When I go to a restaurant with 5 friends why should the bill be split 5 ways? can't I just pay for what I ate?

Answer 1

You can certainly do that. Just ask for a separate bill. If your friends ask, just tell them it saves time from the hassle of counting out everyone's amount, and getting change.

Answer 2

I'm on a tight budget so I only pay for what I ate. The point of going out with friends is to enjoy each others company and I wouldn't deny someone the opportunity to hang out with friends because of their financial situation, and I expect the same consideration. I've found that its always the people who order the most expensive item on the menu and multiple alcoholic beverages that suggest the bill get split evenly. I don't think so.

Answer 3

Someone recently tried to split a bill which would have been $26 for the ONE BEER my boyfriend had (we didn't get food, we came later on )

I don't like splitting the bill because I usually can't afford it. I'm a student, and when I go, I know I have x amount of dollars (I include a tip in the amount when I'm picking what to eat) As long as you're dining with friends, I don't see how they couldn't understand why you only want to pay for your meal.

Answer 4

Always decide this before entering the restaurant. I prefer separate checks, because I usually choose a smaller meal and only have one drink. I don't want to split the cost with someone that had Lobster and drank 5 beers.

Answer 5

You can ask to have your bill separated. Just ask the server before you place your order. Say, "This is on a separate check."

I know some people instead of splitting checks take turns treating their friends. I guess that would be hard to keep up with five other people, but it works with some of my friends.

Answer 6

I guess I don't mind splitting the bill even if I did eat less than everyone else. After all, we are all friends. In fact, I usually will pay the whole bill if I have enough money; that's what friends are for.

Answer 7

It can be done, but that is usually a "cheap" ladies move that usually happens in the suburbs. When women go to lunch, they never reach for the check to pay or to figure it out. But, as soon as someone tells them how much to pay, they get defensive and replay everything that they ate and drank!

If you aren't going to show restaurant etiquette by paying evenly, you are going to leave a negative image in someone's memory. they won't say anything, because they don't believe you are making a fuss. But they will remember.

If you want to be assured of paying ONLY for your own meal, and paying ONLY for your own taxes and ONLY your own tip, then go out alone...you can't lose!

That is the only way to avoid confrontation and still keep your friends..if they ever call you again.

Answer 8

When I go to a restaurant with friends, I know, before the bill comes, how much my portion is. I add tax and tip onto that and toss in my share. If anyone complains about it, I would say, "Hey, I'm not paying for your food. We are all paying for our own." If they say: "oh yeah. . . we're splitting the bill 5 ways." Tell them: "Here's my portion. Do what you want with the rest of the bill. That's all I'm paying for. . . nice try."

You should only pay for what you ate (plus tip and tax). Your friends are not really friends if they expect you to chip in to pay for their food & drinks too. sheesh. . . I hope they wouldn't expect that. That's just ridiculous.

Answer 9

Actually traditional ettiquete suggests doing just that- paying for your own.

Before anyone orders, speak up and be the first to order, telling the waiter "For my ticket I'll have..."

He should get the idea.

If this doesn't work, don't feel like you're going to embarrass yourself. Keep track of what you ate, along with how much it costs, and when it comes time to pay, ask for a seperate ticket. If one of your buddies asks, tell them it's for your taxes.

Answer 10

I always ask for a separate bill if everyone is paying separate, oh and let your server know before you order, it makes their jobs a whole lot easier, theydon't have to get a manager involved and redo your checks when your ready to pay.