A good friend of mine (I'm a guy, she's a girl, but we're just friends, definitely not dating) is coming up to Toronto (she's from Detroit) with her parents to see a few shows, musicals, plays,... (We're both college students). They're not here to see me specifically, but I said since they're here, I might show them around. Obviously, around dinner time, we will all go out, and I know 99% sure her parents will join us as well. Should I pay? Is that the right thing to do? I don't think I should pay for her parents' portion as well, but it's only courtesy, is it not?
2006-08-16 06:21:11 · 15 answers · asked by euges116 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
No, if her parents are respectable it should go like this: you offer to pay the bill when it comes, they refuse, you insist, they say its out of the question. If yall are dating then her father should definitely foot the bill. It looks polite if you atleast offer to pay, then thank them graciously when they insist
2006-08-16 07:51:59 · answer #1 · answered by duchessamber 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, you should not pay for her parents. You said that both you & your friend are college students, so I'll assume that money is not overflowing from your pockets. You are being nice enough by showing your friend, not GF & her parents around. If her parents have money to travel to Canada, they should have dinner money. If they expect you to pay, they're being selfish. Yet, if you are able to pay and choose to do so, there would be nothing wrong with that. You just ARE NOT obligated to.
2006-08-16 06:51:59 · answer #2 · answered by intentionalmasterpiece 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would be polite for you to offer, but it seems more appropriate to me that they should pay for you, especially if you did a good job showing them around and assuming they have more money than you.
Possible hint would be for you to buy some cheap tickets for them for the tour, like a daypass for the TTC or a trip up the CN Tower (not really cheap but probably less than dinner, right?) and then they'll repay you by paying for your meal. Of course if they're miserly, you could really be taken for a ride!
2006-08-16 06:39:15 · answer #3 · answered by Goddess of Grammar 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dude, you obligated yourself when you said, "since they're here, I might show them around". Being the tour guide you are taking them to the places to see and eat, so it falls on you to handle the bill. It would be nice if she or her dad offered to pay a portion of the bill. As a gesture of thanks. It may hurt your wallet, but be a gentleman. Of course the next time you and your friend go out make sure she pays..
2006-08-16 06:35:25 · answer #4 · answered by Grown Man 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Only if you have the money to pay. You're a student so I don't think you've got loads of cash. I think it's very nice of you to show them around, but I don't think you should pay for a dinner for four if it means you're out of money the rest of the month. I think her parents will pay though. As a sign of appreciation that you showed them around.
2006-08-16 06:41:43 · answer #5 · answered by chocolatebunny 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you definitely should offer to pay for dinner.
From what you wrote, it was you who invited to show them around. So inviting them to hang out and then making them pay might seem rude.
Personally, I know my parents would never let one of my friends pay for dinner. So chances are they will decline your gracious offer. And maybe they'll even offer to pay your meal, since you showed them around.
As a final suggestion, if you're short on cash maybe you could show them around in the morning, and then offer to pay for lunch. Since lunch is usually less expensive this wont break the bank so much.
2006-08-16 06:30:48 · answer #6 · answered by jenNdan18286 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
if her parents join you i would definately offer to pay for their meal, because they are your guests just as your friend is. i think that is the proper thing to do. if you are tight on money and thats what you are worried about show them around during th afternoon or after dinner time and when you speak to them about a time to meet up offer to take them out for dessert or coffee then they will know that you don't plan on going to dinner, but you are still being polite.
2006-08-16 06:31:56 · answer #7 · answered by angelcdm228 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
See if the Father makes an offer to pay. The bill
might go to him first. See what he says, he knows
you're in school to.
2006-08-16 06:38:24 · answer #8 · answered by elliebear 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most likely after you attempt to pay her parents will insist on picking up the check. If not...It is bad form on their part. Unless they are totally unable to afford it. Best bet...choose a reasonable restaurant with a good menu
2006-08-16 06:31:26 · answer #9 · answered by kat 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Offer to as a courtesy, but they will likely choose to pay for all of you, in most cases.
2006-08-16 11:33:14 · answer #10 · answered by alone1with3 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋