A "friend" who isn't supportive about you living within your means is no friend.

I'm SO glad restaurants started offering separate checks because my 20s were full of split bills that would irritate me😂. Splitting checks really shows who doesn't have the money and who's trying to eat well on other people's dime.

This is why I have no friends 🙃 I have no time for foolishness 😂

I pay for what I ate and that’s it. But then again I’m 50 so I don’t give a damn what others think.

We always have separate checks when my friends and I go out. I refuse to pay for others bad habits. I don't drink or smoke. Too expensive for nothing.

Even if you're not in financial hardship or pinch a penny or paycheck to paycheck, ect ect, paying for someone else's food is outrageous. A lot of ppl feel they are entitled to other ppl's money and it's just not right.

Definitely, they person who demands to split the bill "evenly " is by far the broke one...they are ordering pricey food & cocktails at others' expense. Also, they will drink like a fish and order dessert with yet another cocktail. You have to wonder, if they were eating alone or ordering to go would they eat so much food? There is always one who tries to control the group. So, I always get my own bill as I don't drink alcohol nor eat sweets and I am not an appetizers person.

I am completely debt-free as of September 1st 😀😀😀. Just yesterday. I laugh hilariously at people who think others should pay for their wine and steak dinner 😂😂😂. Otherwise that same rule applies to the mall and you can pay for my designer handbags and designer bed sheets 😂😂😂😂. Otherwise you aren't my friend 😅😅😅

Dont order what you can't pay for... simple!!

You are 100% right. People need to redefine "friendship" And I'll give you another one. When you make a decent amount more than your friend or family and they give you the stink eye if you don't offer to pay 😂 "I made this money you didn't" - Bobby Brown

This is why it's best to have a conversation when you make social plans.

Thank you for posting this. I'm a bill-splitter, and if I can't afford that and to give a reasonable tip, my a** stays home on the couch lol!! I don't drink when I go out. IMO, how to pay the bill should be clear before you get seated. Thank you!

How the bill will be paid is something a group should agree upon before going out because everyone isn't in the same financial boat or some people are working towards other goals. I'm very selective of who I go out with.

Thank you for raising this issue. I was invited to join a little group of 'ladies that lunch' about a year ago (not really my thing but I didn't want to be churlish). All went well at first, although I noticed that one woman always ordered pricier meals and drank a lot of wine. Then a few months ago, this woman announced that the six of us should split the bill. I didn't argue and ended up paying nearly double the cost of my own salad and single coca cola (she 'let me off' the tip). The following month I decided in advance that I wasn't contributing towards her expensive tastes. I watched as she and her good friend ordered an enormous, expensive fish platter and drank a lot of wine. When she announced we were splitting the bill again, I said I'd just pay for my salad and coca cola this time. She got really annoyed and insisted coca cola cost as much as wine. I said maybe it did but I'd only had the one not four and I had only ordered salad (I was dieting). Nobody backed me, but I stood my ground and the others had to pay even more to cover her/her friend's expensive tastes. Cut a long story short, I left the group immediately after that as did a lovely very loyal friend who wasn't even there that month but stood in solidarity with me. Everything you said in your video is so true. Thank you.

That is new to me as well. Whenever I've gone out with family (extended or in-laws) or friends, we have always paid our own, never ever split evenly or even thought of doing that. Does not make sense to do that at all. Whoever's idea this was is the cheap one in my opinion. 🤷‍♀️💲

I agree that everyone should pay their own bill. Thanks!

This is sooooo true. I've had this grievance for a few years with various friends. I've been out with a group of friends and just bought a cocktail which cost something around €12, but then all my friends got expensive tapas and several drinks, and I ended up having to pay for their portion too, so I had to pay €40-something. Another time at a restaurant, I ordered food for about €20, and my friends ordered food with a starter and a main and several drinks, and we had to split the cost down the middle which ended up costing me €50. Another time where I ordered just one small drink for €8, and had to pay €30 to "split the bill evenly". Other times splitting the bill involved me paying part of the group tip to the waiters which cost me almost as much as my whole meal because I ordered far less than everyone. One time after a restaurant outing, when it came time to paying, my friends suggested splitting the bill evenly, and I jokingly complained that I hadn't been drinking at all, whereas they'd each had a bunch of drinks, and they just ignored me and forced me to pay for all of their drinks anyway. My friends weren't acting maliciously during any of these times, they just liked spending money (especially spending money more than me) and since we worked in similar companies they knew that I could afford it. Also for them the hassle of splitting the bill wasn't worth the cost. For me, it's not about me not having money, as I have a good job and a career, it's about me not drinking or drinking very little, being financially prudent and not wanting to spend extortionate amounts of money on just one meal. Instead of spending tonnes of money on eating and drinking out, I was the first one of my friends to buy my own apartment, in no small part to my financial decisions. Each to their own.

Wonderful and truthful statements!! These people who insist on splitting the bill sound very, very shady and immature.

With my true friends we just take turns picking up the tab. No one keeps track. But with say coworkers, I’m only paying for what I ordered. There’s always that one in the bunch that doesn’t have money and wants a free ride.

Oh my... I felt like crying during this video. So sad that some people think that if you only have 30 dollars you should have stayed home. They are not the owners of the world. So many times I got out with my 3 kids completely broke, but we had fun. I also think that if a person says that and even complains about you online, they are not your friends!!!! That's for sure.

Had a takeout delivery recently at a friend's that he ordered on his bank card, there was 4 of us, I had just a basic main meal while they all wanted mains plus various starters/sides etc, as I feared when it came to paying everyone else wanted to split the bill equally to save hassle and I agreed, not wanting to look like a tightass of course, so I basically paid not far off double what my food actually cost, totally unfair of course and I felt pissed off when I left that I didn't stand up for myself and challenge this.

Time for old school rules: If you insist on one bill, YOU are paying it. Otherwise, you are the cheap one. Also, people with even an ounce of class don't suggest that the budget-wise person should stay home.

Me and my friend don't split the bill.....What we do is treat each other and if I'm treating him he will pay the tip and vice versa...😊

Very true what you say. We agree a budget before we go out as friends and pick a place that all can reasonably afford.

I am not splitting a bill. I have heard of this before. People will put extra drinks and appetizers. Not fair to a person on a budget or who didn’t order as much. Cover yourself and order what you can afford.

This is exactly why I don't participate in large dinner groups. People who order the more pricier items tend to always want to split the bill evenly.

Excellent points. I'd suggest separate checks and separate tips. I think that's easier for the patron and the staff. I've seen it all. My father in law, may he RIP, who I truly loved, drove me to madnees, particularly when he picked up the check. Please don't get me wrong. He wasn't "cheap". He and my MIL, took 10 of us on a Hawaiian cruise, all expenses paid. But when it came to him picking up the check at dinner which he always offered to do, the gloves were off. He went over the check like the IRS auditing your taxes. Then when he'd be calculating the gratuity, he had certain rules. He didn't include the amount of tax in the tip. He didn't tip on alcohol. If a 15% gratuity was automatically added on...well it was not without bebate. In which case he refused to give any additional gratuity. This may have been a cultural issue, I'm not sure. His father, prior to his death, was the Ambassador from Guatemala to the USA. So he always under tipped. This really bothered me. I wasn't raised as a diplomats daughter. I was born into a lower, middle class family, and I knew what it was like for servers. In my state, servers are still paid not more than $3/hr and need their tips to survive. Even though I've done well for myself, I never forget my roots. So to combat my reaction, my husband would ask his father to see the bill. As we walked away, I always either handed cash to the server discreetly, or left an additonal amount in cash on the table, to assure they recieved at least 20% or more. Sorry for my rant, but to me not tipping the service staff appropriately is wrong. Stay blessed. 🌻🌻🌻

Im 31, canadian & I have never did or heard of that. My friends & I will do it if we split an appetizer, a paint or something but only for that you part of the bill & its a common thing. Personnally it makes no sense to me & I would have a hard time taking their argument seriously 😅 Honestly Id rather dine alone than to have friends like that! live ur tips & videos!

Splitting evenly happens only when the meal is communal (shared dishes). I’m from a different culture though. If it’s separate orders, we will cover our own expenses. One person will offer to pay first (they get to earn credit card points) and the rest will transfer money to her/him electronically. And we do it quickly because owing friends money is embarrassing in my culture.

Host in your homes or do a potluck and movie. Avoid contention, enjoy eachothers company, good food and fun.

At 42 I have never experienced this. It was always seperate checks.

I agree with you. Finally someone of sound mind. I hate splitting when some individuals eat for 3 or order 7 beers

It’s usually the freeloaders that are arguing that the bill should be split equally & it should be more on your dime of the massive amount of food that they order… but everyone else should pay for their meal instead of her (USUALLY it’s a girl, but not always) paying for her own massive amount of food & thus astronomical amount bill themselves.

The person (mentioned) who called her friends cheap, should just pick up the bill for all and continue having a good time.

I am so conflicted on this, I usually spend way less than others since I don’t drink, but the whole dividing of the check makes me super anxious - probably because of my years as a server. I usually avoid eating with large groups in a restaurant, but if i choose to go I am usually just prepared to speak up about paying less, or I’ll just let it go and roll with the split. That said, I’m really glad youre addressing this. We all need to be talking more about finances!

I would say if someone offers to split or pay the whole thing (I like to cover the whole check sometimes) then that's fine but be prepared to pay for your own meal just in case and order accordingly. Just because someone doesnt budget for that doesnt mean others (who probably DID) should feel obligated to bail you out. Edit: sometimes there are exceptions like when i started with my bf he knew full well that i was broke as sin so if he wanted to eat and take me with him, he would be paying. On the flip side he was straight up like "we are going to chilis because i will be paying with a bunch of 10.00 gift cards like some sort of soccer mom"

My friends and I just pay the bill like this: unless otherwise noted, whoever asks the other out is paying.

I love how you speak ❤️

I have no kids and we ho out with people who do and we always say separate check please as I get older I just plan better. Great topic

I'm thankful to never have had this issue. We always separate or venmo after unless we all ordered similarly priced things then we do even to make it easier

I'm so glad someone else believes this. I see it as someone taking advantage of another and/or putting them on the spot. If a person offers to pay the whole bill, great. Otherwise pay for your own darn dinner.

Girl, where are you seeing these people?! I have NEVER in my 40 years of life had someone demand, expect, or even ask me to split the bill evenly. I'm paying for mine and mine only and if you want to go all out then I guess you should expect to pay for it, because I will not. What is wrong with people?!

It's so ironic that those who try to pressure others into paying a portion of _their_ bill are the ones who call others "broke." I've experienced dealing with someone who thought she was going to finesse us into paying for her drinks, appetizers, and TWO entrees. She got sooooo mad, but who cares🙄 She still was made to pay her own bill.

It’s actually often expected that the bill is split evenly, it’s been like this all my Canadian life and I’m 55. I never cared, and always asked for split bills so everyone got used to it.

Plus also imagine is someone orders booze but others don’t That could be a huge difference in amount of money spent

I think your right vee! ...you can see between the lines, who really has about that! ..i would love one day ..to get to a level where i can eat at Manhattan Or Brooklyn NY, or even D.C.! I dont mind paying the whole thing though.. If i have it, you know?🙏 ...peace

Love this! Thank you!

Love this...we've had this happen a few times and didn't see it coming. It is very frustrating!

This has never been a thing I have heard of in my life. I’m 37 live in Canada. Not sure if maybe it’s an American thing or what but wow. We split a bill I’f be and one other order a charcuterie board and a pitcher of sangria and we eat/drink half each then and only then is the bill spilt. 💸

I agree with you wholeheartedly.

When ever I'm with a group, I always ask to get a separate check. Luckily I haven't gotten any pushback from my friends.

Friends? Sounds more like users to me.

I agree with you 100 %

I totally agree with you.

You explained it so clearly and sensibly. Thank you so much. Also, I love your beautiful earrings and neck jewellery.

This is true, my friend brings her child and also get some alcohol drinks and I end up paying half and she doesn’t even want to leave tips so I have to 😂Not fair.

September 5, 2023 This is very helpful. Thank You.

Watching from Johannesburg South Africa 🇿🇦

Whenever and with whomever you go out, take enough money (and a little more, just in case) to take care of what YOU do. I mean, if you WANT to pick up the tab for the whole table, and you got the bank to do it, cool. If you WANT to split and you got the bank to do it, cool. HOWSOMEVER, this should NOT simply be expected. All that nonsense is ridiculous, and nothing more than tryna take advantage of somebody.

I've recently had this happen when I was out with a couple of friends for dinner and a drink. One friend ordered an appetizer and a bottle of wine and then ordered her meal later. I didn't partake in either, but when the check came she quickly said we should split it evenly since we all shared. I paid about $20 over what my order + tip would have been. It isn't a deal breaker, but next time I'm going to ask the server for a separate check before I place my order.

Simple solution don’t go out to eat and save money 💰

Split billing. I ate food for 15 dollars and my friend ate food for 25 dollars. I will only pay 15 dollars.

Yesssss! 👍

eating out was cheap in the 80s and 90s, now it's some luxury in western civilization.

I think it made *some* sense 20 years ago, when split checks were more rare, smart phones didn't exist, and most people did NOT bring a pocket calculator to dinner - the easier math made a difference. But none of that's been true for a long time.

Eating out with a group of friends at a restaurant can sometimes be annoying. There are some people as you said take advantage of others. If I ordered lobster and drink like a fish I don’t expect others to pay when the check comes. If we have to split the bill it’s my responsibility to pay up my whole portion of what I ate and drank. It can be very embarrassing if others don’t do the same and to avoid shame I stay quiet and go along with splitting the bill. I definitely now don’t eat out very much with a group and especially if I know I am going to be put in that situation. Can we talk how there are friends and family who go out to eat with you and when the check comes they go to the bathroom or don’t have the money?

I think it depends on your group of people, I've always had friends who pay for what we ordered, but I have had other people complain to me about having to split the bill with people who ordered steak and wine while they only ordered a salad! And I agree, if you "got it like that" why would you be pressed about paying for what yooouu ordered? I am curious to know if guys deal with this or if its just a woman thing?

My friends are ruthless: " don't come id you don't have" 😂

The first time we went for a work dinner at my old job I thought we were paying for our own meals. This was a long time ago and my meal was about $11. They had drinks and everything. Some didn't finish their meal and didn't even take it home! Then they all agreed to split the bill...my share was $22. I was so pissed. So the next time we went out I knew this would happen so I ordered a more expensive meal and dessert (to make up for last time). Then one of my co-workers says to another one that she didn't have to much so she could pay less. Fortunately that person said no. I wondered why this person didn't speak up when I paid double for my meal the first outing. And we were all women and none were what you would call young.

I am not paying for a friend’s food I don’t care what happens

I stopped going out with people who ordered a bunch of food/ wine that I didn’t consume, I realized I was covering stuff for others . I got sick of it and just stopped going out with them

Me and my friends split evenly (sometimes) when the place is busy & we don't have time for waiting on 4-5 checks to come. I don't require it though.

The only time I would pay for somebody's meal was if it was an occasion. Like a birthday or their graduation or something

Kind of off topic but...MAN you should see this issue in Mexico. Splitting the bill is ALWAYS an issue at almost every restaurant. Businesses just don't wanna do it. They seriously just toss the whole table a bill, EVEN if you ask them in advance, and make the customer figure out the math. SO ANNOYING.

Traveled with an ex friend. She was buying shots for the server and asked to split. WTF

What if you never carry cash, I only carry plastic

This sounds like a woman issue. Lol and while writing this, you actually said it.

It's a real thing and I hate it. Women do it the most.

To each it’s own I heard. I ain’t paying for shiiiiiiiii.. lucky I ain’t dine and dash and leave my tab