Just wondered how you do/would handle the following situation. I always worry that I'll be caught in it and not know what to do!
You go out for a meal with friends, and being on a budget you are careful to order inexpensively, drink water and don't buy 'extras'. Then, the bill comes and people start suggesting that you all split it. But their meals cost about double yours, with the addition of alcohol, soft drinks, bread, etc etc. What do you say to stand up for yourself, but not leave an awkward situation?
I think it's best just to be honest.
Say that you're on a budget and you can't afford to cover alcohol as well as your meal. IMO if you're concerned it's best to set the ground rules before ordering not when the bill arrives.
Most of us have had to budget at some stage so it's not like people won't understand.
We normally respond with 'we're happy to split it - we'll pay for our orders and you can pay for yours' and it's always been enough for folks to understand we're just paying for what we ordered itms
If you are really worried then you can always say you are leaving early and total up your portion before you leave and give your money to someone to pay for yours when the bill arrives. However, I do prefer the upfront option and let people know that you are only ordering something small because you are on a budget at the moment.
We're always honest, and say that we're on a budget, so we'll work out what ours came to, and pay that. Some people could be drinking top shelf bourbon while others drank softdrink, hardly fair to then split the bill evenly.
Splitting the bill
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