To think a discount isn’t embarrassing?

[Queenslotus]

I went out with my friend for lunch today, and as I have meerkat meals (from my v expensive car insurance) we could get our meal 2/4/1 meaning that the price was halved of each of our meals essentially. We went halves on the final bill. All fine.

Well, when I got out the app my friend was mortified saying that it was embarrassing and humiliating. Our bill would’ve only been around 40.00 to be fair, but it ended up being 25! (Drinks not included in deal) So only 12:50 each. We both have good jobs, but I didn’t see the problem in trying to save us some money.

When we got to the car, friend said that discount codes should definitely only be used on things over 100.00?! And it was “mortifying” to see me get out the app for the lady to scan.

So was ibu? I’m not sure?! Friend is acting like she can never go back there again!

Is she nuts? If it was THAT embarrassing for her she should insisted to pay full price for hers… cheeky thing

I find it embarrassing...can't lie!

Your friend is utterly ridiculous. I wouldn't hesitate to use a discount for a bill of this size. The restaurant must have agreed to this promotion in order to entice people in, and I'm prepared to bet the waiter didn't bat an eyelid. Why is she so keen on giving the restaurant money that, essentially, it isn't asking for? Does she think it's some sort of charity?

@Comedycook

I find it embarrassing...can't lie!

Why?

@AnneLovesGilbert

Cheeky cow accepting it while whinging.

Yes

I mean, if it was a meerkat meal it would have to have been in a chain restaurant, so your mate's snobbery clearly doesn't extend that far.

I mean, if it were The Ivy I might blush. Nando's? No problem.

How strange, I wonder why saving money offends your friend so much!

@folkybythesea

I mean, if it was a meerkat meal it would have to have been in a chain restaurant, so your mate's snobbery clearly doesn't extend that far.

I mean, if it were The Ivy I might blush. Nando's? No problem.

You dont get it in nandos, if only

Why didn't she just leave a massive tip? I'd've sent her back in to do it.

I think @Platax they'll think I'm a cf and a bit cheap..I'm mean I'll still use it!

That's really odd. We take advantage of deals and discounts whenever we can, no embarrassment here!

Your friend is nuts!

I would have said that's ok friend, you can pay full price and I'll just use my discount on my meal

She's insane.
Bet she didn't offer to pay the full price for hers, and you take the cheaper discount price? Thought not.

Where can you use Meerkats now? No longer Pizzaexpress or Zizzi is it?

The wealthiest people I know are those that take advantage of every discount afforded to them.

I have to use discounts etc as I’m a stay at home mum. My friend thinks Lidl or Aldi is the pits- personally I love Heron foods ( B&M bargains). Honestly cringing - too much money .... why not Mr Meerkat offers...

@ThinWomansBrain

You should have let her pay her full £20 and left you with a £5 bill - in the interests of saving her feelings of course.

Agree with this

I went on a date once with a guy I knew from work. Just a casual lunch at Pizza Express. It was in the days when you could download a 2-for-1 voucher for all those pizza chains. Anyway, he was totally mortified when I produced it, batted it out of the way so the waiter wouldn't see it and hissed "put it away!" He then insisted on paying the whole bill. Very kind, but I knew right then that we wouldn't be compatible!

Loads of places these days the pricing strategy is based on a good chunk of people doing this. So you will have been utterly unremarkable. Leave a decent tip, be nice to the staff and no one will be thinking badly of you.

How hilarious!

I’m all for a bargain. Lots of places ask if you have a discount code.

Your friend is batshit.

Crazy talk from your friend. We had a period of about 11 years when there was always someone in our house with an NUS card which gave a 25% discount on Pizza Express and we made excellent use of it. The cumulative discount on numerous £60/£80 bills probably added up to the best part of 2 or 3K over the decade. I really resent paying full price now!

wow… Me and DP earn 6 figures but use discount codes all the time.
Good tip.. our local pub is a green king, we signed up the AA and get 20% off each visit!! The disconnect has paid for our membership over and over!

I get embarrassed about things like this just because I'm anxious about interaction with people I don't know and it adds another thing to talk about. However, I really appreciate other people doing it for me

A friend has no right to tell you off no matter what she thinks.

I guess I may have mentioned the discount beforehand.
There are some cultures where it would he considered not that smooth.