Author Topic: Splitting the bill - awkward?  (Read 15837 times)

oldladystache

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Re: Splitting the bill - awkward?
« Reply #50 on: August 02, 2015, 09:35:32 PM »

(I was not comfortable saying "oldladystache." Sounded disrespectful. I like "wiseladystache" better...bet it's true, too. )

I'm not gonna argue with you. ;)

FiguringItOut

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Re: Splitting the bill - awkward?
« Reply #51 on: August 03, 2015, 09:41:24 AM »
This is slightly off topic, but still related.

Years and years ago at one of my old jobs, we had a new guy starting in my department.  He was about my age - mid 20s.  Our supervisor, took me and the new guy out to lunch.

So we are at the local sushi place ordering lunch.  My supervisor and I each order an $8 lunch special.  The new guy goes all out, appetizer, main lunch course (not special), extra sushi roll to go with his lunch, etc. 

When the waiter came to ask if we wanted to order anything or if we are ready for a check, the supervisor said we were ready for a check and asked for separate checks. 

Now, I've had lunch with that supervisor before and he always used company credit cards as it was business lunch and was expensed.  I fully expected my lunch to be covered by the company this time as well.  Anyway, bills came and I paid for my $8 lunch.  The supervisor paid for his $8 lunch.  And the new guy paid for his $46 lunch. 

I have to say, I was pissed that the new idiot guy cheated me out of a free lunch that day.  I was also glad that he ended up having to pay for his own meal.  You should've seen his face when he got his separate check. 

I don't know if what the supervisor did was right. I know he was a fairly low level and had his own neck to worry about with the set expense amounts he could put through.  On the other hand he could've paid it and explained to his boss of what actually happened.  And somebody should've pulled that new idiot aside and explained business etiquette to him. Not sure if anybody actually did.





charis

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Re: Splitting the bill - awkward?
« Reply #52 on: August 03, 2015, 10:07:23 AM »
...

Part is circumstances - if I suggested dinner out to DD while she was a student, I paid for her.  Now that she is working full time, if I suggest dinner I will also tell her if I plan to pay or if it is "dutch", and give her lots of choices - mid-price, cheap, or just we get a chance to visit over a coffee.

Not picking on you, just adding a comment.  Family dynamics are very specific.

I am working full time, but we also have two kids, one income, a mortgage and student loans.  If my parents invited me and my family to eat out with them (which they frequently do) and expected to go dutch, I would have to decline and then feel guilty about it (which I know I shouldn't, but nonetheless).   Even going out for coffee can be pricey when you are trying to down debt/save.  I often suggesting eating in, but my mother dislikes hosting and doesn't want "to burden" us by coming over for dinner (eye roll).

Also, to the OP, if you order an appetizer for people who aren't there, unless you specifically agreed to split it in advance, you should pay for it.   
« Last Edit: August 03, 2015, 10:10:26 AM by jezebel »

I'm a red panda

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Re: Splitting the bill - awkward?
« Reply #53 on: August 03, 2015, 10:21:20 AM »
Quote
I was also glad that he ended up having to pay for his own meal.  You should've seen his face when he got his separate check. 

Good for your supervisor for doing that. That guy's ordering was totally out of line with a "new to the company" business lunch. That bill is more than some people get for their expenses for a full day trip!

Merrie

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Re: Splitting the bill - awkward?
« Reply #54 on: August 03, 2015, 11:18:46 AM »
Good lesson in business etiquette for the new guy: watch what your boss orders and then order something around the same $ amount.