When the bill eventually appears on the table, you and your friends are enjoying a wonderful dinner. Things start to become tight suddenly—awkward looks, uncomfortable laughter. Even if everyone has different orders, should you share the bill equally, or do you let each individual pay for what they order? We’ve all had to answer this question at some point, but one Reddit user startled everyone at the table with something completely unexpected.
Since college, 1(27M) has essentially been a part of a tiny friend circle consisting of about 8 persons.
To set the scene, two members of the gang, Greg and Susan, are complete leeches. Having lunch outside? Expect them to choose the most expensive item on the menu, then they’ll share half of the bill and tell you a depressing story about their financial situation.
Dan, one of the group members, told me about a casual supper last weekend. I informed him that I wouldn’t be able to go if Susan or Greg were present. He informs me that although they would be present, I should set aside my prejudices and just attend once.
I could kind of be the evil guy here. I assured him I will be there and I agreed with him. When I arrive, we all start conversing.
Everyone started placing their orders, with the majority spending roughly $40. There were merely six or so persons present. When it reaches Susan and Greg, they each place an order for pricey meals that total about $200. Everyone turned to watch me place my order when it was my turn, but I simply picked up the menu, pointed at the $4 drink, and told the waiter to go. I told Dan that I had lost my appetite when he questioned why I hadn’t placed an order. In order to change their orders and merely have beverages, the other two buddies also got up.
When the main courses were served, I noticed Greg and Susan fiddling with their food. The waiter then brings the check over. Grabbing the waiter, Greg requests that he divide the check six ways. I correct him by getting up and suggesting that the check should be divided three ways. Greg asks, “Why?” since we “always” split the cost, looking at me in confusion. I informed him that we would only be paying for our beverages because the three of us had not eaten anything. Dan, who most likely only consumed $50 worth of food, was thus left holding a $146.98 check at the end of the evening. (Yes, I can recall the precise number.) I swear, when he picked up the receipt, I saw his jaw drop.
I gave the cashier a ten-dollar tip, bid farewell to all, and left. The following morning, I discovered that Greg and Susan had bombarded me with SMS accusing me of being a nasty guy for not placing an order for meals and making them pay more than they had claimed. Since the steaks alone were more expensive than what they had paid, I genuinely chuckled, but each to their own?
Dan also sent me a bunch of messages in which he said that I could have just chosen not to come rather than performing that prank and leaving him with an absurd expense.
Almost everyone was on the same side.
1.
Is it not feasible to request ahead of time separate checks from the server, so that each person receives a check for the food they ordered? Although some may find this a little awkward, it’s not quite as awkward as asking someone to pay for a dinner that costs five times as much as yours. Reddit / SamSpayedPI
2.
They obviously planned this entire thing out and thought that other people would foot the bill for their way of life. I hope Dan opens his eyes, but they seem to be permanently closed at the moment. Well done, though. Pale_Needleworker924 / Reddit
3.
I felt your work was excellent. You initially stated that you wouldn’t go if there were leeches present, but your friend Dan insisted that you come nevertheless, so you complied with his wishes. Since the bar cost is separate from the food, it should have been obvious to all the adults in the restaurant that you and the other two were not eating when you ordered just a drink. As a result, you were clearly not dividing the dinner bill. Dan probably won’t add Susan and Greg as quickly next time. Reddit user Auntie-Mam69/
4.
You did hear Dan say to just come and set aside your opinions, right? expertly managed. It seems that your pals felt the same way, because they did the same. Dan was discovered. But why do any of you still hang out with or be friends with people who not only take advantage of you all the time, but also freely confess to doing so? Reddit/Apart-Ad-6518
5.
Individuals who claim that you left Dan with a large bill are most likely ordering over their means, much like these two users. When I was in college, I had acquaintances who worked two jobs—technically three—just to get by. They insisted that I go out even though I was living off of ramen.
All they would provide me was a complimentary glass of water. Even though there were times when I could have ordered something cheaper, they always divided the check for the meal, beverages, and tip (this is America, after all, and requesting for the checks to be split is common). I simply declined to participate.
After a few complaints, I said, “Hey, you all know I’m broke, so is it what little money I have or my company you’re wanting?” I don’t speak with any of them anymore. Call them out on the next outing if you attend. Request that they order something else if they don’t have enough money to cover the entire amount they want to order. Reddit / Bullfrog323
6.
In my opinion, your approach to the well-known leech problem was witty and original. Nobody was coerced into doing anything; instead, people made their own choices and had to live with the results. Greg and Susan should really take the blame for buying expensive food and thinking that everyone else would pay for it. Dan’s response makes some sense, but when he invited you, he was aware of the dangers. That day, I believe a lesson was learned—albeit an expensive one. AddisonN****Reddit / Nymph