When someone takes you to dinner, do you order the cheapest thing?

Question

Or when someone offers to buy you coffee or a drink, do you feel awkward and deny it so they don't have to spend money on you??

Answer 1

Proper etiquette is for the person inviting to make the comment first of what they plan to order. You can judge by that what might be appropriate price-wise for you to order. If they order the most expensive, and encourage you to also, then do it only if that is what you want to eat. If they order the cheapest thing, and no salad, take that as a hint they may be surprised at the prices and a little short. Order something similar unless they push you into ordering a more expensive meal. I personally try to stay about middle price range when someone is paying for me; and when I am paying, I notice others do pretty much the same. the acception is steak houses and I often order the BIGGEST and encourage them to have whatever they like the best when I am paying.

Answer 2

When someone offers you something it is gracious to accept. Don't feel awkward-smile and thank them genuinely. Think about what it is like to entertain someone at your home. If they decline everything you offer, how uncomfortable does it make you feel? You want them to accept something you offer and have them be pleased by it. It's the same when you are out- if they offer to buy, they are 'entertaining' you. Be gracious and say something like "Thank you! That would be really nice.". When your visit is over, tell them you would like an opportunity to return the favor sometime- and be sure to follow through. If you are flat out broke and know you will never be able to return the favor, I don't think it is inappropriate to say so before you accept their offer. Something like "Thank you, that would be nice, but I'm afraid I won't ever be able to return to favor. Perhaps another time." That gives them the opportunity to chose for themselves. There is a pretty good chance the person will offer again anyway- or insist- as it is frequently human nature to want to do nice things for others.

If you are in a restaurant, I think it is appropriate to aim for a mid-priced entree. If you order the cheapest thing on the menu, they will likely figure you did so on purpose and they may feel badly that you are uncomfortable to order anything more. Remember, they are trying to do something nice for you because it makes them feel good too. Be enthusiastic and appreciative. Don't order the most expensive thing (unless they do and encourage you to do the same) or it may be the last time you get invited out. Take cues from your host regarding alcoholic beverages, appetizers, and desserts. Initially you can just ask for water with the explanation you are "so thirsty!" and then wait and see what your host orders. If they don't order alcohol, then don't order it yourself.

Of course, the one time it would be appropriate to decline an offer is if the person is trying to work themselves into your favor and you are not at all interested. A good firm "That's kind of you to offer, but no thank you" will do. There is no need to make any further explanations or excuses or else you might find yourself in the same predicament the next time when your excuse is not viable.

Answer 3

If someone is generous enough to take me to dinner, I think more about enjoying their company rather than if they have enough money to buy the dinner. Trying to take responsibility from that person by analyzing if they can actually afford to take me to dinner, or buy me a drink, is ridiculous.

To answer your question, No. I do not look for and order the cheapest thing. It all depends on what kind of mood I am in that day. Could be, on that certain day, I am in the mood to order a simple salad, or a sandwich -- then again, maybe I am in the mood for something more extravagant .... just depends. One thing is sure, I never order the most expensive item on the menu. I don't order it if I am paying, so I would never do that to a friend.

Answer 4

It's not good to deny when someone if trying to offer you a drink or dinner. It will be WORSE than actually accepting it. As long as you know the person well enough and you know that he/she will not ask for anything in return.
I spend what i CAN. For example i have $200 on my pocket, but the restaurant is so expensive that a single soup dish costs $40 already. I spend what i think i can and i think about my budget as well. And, it's rude to talk about money in front of other people in public.

Answer 5

Yup! I'm one of those people that could be dying of thirst and if someone offered to buy me a drink I would feel guilty by saying yes. In fact at work, I get offered a drink from the soda machine and I only recently said yes - I've worked here for 3 years.

Answer 6

It's sad how we're no longer comfortable accepting hospitality. No, there's no reason to fell awkward, just remember to buy them a drink later. As for dinner, the thing to do is order from the middle range of the menu.

Answer 7

well i dont get the cheapest thing on the menu however i dont get the most expensive thing on the menu i usually ask what they are going to get and see if it it something inexpensive of kind of pricey it they order something inexpensive they may be a little strapped for cash and i try to do the same, as far as a drink they normally arn't very expensive i would accept a drink, the person may think you are turning them down if you deny the drink. well if it is not someone you are dating

Answer 8

If they are tight and I know it i order the chili, which is one of the cheapest and i always love it. If they can afford more, i still just keep it around 5 or 6 bucks at most. At work we were always buying each other coffees, it produced a more amicable atmosphere.

Answer 9

I don't try to order the "cheapest" thing on the menu, but I do try to keep my order at a reasonable price. Even if that sirloin steak looks incredible, I'll be getting the grilled chicken. I try to avoid people spending their money on me.

Answer 10

yes, i do feel awkward wen someone else offers to spend on my food n drink .
i do not necessarily order the cheapest thng, but i make it a point that i do not order somethng very expensive n also extra food .