when you want to make arrangements to dine out with friends, or acquaintances, but you can only afford to pay for yourself/own family, how do you go about asking them {friends} diplomatically about eating out somewhere,but making sure that they understand that you cannot treat???
without seeming like a complete jackass??
2007-08-13 04:39:23 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
WE'RE GOING DUTCH IF YOU'D CARE TO JOIN US
2007-08-13 04:50:01 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
There is certainly nothing wrong with letting people know up front that it's a "separate checks" night out and you thought they might be interested in joining you at the restaurant.
People WILL NOT think you are a jack *** and if you have friends that would think such a thing about you, you need a better class of friends.
You could say, "Hey, I'm putting together a table for ten at Spago's (or Pizza Hut) for Sunday night. It's separate checks and all, but would you like to come?"
Good luck!
2007-08-13 11:54:26 · answer #2 · answered by Tseruyah 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Invite them to go shopping in a mall, then when mealtime comes, go to the food court for the meal. They will automatically get their own food and pay for it too.
If you are talking about high end dining, then ask the friends if they are interested in a Dutch treat dinner with you and your family. Dutch treat means you pay for your own food.
2007-08-14 03:40:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't think most people would think that an invitation includes getting the dinner for free. However, if you want to be sure, say it's "Dutch Treat". It's almost humorous, so neither you or them should feel awkward about it.
2007-08-13 11:47:44 · answer #4 · answered by Louie 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Just say, "We are going to dinner at (insert favourite restaurant here) - why don't you join us if you're free?" You are inviting them to enjoy your company not to a meal. If you want to pay you should say, "Be our guests and let us treat you to dinner." Most people understand the difference.
2007-08-17 11:20:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The best way to do it is to mention to your friends that you and your family are going out to dinner, and invite them to meet you at the restaurant. That will let them know that you are not paying for them.
2007-08-13 11:47:26 · answer #6 · answered by magic621a 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Well most people would not automatically assume that you would be paying for them,but if you are worried just tell the waitperson when placing your order that it will be on two seperate bills and point out who will be on your bill.
2007-08-13 11:47:15 · answer #7 · answered by Angela C 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it's casual with close friends just say "We're going to such and such place, wanna tag along?" That will imply they are to pay their own way. Or, say "We're going to so and so, wanna meet us up there?" When you don't take the same car, it's implied that you aren't "together"
2007-08-14 01:28:45 · answer #8 · answered by missbeans 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'm no expert on etiquette, however, here is a link for a free online etiquette training course. Its free and its fun:
http://www.etiquettepolice.com/
2007-08-13 22:24:45 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Tell them you will be dining "dutch"
which means each pays his own bill.
2007-08-13 12:13:57 · answer #10 · answered by Angelbaby7 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Talk to the couple and mention that you and your significant other decided to treat yourselves to dinner and see if they want to join you.
2007-08-13 11:45:44 · answer #11 · answered by Summer 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋