Bill-splitting

[Clemsie]

Five of us had dinner last night - two couples and myself (I’m a single parent). At the end when the bill arrived, one of the couples declared that the bill would be split three ways. I’m not sure how it made sense that a bill for a party of five was split three ways but was too embarrassed to say anything. As a result I’m £20 out of pocket. AIBU to think that the bill should not
have been split three ways? Also, should I just stay quiet about the £20 and never go out with them again? What is the correct bill-splitting etiquette in this situation?

It was thoughtless of someone to suggest it. I think you need to be more assertive in future.

Sorry OP, you are being unreasonable to not have said anything at the time.
I’ve been in this situation and refused to split the bill, I only ever pay for what I order, especially as I don’t drink and others do and that always pushes the bill up. Next time make it clear that you can only pay for what you order.

I’m not sure how it made sense that a bill for a party of five was split three ways but was too embarrassed to say anything

Next time find your voice and learn to speak up. They are chancers and knew perfectly well what they were doing was to their advantage. You didn't object so they got away with it. You should have just said that wasn't on and you'd be paying a fifth of it.

People on here saying it's only 20 quid are cheeky fuckers too. It's just not on for couples to do that so that the single person ends up paying the same amount as a couple despite eating half as much. Absolutely ridiculous.

Are you one of the couples?? What an awful attitude.

Op I find it awful and shocking that someone would suggest this split, but even more so that one of the others didn’t speak out. You should have of course, but you shouldn’t have had to. These people are not your friends.

I would have to raise it now, the morning after, to say you didn;t think at the time but it should have been split 5 ways not 3.

(only way 3 ways makes sense if it was say 3 adults and 2 had kids eat free type deals)

If your friends don't say oh duh, we'll pay next time, then they are not friends,

even if they think "you should have mentioned it at the time", then who on earth would actually reply TOUGH TITTY, YOU SNOOZE YOU LOSE. they'd rectify it.

I’m genuinely surprised that you paid without mentioning it in the first place if it bothered you & I’m even more surprised that you’re bothered about £20, such a trivial amount

I can see why OP didn't say anything at the time .... You're nice and relaxed after a glass of wine, some company, and some food, and then you're a bit surprised at someone's gumption/inability to calculate to say the least; having to then go into 'reasonable arguing mode' is a bit of an annoying gear change.

For the future, as a PP said, not letting them assume is a good thing - 'here is my fifth'.

Your friends are tight bastards. Imagine ripping off a mate to save yourself a tenner.

I'm embarrassed for them.

Be brave and speak up! Your mates are CFs, no way was that a fair split.

In fact it's even easier. Notice the 3 and the 5, five-fifteenths minus three-fifteenths equals 20. Two-fifteenths is 20, so one-fifteenth is 10, so fifteen fifteenths is 150.

Exactly this. What is wrong with people?! And those saying it's a trivial amount what fucking planet are you on? She's effectively paid for one if their meals.

FFS!!

It wasn't 'just £20.' She ended up paying £40.

Even if it was 'just £20', are you even aware that there is a cost of f*ing living crisis? Your comment was insulting!

Don’t go out for dinner then if the cost of living is a struggle. £20 is really not much money to get wound up about

People taking the piss is plenty to get wound up about for many people.

I thought it was £50.

🙄

This. We went out with another couple and a single friend at Easter. Both couples drinking wine, single friend just had a soda water and lime with her meal. We split the bill between both couples and friend put in the tip.

Oh the inevitable first page patronising post.

You know she didn't say anything or she would have mentioned that in her op.

And your suggestion that it's her own fault then speaks volumes about your own moral compass; basically people should behave as badly as other people allow them to?

How about surround yourself with people who will treat you well just because they have good characters and not because you force them to?

Good grief, can't you imagine a world where £20 isn't completely trivial? It's the principal of the situation anyhow regardless of the finances

Honestly you sound like such a charmer...😒🙄

What a ducking stupid comment, you do understand that OP may have been able to afford £20 but not £40.

Of course CFs like you can afford to eat dinner out, you sponge off others to pay your bill.

It's the principle of the situation anyhow regardless of the finances

Absolutely!

I really feel for @Clemsie - cheated by her so-called “friends “ and mocked on here.

@Makemyday99 I'm guessing you're one of those people who insist on splitting the bill unequally so your mates effectively pay for your food.
How sad. I'm embarrassed for you

basically people should behave as badly as other people allow them to?

Thank you for writing this. You put so well what I always feel when people vent about others’ selfishness or rudeness and are told that THEY are the rude ones.

Next time speak up for yourself