Money Manners: 'Am I wrong for saying I won't split the total bill equally?'
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 Reddit and deals with a common struggle this festive season.
Dilemma: 'Am I wrong for saying I won't split the total bill equally?'
I went to dinner with a friend, Talia, yesterday for her birthday. Two of her friends – friendly acquaintances to me – also came. Talia loves seafood, so we went to a nice crab place. Her friends and I agreed to split her meal.
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"I went out for a friend's birthday dinner and got a cheaper meal than everyone else. Why should we split the bill evenly?" Getty
I'm on a strict budget due to some unexpected bills. I only got an entree and soft drink, came to $20 with tip.
Their bills were all about $80, Talia's was $50 because she doesn't drink. One of her friends picked up the tab and said she'd message us about our share. She sent me a request for $75, and I texted her saying my amount wasn't right.
She replied that we agreed to split the bill equally. I said I agreed to partially pay for her meal, not theirs. I transferred them $40 for mine and part of Talia's. They were pretty pissed and told me I'm a s---ty friend. Am I wrong?
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'I'm on a strict budget due to some unexpected bills.' Getty
Advice: 'So awkward, and so common at this time of the year'
This is such a common occurrence, particularly at this time of the year, and it can be excruciating.
On the one hand you don't want to be 'that' person who nitpicks over the bill. On the other hand, we are all on tight budgets and fair is fair.
I completely agree with this woman's choice to pay just $40 for hers and part of her friend's cost. I think that was fair and, most importantly, had been discussed before hand.
While she is concerned about the future of this friendship, at least she has now set a boundary.
If the friendship does continue, they know she will only pay what has been agreed upon and she can relax when dining out with them, knowing she won't be expected to pay more than her fair share.
I completely agree with this woman's choice to pay just $40 for hers and part of her friend's cost. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Reddit commenters agree this woman was "not wrong at all."
"You're not wrong. They agreed to split Talia's bill, not the whole damn tab. They're being ridiculous," one commented.
"You're on a budget, and you did the right thing. If they want to be petty about it, screw 'em. You're not obligated to pay for their fancy seafood feast. You did your part. They're the ones being s---ty friends."
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"You're on a budget, and you did the right thing." Getty
"Yeah, not wrong at all. They're being way too extra," another said.
So as events like the crop up between now and next year, make sure to discuss how the cost will be split if you feel like there is any ambiguity at all. Otherwise they will prove too stressful and destroy your festive season budget.
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