Money Manners: 'My sister expects me to pay for all our meals when we eat out'
Money Manners is Honey Money's weekly column that deals with money etiquette matters that can be the cause of many an awkward encounter.
Submit your Money Manners questions to Jo Abi at jabi@nine.com.au
This week's question comes via a 9honey reader whose sibling is taking advantage of her.
Dilemma: 'My sister expects me to pay for all our meals when we eat out'
My little sister expects everyone to pay for her all the time and whenever we meet up, she is more than happy for me to buy her coffee and food without once offering to pay for it.
My little sister expects everyone to pay for her all the time. Getty
Not only does she not offer to pay the bill ever, she never even offers to pay her share.
She's a bit temperamental and so I just end up paying it, to keep the peace, but it makes me not want to meet up with her.
I can afford to pay for it but I don't think it is fair as she works too. And I never have this problem with my friends, we just pay for what we've ordered or take turns paying the bill.
'I can afford to pay for it but I don't think it is fair as she works too.' Getty
The thing is, she and I have a complicated history and its always better for my whole family when she isn't angry with me about something. But it is definitely wearing thin.
Advice: 'There's one in every family'
There's one in every family and in your situation, that person is your sister. She is clearly taking advantage of you and from the sounds of it, her expectation you will pay for her coffee and food every single time is in keeping with her temperamental personality.
That being said, it is nice when things are peaceful in the family. That does usually mean we are the ones who have to do more to keep it that way while we tiptoe around them and their behaviour.
There's one in every family and in your situation, that person is your sister. Getty
But that's just it. We know the peace is temporary and the explosion inevitable, so it may as well be about you paying every time because at least then you can save yourself some money.
We know the peace is temporary and the explosion inevitable. Getty
Or, you could just say, 'Your turn to pay,' when the bill comes and see how she reacts. She may surprise you.
Or she'll blow up and won't want to have lunch with you for a while.
The information provided on this website is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice. The information has been prepared without taking into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any information on this website you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs.
