We all have that friend, aren’t we?
She’s not hungry until we split the bill, then orders everything expensive. Lately, she’s also forgetting her wallet and paying zip. I checked in and said if she’s tight, I’ll grab her a burger. She said she just got a bonus, “oops, forgetful!” But still never Venmoed me back.
Then she invited me to a fancy chophouse. I warned her that I can’t drop $300 just getting something light. She got 2 apps, a salad, 2 wine bottles, a giant steak with sides. I had an Old Fashioned and a steak-topped salad. The waitress asked about the bill, I’d already said separate checks. She went: “Oh, didn’t realize we ordered so much! We’re celebrating, let’s split!”
I was so mad: “Really, girl?!” She was like: “No big deal.” That smirk pushed me over. I told the waitress to add 2 entrees to-go. Bill was $327, my part was $140. She lost it, but we split it. I haven’t texted her since. I feel zero guilt, but some friends say I was doing too much?
I’m 53 and have never “split the bill” with my friends - that’s so bizarre to me. Simple solution: never agree to that and stick to it. However, years ago I did have a friend who would always say she wasn’t that hungry and order a cheap appetizer then would try to eat my food. The last time we went out it was the same thing. She ordered a cup of soup ($5) and I ordered fried crab claws ($45). She kept trying to reach over and get a crab claw and I’d wave her hand away. I finally told her if she wanted crab claws she’d have to order her own. She looked shocked and said she only wanted a couple so I gave her 2. She told me I was being “rude”. I told her she was cheap af and pointed out she ALWAYS did that. I stopped hanging out with her over that.