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What is so hard about splitting the bill?!?
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Anonymous
| It drives me nuts when I go out for coffee or drinks or dinner with friends and they insist on paying the tab. It creates this awkward dynamic and next time I'm supposed to remember that the other person paid for me the last time so I owe them one. Why do people do this? It's so irritating. For what it's worth, everyone involved is on equal financial footing. |
Anonymous
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You are actually annoyed and find it "irritating" that your friends are making a gracious gesture to pay your tab?? Wow, I'm glad I'm not your friend.
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Anonymous
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If you are so worried about an "awkward dynamic," might I suggest that next time, a simple, "Thanks so much, that's very thoughtful of you to pick up the tab" will do. Doesn't sound like you have any gratitude toward your friends, though...
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Anonymous
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I totally agree with OP. Someone always feels like they end up paying more in the long run. Or more likely, both parties think they are the ones paying more. We're just friends going out to dinner because we enjoy each other's company. Why should they pay for me? Why should I pay for them? There's no parent/child or boss/employee dynamic. We're all adults with jobs. Just split it.
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Anonymous
I am not talking about simple gestures like treating someone to a drink or lunch on a birthday. I am talking about turning almost every social outing into an occasion to pay my bill. Can't you see why this is frustrating? I have to scramble to be first in line at Starbucks in order to head this off. It doesn't feel friendly, it feels aggressive. |
Anonymous
| If they are decent friends, you can discuss it with them, right? |
Anonymous
Not the PP, but in fact, no, I don't get why you would be annoyed at this. If it honestly bothers you that much, just casually say, "No thanks, I prefer to get my own bill, but thank you anyway." As a general rule, I try not to get upset at things others do with good intentions. |
Anonymous
| Maybe they think you're on the brink of bankruptcy. |
Anonymous
| Don't know what's the story re starbucks, but as for dinner. Sometimes people do that to avoid "haggling" over the check - particularly if there was a disparity as to who ordered booze and who didn't, or appetizers/dessert, etc. |
Anonymous
| Do you dress down or live in a smaller house than your friends? Or is there any reason they may think you can't afford your portion of the bill? |
Anonymous
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For dinner it usually seems easiest to split, but I can totally see how it's easier for one person to treat someone for coffee or a drink. Doesn't seem worth it to haggle or split the bill for a little amount.
If your biggest problem is that people want to buy you stuff, you have a pretty good thing going! |
Anonymous
Actually, that's a good point. Do you complain about money a lot to them? |
Anonymous
| We can't afford to go to any place nice. Is that the reason we don't have any friends ? |
Anonymous
| If your dining out, why don't you tell the waiter that it will be seperate checks when you order? |
Anonymous
You can be friends with me, we'll do potluck! 
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