How to split a restaurant bill

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

A visit to a restaurant can be a very enjoyable experience. It doesn't matter if there is a special occasion or we just want to spend time with friends. But if we are not sure who will pay, awkwardness and embarrassment arises. In fact, there is no single rule. Much depends on the reason and such nuances as the status of the participants and their relationship. We have selected recommendations that will help you out in almost any situation.

The most important rule

We'll go over various situations in detail, but remember one universal and useful rule: if you invite someone, you act as the host, then it is assumed that you will pay the bill. If you are invited, then you are considered a guest, and most likely you will not have to worry about the account.

Dinner with friends

Large group of friends

When a large group of friends gathers, it is best for everyone to pay for themselves. Usually, etiquette assumes that the amount is divided equally among everyone.

There is nothing wrong with the fact that everyone pays only for their portion, but the fact that everyone ate, you can add up. Then it doesn't matter if you ordered only a sandwich or spent money on steak and wine, no one will be offended.

To prevent the waiter from having to recount everything again when you are about to leave, just warn in advance that each will need a separate check.

Several people

If you and your close friends regularly eat dinner together, you can pay the bill in turns.

Or, if you have roughly the same income level, you can divide the amount equally. Then even if someone sometimes orders a more expensive dish, the score will still be equal.

One on one

When two men are having dinner, the rules are simple. Either everyone pays for themselves, or someone else pays the bill by friendly mentioning something like, "Next time you pay!"

Things get a little more complicated when a man and a woman are having dinner. When it comes to dating, the man must always pay (unless the woman insists. Then everyone pays their portion).

If you are just friends, you can pay everyone for yourself or agree to pay in turns.

Birthday

An exception to these rules is the celebration of a birthday or other important event (anniversary, promotion at work).

When friends invite a birthday person to dinner, they pay the bill themselves. It is very convenient. You simply divide the additional amount by all.

Some, on the contrary, prefer to treat others on their birthday. If you want to invite friends for a festive dinner, be sure to mention in the invitation that you are going to pay the bill for everyone.

Dinner with family

Parents

It all depends on age and family relationships.

When you're still in school, you don't have to offer to pay the bill unless you have some special reason to please your parents.

Moreover, your parents may insist on paying for you even when you are already working. However, by paying for your parents, you show your independence and financial stability. Most likely they won't mind. They will feel proud because you are now grown up and can take care of them.

In addition, the geographical factor also plays a role. If you live in different cities and visit your parents, they will most likely want to pay the bill. If they come to visit you, offer to pay for them.

Parents of spouses

While the guidelines mentioned above are appropriate for this situation, there are some specifics to consider.

A woman usually doesn't have to worry about counting when she dines with her husband's parents. She will not be expected to pay for everyone, or even for herself, unless she dines with them alone, without her husband. In this case, you should offer to pay for yourself and even for the spouse's parents, if possible.

Men in this situation can be a little more difficult.

Of course, most often the wife's parents pay themselves. You don't have to offer to pay for yourself every time, especially if sharing dinners is a tradition.

But if you've just started dating, and there are no definite rules yet, offer to pay for yourself or for everyone.

Brothers and sisters

Unless there is some special reason, everyone can just pay for themselves. There are no specific rules of etiquette for this situation.

Uncles and aunts

It all depends entirely on your relationship with a specific relative. If the relationship is close, such as a god and godson, or you just hang out a lot, an older relative will most likely offer to pay the bill. However, you shouldn't count on it. Always offer to pay for yourself.

Dinner with colleagues

If the event is hosted by your company, of course, you don't have to worry about the bill.

If you are having dinner with colleagues of the same position, everything is simple: everyone pays for himself.

When you are having dinner with the boss, he can pay for everything at the expense of the company. This is a fairly common practice, but nevertheless, it is best to always offer to pay for yourself.

How much to argue about who will pay the bill

If someone reaches out for the bill, but you feel that you owe the payment, say so firmly but kindly. If the other party insists, you can ask again to be polite. And don't forget to thank.