Split Checks?

[JessicaR]

If you do it differently in your area then fine, but those of us that don't aren't cheap.

I never said you were.

 

[JessicaR]

What's the big deal? I think it's weird to get separate checks, or worry about who ordered what. Not saying you are cheap or whatever, but it's very weird to me because we have never done it like that.

And what I do is weird/different to you.

No need to be defensive.

Exactly.

 

[amg35]

Well, it's odd that the 70% + that split the bill or ask for separate checks basically just took the poll and answered what it is they do. Pretty much just the facts.

The problem is that when you get to the 16% that told what they do they then had to add editorial comments saying that any OTHER way is "strange", "weird", "cheap", and they really see no reason anyone would ever do it any other way than their RIGHT way.

Well it is weird to me! Sorry! I don't care if you guys think I'm dumb for paying more than my share!

 

[mhsjax]

What's the big deal? I think it's weird to get separate checks, or worry about who ordered what. Not saying you are cheap or whatever, but it's very weird to me because we have never done it like that.

And what I do is weird/different to you.

No need to be defensive.

NOt weird, I have had it happen and I don't freak out about it. But I prefer it to be separate and down here where we go, it is the norm to be asked ahead of time and in fact, after the water is poured the specials are gone over, the next phrase is how you would you like to split the checks.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

I never tried to imply separate check people are cheap. I implied they were anal. To me the separate checks just seems counter to going out with friends to have a relaxed good time. It just seems so fussy. But hey, if that's how it's done in your circle, have at it.

As you've never experienced it, I can tell you it's exactly the opposite. It makes life easier on everyone, including the server. And it completely takes the pressure off anyone who may be thinking of splurging, and alleviates any headaches when it comes time to pay the bill. It doesn't make anyone anal - quite the opposite. You want to see anal? Anal is the guy who frets over every penny spent by everyone else when you get a single check. And I don't care who you are or where you live, "that guy" is most definitely in your circle of friends whether you want to admit it or not

Again, for those of us who've ACTUALLY experienced all the various ways a check can be tallied (and not just editorialized on the topic), I can assure you there is a place for every method.

 

[mhsjax]

I never said you were.

But you would be insulted? Translation, do they think I am cheap by asking me that. Only way it can be taken.

 

[amg35]

As you've never experienced it, I can tell you it's exactly the opposite. It makes life easier on everyone, including the server. And it completely takes the pressure off anyone who may be thinking of splurging, and alleviates any headaches when it comes time to pay the bill. It doesn't make anyone anal - quite the opposite. You want to see anal? Anal is the guy who frets over every penny spent by everyone else when you get a single check. And I don't care who you are or where you live, "that guy" is most definitely in your circle of friends whether you want to admit it or not

Again, for those of us who've ACTUALLY experienced all the various ways a check can be tallied (and not just editorialized on the topic), I can assure you there is a place for every method.

Well then, I will go out this weekend and make sure we ask for separate checks so I can have an opinion on the matter.

 

[JessicaR]

But you would be insulted? Translation, do they think I am cheap by asking me that. Only way it can be taken.

Good Lord, seriously? Yes, "I" would be insulted. We do not do it that way here. It has absolutely no bearing on the way you do it.

 

[amg35]

But you would be insulted? Translation, do they think I am cheap by asking me that. Only way it can be taken.

You've lost me a bit. Does who think you are cheap?

For the record, I don't think people who pay like that are cheap.

I'm just used to the split the bill evenly deal and I like it that way. I never worry about what I order....one time it will be expensive, one time it won't, all works out in the end.

 

[JessicaR]

You've lost me a bit. Does who think you are cheap?

For the record, I don't think people who pay like that are cheap.

I'm just used to the split the bill evenly deal and I like it that way. I never worry about what I order....one time it will be expensive, one time it won't, all works out in the end.

Apparently we can't have an opinion.

 

[mhsjax]

Apparently we can't have an opinion.

Sure you can have an opinion.

 

[JessicaR]

Sure you can have an opinion. God knows you people from Long Island and NY have opinions.

Nice, good job. You people, gotta love it. But extremely typical.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Either we all get out our cards and the waiter runs them through the device at the table (it's all chip and pin so handheld device). We tell him what the amount is per card.

Or we all put down cash

It's divided between us anyway as besides one time everybody I know eats or drinks for the same amount and I'm not making a fuss for a slight difference. Life is too short

I've never had a separate bill with friends only when on business if eating out with other people from different companies as we each are putting it on expense accounts

The bolded indicates to me a single piece of paper that you all treat as "sepearate checks"


On the flip side, I have never had a separate check on a business dinner. Someone always picks up the tab. But, my business dinners have always either been a case of all coworkers on a business trip (senior person gets the bill) or someone wanting to try to sell me/us something and them picking up the tab.

 

[sadiras]

I think what some of you all don't seem to understand is that we will and have on several occasions picked up the tab for someone, but it is a planned thing. Birthday dinners come to mind, or if just us an another couple, sure we will buy the wine even if the other couples drink it. We have been known to buy a couple of bottles and pay for them, ( good work bonus) And that was a way of celebrating with friends. But I would never want to assume or have any of my friends think that I assumed that they would ever feel they had to cover part of my meal because of trying to split a check evenly.

We LOVE going out with friends, and luckily our friends work the same way we do. I guess when you don't know the details of peoples lives, it is hard to get across. Like my friend who took me out tonight, and she paid, but she told me she was. We had her DD with my DH and my DD, he tool the girls out to dinner and paid. We do this on a routine basis. But when dinner's are a planned affair, with or without kids, we do go to fairly upscale to upscale restaurants and we are always asked by the server, when ordering, how we want to split up the checks. Usually they don't even ask if we want them split, they just assume. If someone is paying for more, they just say put it on mine. No cheapness, no hard feelings. We take care of each other on a day to day basis.

If you do it differently in your area then fine, but those of us that don't aren't cheap.

Great post. Taking care of each other is what it is all about. You are right. Different areas have their own customs, or traditions which should not insinuate that people in other areas are cheap because of their customs. Be happy that you can enjoy your family and friends in a manner that is comfortable to all of you.

 

[mhsjax]

Great post. Taking care of each other is what it is all about. You are right. Different areas have their own customs, or traditions which should not insinuate that people in other areas are cheap because of their customs. Be happy that you can enjoy your family and friends in a manner that is comfortable to all of you.

Thank you. I will remember when up in your area, that this isn't the custom and I would have no problem with that.

 

[JessicaR]

Sure you can have an opinion.

TOO LATE - your edit was quoted.

 

[mhsjax]

Nice, good job. You people, gotta love it. But extremely typical.

Works both ways. Very typical.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Personally I don't dine with folks who even get into "who ate and drank what when".

So, how do you handle new people? Do you interview them ahead of time to make sure this won't happen?

 

[mhsjax]

TOO LATE - your edit was quoted.

Yeah, well, I really don't mind. Sadiras, gets it, why don't you. That poster is from Long Island.

 

[amg35]

Thank you. I will remember when up in your area, that this isn't the custom and I would have no problem with that.

Do you think it's based on where we live? I think it's more on who you hang out with or how your family did it.