Whenever I go out with friends, I make sure to always leave more than I should when it comes to splitting the bill. I find that most people leave too little, usually forgetting tax or tip or often not paying for the drinks that they had. I normally don't correct people when this happens, I hate squabbling over a few dollars, but it definitely does bother me when people don't pay their fair share.
The thing is, someone is always underpaying. I usually don't take any money back and we usually leave the right amount. So if I'm overpaying, someone is underpaying. I often wonder if people realize this. Do they think other people just don't notice, and that they are getting away with paying less than they should? Or do people generally not know how much they should be paying?
I like to give my friends the benefit of the doubt. I think most of them are fair and honest people and definitely not just trying to save a buck or two at my expense. However, when I go out with people I'm not as good of friends with, I often wonder.
What are your thoughts and experiences? Do you find yourself paying a greater portion of the bill than you should?
I've had others at my table not pay their share. It's terrible but learn from my mistake, speak up! Politely add up the bill aloud by calling out each plate's price and the taxes. If need be, do the division for everyone at the table and they should get it. You could casually ask if someone would check the math so that there's consensus. Don't on go paying the difference because you're going to keep wondering "Is that person trying to take advantage of me or just plain bad at math?"
ReplyDeleteI should be clear. Most of my friends, if not all, are good about paying their fair share. They probably wouldn't be my friends otherwise as I think you tend to get along with people who share your values. Normally only a problem with people I go out rarely with, and most of the time, it just isn't worth the headache.
ReplyDeleteThis usually happens when I go out with mutual friends or coworkers.
ReplyDeletePeople who don't leave enough money are just setting themselves up to not be invited the next time the group goes out. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me. I'd never invite those people again.
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