We cannot agree on if you should split the bill evenly if you ordered less.
By @benkay · Money
I go out with my friends pretty regularly. Every time the bill comes, someone says 'let's just split it' but I almost always spend way less than everyone else.
The full story
It's never a crazy amount, maybe $10-$20 difference. I'm not a big drinker so I'll have water and an entree while my friends get two or three cocktails each. They also tend to order more expensive meals. I feel super awkward being the one person to say 'hey can we itemize?' so I usually just go along with it and pay the extra money to avoid the friction. But over the course of a year, that adds up. On the other hand, it feels really cheap to make a big deal out of it. I don't know what the right move is.
How people voted
- Valid Take — 31% (26 votes)
- I’m Torn — 30% (25 votes)
- Bad Take — 39% (32 votes)
Readers are split: “Bad Take” leads with 39% — 83 votes and 9 comments so far.
What people are saying
@hardpass — bruh
@brynnsorta — My old friend group did this and I ended up paying for half of my friend's engagement party dinner because she ordered champagne for the table.
@reeseee — nothing brings friends together like subsidizing their bar tab.
@benkay — Next time 'forget' your wallet and then Venmo them the exact amount for what you ordered.
@yeahno — My old roommate used to do this and it drove me crazy, i ended up just eating before i went out with her lol.
@nicolol — pay your friends.
@miarosee — It's not cheap at all, your feelings are totally valid and your friends should be more considerate!
@karakindof — A real friend wouldn't nickel and dime the people they break bread with.
@gonnacry — Have you tried suggesting separate checks before anyone even orders?
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