only have a starter and a dessert. She eats small, and is a good influence on me. We are a nation of people who over-eat, so to eat less (sometimes,) is good.

PasturesNew wrote: »

They're just selfish then, if there's room. Of course, the catering requirements could dictate it. Were they cooking the meal themselves? Or did they buy in a "package" where they're charged per head? You'd be counted/charged as a head if it were an outside catering firm organising it.

Or, maybe they just don't like you.

Careful PN. I am on your side and think that people absolutely have the right to have/spend as little they like, (as long as they're not nagging others for being 'greedy.') But you've gravitated to personal attack mode now.

Even if you feel others have attacked you, attacking back isn't the answer; just ignore. Be how you wanna be, stuff everyone else. (I know you said you're 'joking,' but nothing in your post indicated that.)

Ames wrote: »

People seem to think that the person who's skint will sit down, announce to the table that they're having soup and tap water because it's all they can afford and then sit gazing longingly at everyone's food.

In reality they'll probably just sit down and order, or if they have to explain say something along the lines of 'sorry, don't fancy much/had a big lunch/some other excuse'.

Exactly! It's nonsense. I have never known anyone eat less/spend more, and sit there cooing or moaning that everyone else has more.

Georgiegirl256

PasturesNew wrote: »

The other one you sometimes see is somebody "ordering wine for the table". You're minding your own business and you hear a voice from somewhere "I've ordered wine for the table...... just 4 bottles"....

I hate wine. And if I liked wine I'm sure I'd have liked to have chosen at least the colour, if not the bottle .... especially as THAT is probably the person who will announce at the end that they're splitting the bill.

That would annoy me too, as I don't like wine either.

My BIL is abit like that, very pompous and assuming. Thinking he's some sort of Oz Clarke and he knows what's the best wine to go with what and just assuming everyone is fine with it.

Peter333

Georgiegirl256 wrote: »

That would annoy me too, as I don't like wine either.

My BIL is abit like that, very pompous and assuming. Thinking he's some sort of Oz Clarke and he knows what's the best wine to go with what and just assuming everyone is fine with it.

LOL, we have a neighbour like that. He invited me and my wife, and his brother around some months back to taste this exquisite port he had got from Rome (or somewhere terribly exotic!) And it was 15/16 years old. He was so proud of this 1999 port! And he was a little snooty about wine and port, like he knew more than everyone else about it.

Well he opened it, and I don't know what happened, but it tasted like sour lemons. Me and my wife smiled politely, and I said 'unusual taste.'

Long story short, his brother said 'Jeez, the cork must have come dislodged, this tastes like cat pee.' :rotfl:

He got put firmly in his place!