Splitting the bill

Hi all,

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.

probably while you're deciding what to order...

I always prefer to pay for what I had, coz it's not fair!

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.

We oftem split the bill, the best place to go for tea only accepts one pymt per table so makes it easier. But we are always speak up, if bottles of wine are being ordered etc and we don't partake we don't pay...simple. Often though it's with really good friends so we know it's all even, the boys drink the same and we always make joint decision on things like entree etc.....I would just take cash and pay for what you had, it's no fun when you have to stress about a budget is it.

I will usually be upfront - advise that I've only budgetted $xx and that's it - usually when ordering - so there's no confusion. One way of doing it is to grab a bread & butter plate, and put my $$ there as I order - it's putting a very clear message out there. If it's a celebration (eg taking a friend out for baby shower) then I'll be vocal as well - say that I'm happy to put $5/pp towards her meal - or whatever.

I usually say something along the lines of "OK, I had the "Thai salad", how much was that again???" Or if I know how much it was I might just give them the money and say, "here this is for the "thai salad" and let them sort the rest out.