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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To not pay for my friends lunch

55 replies

Auroraspyjamas · 28/02/2026 15:23

Friend lives about an hour and a half drive away. She came to visit and meet our new baby. We had agreed in advance we’d go out for lunch with our partners and the baby,

When it came to pay the bill we split it and paid separately but I wondered if perhaps I should have offered to pay for their food as they were visiting us and had done the drive, petrol etc.
What do you think? What’s the done thing in this situation?

I’m on mat leave and a bit cash poor at the moment, as background.

so was I rude? AIBU?

OP posts:
FaceBothered · 28/02/2026 15:27

My Dh would've made lunch but if everyone insisted they wanted to go out, we'd probably split it.

ThejoyofNC · 28/02/2026 15:27

Did she ask to come and meet the baby or did you invite her? Who's idea was it to go out for lunch?

PeppermintPatty10 · 28/02/2026 15:26

No I think it was fine - it would have been a large bill with all four of you there, and they would have been happy to see you and your new baby! Don't worry about it and they sound like nice friends.

yikesss · 28/02/2026 15:25

I probably would have offered but I also wouldnt have thought you were tight if it was the other way round. I am sure meeting your little one was worth the drive and congratulations

Chuffingcupboard · 28/02/2026 15:25

I think you were fine. If I was the visiting friend I wouldn't have given it a thought, I would have assumed we're were splitting the bill.

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