Whether it be just the two of you or in a group...Is it rude to look at the bill when you're not paying??
2007-02-06 19:13:17 · 24 answers · asked by Direktor 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Yes, Very.
2007-02-06 19:16:49 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I am afraid it is a rude and crude thing to do.
The host or hostess is entitled to a private moment to see what the tariff comes to and to feel upset that some of his or her guests chose the caviar appetizer and then complained how salty it was..and then the host or hostess was forced to take the cheapest thing on the menu because the bank for the dinner was overdrawn.
I have found from experience that paying the bill in a restaurant is the least pleasant thing in my life to do. Sometimes, when my guest or guests have been really rude, I will get up and go to the rest room and let them read the bill all they want and maybe they will get the message that I am not coming back and they will pay the bill....but it has never happened that way.
2007-02-07 03:28:42 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, I do it and then offer to pay something for it. Whether I'm turned down or not, I do not find it rude unless someone has it planned beforehand that he/she will pay for it. I did not get to see our bill at my brother-in-laws' wedding, but he had it all paid out. It was at a fondue bar (yay, retro seventies) but it was so much fun.
I would not consider it rude if I took my friend out and she asked to see the bill......I would just poke fun and imply that it was on me. On the other hand if I were to accept a date from one of the scientists I work for at some fancy restaurant, I would assume he would pay the bill, but would keep track of what I ordered first of all.....I would not try to order the most expensive thing there, but I do like prime rib :-) yummy I would not ask to see the bill since the price was on the menu when I ordered so I know how much I can excpect to pay if he tells me it is a split date.....that is not uncommon now, my friends have told me about such experiences....
Anyways, I do it because my husband pays the bills, but I run the budget. It is not rude, it is sensible.
2007-02-07 03:24:23 · answer #3 · answered by kaliroadrager 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually it is, but it's not that rude. There are a lot ruder things that can happen when eating out. It's best to just keep track of the prices of things you ordered, if you're really curious about how much you would have spent. But in some cases, it's okay to look, like when you're with close friends, or with someone who wouldn't care (like me!). If you're treating someone, and they want to look at the bill, it would be being rude back to them if you snatch the bill away, or angrily tell them not to look.
2007-02-07 03:22:43 · answer #4 · answered by Amethyst Nights 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes! If it is an invitation that indicated you are being taken out for Birthday or some other celebration the Host pays, and if you look at the bill its as if you ask how much was your present.
If the host allows you it is also not ettiquette and is tantamount to leaving the price tag on the gift to show how much they spent
2007-02-07 03:18:40 · answer #5 · answered by Shelty K 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends. if i'm not paying ive usually already added up, in my head, the tab for my share. in fact, i make sure other people in the group order first. i always order something less expensive than what the person who is paying for it ordered. ie if they order a steak for 15.97, anything under 15.97 is fair game for me to order. if they only order a 5.00 burger, i order something under 5.00 or equal to, depending on the prices. i do this as a courtesy to them. i dont want them paying too much for me. and then, when it's my turn to pay, i order something a little more expensive to give them more room to order what they want.
but yes, it is kinda 'rude' to look at the bill. unless you're in a long term relationship with that person, then it's 'permissable'
2007-02-07 03:30:15 · answer #6 · answered by tanja_berengue 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes
2007-02-07 03:21:37 · answer #7 · answered by msX 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know that it is really considered rude, maybe a bit tacky. (You could get an idea of the total cost from the menu prices while ordering.) So, just enjoy the fact that you are being treated, and reciprocate when you can.
2007-02-07 03:23:05 · answer #8 · answered by busybody12 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends. What is most important is what is your intention in looking at the bill. Is it mere curiosity. Is it because you want to be aware of how much the other is paying? If you are looking at the bill and want to appreciate your friend for being so gracious in offering you something special, I think that is a nice gesture which even your friend would appreciate.
2007-02-07 03:19:32 · answer #9 · answered by Dr. Tere - educator & professor 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
The custom is that whoever picks up the bill is going to pay it. If the other person is paying, don't look.
2007-02-07 04:03:57 · answer #10 · answered by drshorty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes - if you are not paying its got nothing to do with you just enjoy your evening. Anyway if tiy are not paying any of the bill why would you want to look at it - have another drink!!
2007-02-07 03:30:18 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋