I went to brunch with a large group. They didn't ask for separate checks, just passed the little black book with the bill around the table after the meal and everyone put in cash.

I was one of the last people to contribute, and I noticed there was already more than enough cash in the book to cover the meal and a decent tip. But I still put in my share, including tip, as did the guy next to me.

Then I watched as the last guy in the group -- known for being a cheapskate -- counted the cash in the book, TOOK several bills out and put them in his pocket, closed the book and set it on the table.

Not only did he not contribute, he actually stole money from the group -- and possibly the server. Unbelievable. I never went out to eat with him again.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I had one friend of a friend and her boyfriend who were awful. Would screw everyone over. I learned that if they were there, I would order separately or pay and leave early. Something where I don’t get stuck figurig out and paying for those losers.

Also had this scenario with a friend of a friend, back in the big group going out days. They insisted that because they were a couple, they counted as one person. WTF?! And then they’d order extravagantly (when we were all broke) and expect everyone to subsidize them. They were completely awful people.

So then you don’t go out with them anymore knowing they’re going to do that. Being the jerk at the end who whines and nickels and dimes is honestly no better. I don’t want to go out with either the moocher or the penny pincher.

Anonymous wrote:I had one friend of a friend and her boyfriend who were awful. Would screw everyone over. I learned that if they were there, I would order separately or pay and leave early. Something where I don’t get stuck figurig out and paying for those losers.

Also had this scenario with a friend of a friend, back in the big group going out days. They insisted that because they were a couple, they counted as one person. WTF?! And then they’d order extravagantly (when we were all broke) and expect everyone to subsidize them. They were completely awful people.

Anonymous wrote:Teach her that it’s easiest to just split down the middle than try to do the math and if she can’t afford to do that, don’t go out.

Here’s the moocher!!

Easier for you, but not for those are actually on a budget and don’t want to fund your expensive tastes and insensitivity.

Anonymous wrote:I don't give in to this 'split it evenly' BS. Nope. I almost got completely screwed one time when I was out with a big group of family and friends. I ordered a chicken sandwich and a water. Everyone else was drinking like crazy, some of them ordering top shelf stuff, lots of shots. Bill came and they were splitting it down the middle. I was asked to pay $90 plus a top. My objection to this was not appreciated.

Absolutely not paying $90+ tip to subsidize your night of binge drinking. Your dd also needs to stick up for herself in situations like this because people WILL take advantage of this and drink til they black out. I left $15 which covered my food and a tip and left.

Same thing happened to me. At first, they said to pay $90. I had eaten a salad that cost $15.

They were so drunk that they put in too much money so then they said pay zero.

I’ve also subsidized my friend’s multiple bottles of wine, so I don’t go out to eat with her anymore.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Teach her that it’s easiest to just split down the middle than try to do the math and if she can’t afford to do that, don’t go out.

This. Tell her not to be the petty cheap a$$ who doesn’t want to split or else ask for a separate check right at the beginning.

So it's okay for one a-hole in the group that's getting sloshed on top shelf liquor while the others are ordering 2-4-1 rail drinks off the happy hour menu? There's one in EVERY group - people love to take advantage of split checks at the bar. No. Not okay. Not splitting the check.

No? It’s not ok to take advantage either. I’ve been on the end of splitting when the other friend order lobsters and expensive wine.
It’s a jerk move, but we still split. Then don’t go out with them anymore or else order expensive stuff ourselves.

I feel like nowadays it’s so much easier to do separate checks than it was even 10 years ago.
O my split equally if you feel like you’ve had similar means. No im not gonna quibble if mine was $23 and yours was $26. But if everyone is drinking and ordering apps plus a meal you don’t need to split equally if you’re getting an app and a Diet Coke..

I had one friend of a friend and her boyfriend who were awful. Would screw everyone over. I learned that if they were there, I would order separately or pay and leave early. Something where I don’t get stuck figurig out and paying for those losers.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Teach her that it’s easiest to just split down the middle than try to do the math and if she can’t afford to do that, don’t go out.

This. Tell her not to be the petty cheap a$$ who doesn’t want to split or else ask for a separate check right at the beginning.

So it's okay for one a-hole in the group that's getting sloshed on top shelf liquor while the others are ordering 2-4-1 rail drinks off the happy hour menu? There's one in EVERY group - people love to take advantage of split checks at the bar. No. Not okay. Not splitting the check.

Anonymous wrote:Teach her that it’s easiest to just split down the middle than try to do the math and if she can’t afford to do that, don’t go out.

This. Tell her not to be the petty cheap a$$ who doesn’t want to split or else ask for a separate check right at the beginning.

I don't give in to this 'split it evenly' BS. Nope. I almost got completely screwed one time when I was out with a big group of family and friends. I ordered a chicken sandwich and a water. Everyone else was drinking like crazy, some of them ordering top shelf stuff, lots of shots. Bill came and they were splitting it down the middle. I was asked to pay $90 plus a top. My objection to this was not appreciated.

Absolutely not paying $90+ tip to subsidize your night of binge drinking. Your dd also needs to stick up for herself in situations like this because people WILL take advantage of this and drink til they black out. I left $15 which covered my food and a tip and left.

Anonymous wrote:Just multiply the cost of her food/drinks times 1.3 (10% tax, 20% tip) and leave that. Adjust accordingly if there is already a service charge.

best answer

Just multiply the cost of her food/drinks times 1.3 (10% tax, 20% tip) and leave that. Adjust accordingly if there is already a service charge.

Teach her that it’s easiest to just split down the middle than try to do the math and if she can’t afford to do that, don’t go out.

I'm sure it's been done to death but has died off since split checks and venmo.

So I'm asking you to think back back back to when we still carried cash, had 10 interns at the big hunt, the daily news (was that a place?) garretts, brickskellar, carhop (was that a place? ballston?)

Some people get appetizers, lots of people get beer, some people get dinner. I don't remember cocktails or wine!

I need to teach DC now how to navigate that items she orders on a menu -- she needs to add a tax. She needs to add a tip. That is the amounts she owes. It's going to be great to teach her this early so she doesn't get screwed over, or screw people over!