Every time my friends and I go out, I somehow end up subsidizing everyone's dinner.
By @reeselol · Money
We always agree to split the bill evenly, but a few people consistently order the most expensive items and extra drinks. It's only a few dollars each time, but it's starting to really annoy me.
The full story
It's the same group of about five of us, and we've been doing a weekly dinner for years. The default is always to just split the check five ways to make it easy. The problem is, I'm a creature of habit and usually get the same mid-priced meal and one beer. Meanwhile, a couple of others will get the pricey steak, multiple cocktails, and an appetizer 'for the table' that only they eat. When the bill comes, it's always 'let's just split it.' If I paid for just my stuff, my bill would be around $30. Instead, I'm consistently paying $45 or $50 to cover their extras. I've gently suggested separate checks before, but I get brushed off with 'it'll all even out in the end.' It's been two years. It's not evening out. How do I handle this without torpedoing the friendship over a few bucks?
How people voted
- Bad Move — 31% (40 votes)
- Needs Context — 39% (50 votes)
- Reasonable — 29% (37 votes)
Readers are split: “Needs Context” leads with 39% — 127 votes and 5 comments so far.
What people are saying
@paigefr — This isn't about food, it's about a total lack of reciprocity in your friendship.
@ediey — Soft.
@rose — You pay for what you order, it's really that simple.
@loganb — i'm sure it will all even out eventually.
@liamkk — You are not overreacting, that's incredibly inconsiderate of them and it's not your job to finance their lifestyle.
Keep reading
- Why does everyone have an opinion on how much I tip for takeout?
- My son and his wife are charging us interest on money they 'invested' for us.
- At what point does being 'thrifty' just become rude?
- I ate my roommate's leftover takeout and now she wants me to pay for her entire original meal.
- My roommate keeps 'borrowing' my expensive shampoo and conditioner.