Splitting The Bill

Scenario: Some of your friends earn more than you which can make eating out with them awkward. You can’t afford the pricey restaurants and bars they prefer.

Etiquette: Be honest. Tell them that your watching your money at the moment and their option is a bit too pricey for you. Then arrange to meet them somewhere of your choosing so you can control how much you spend. If you really prefer not to let on to your financial situation, try talking about some of the cheap and cheerful establishments you’ve heard about and suggest you give them a try.

Scenario: Your friends go all out on drinks and dessert, but you’re not drinking and don’t succumb to the temptation of chocolate cake. When the bill arrives someone suggests dividing it evenly and you’re stuck paying for martini’s and panna cotta you didn’t order.

Etiquette: The person who planned the evening has the responsibility of pointing out that you had less and should only pay for your share. However this assumes everyone is well-versed in dinner etiquette which is rarely the case. If so, don’t be afraid to speak up. Calculate your share then round it up generously to cover extras like the tip. Tactfully say that though you don’t need to pay the full amount you’re happy to pay a little extra. By paying a little more than your share you’ll avoid seeming petty or cheap.

Scenario: Your companions are excellent about splitting the bill evenly and calculating everyone’s share but it’s you who always get’s stuck paying extras like the tip or corkage.

Etiquette: The easiest thing to do is to add an extra few dollars per head to cover any hidden costs. Anything left over can be put in a kitty to cover the bill next time. If you don’t speak up people won’t know you’ve covered it or will expect you to do it everytime. It’s not rude to expect everyone to pitch in when there is a discrepancy

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