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Splitting the bill

I would love to know how other Silversurfers manage the thorny question of splitting the bill after dining out.


On a recent occasion, I volunteered to be the driver as I rarely drink alcohol and definitely don't when I am driving. The round trip to pick three friends up and take them to the venue was about 25 miles plus another 25 miles to take them home. For the meal, two of them started with G&Ts followed by large glasses of wine with the meal. The other person just had lime and soda like me. We all had meals costing roughly the same. When the bill arrived the other non-drinker said to split it four ways. The two who had had alcohol said that wasn't fair as their drinks totalled about £30. The non-drinker said she was happy to contribute towards their alcohol and I was left feeling somewhat embarrassed because I said that I would pay for what I had had and they could do what they wanted with the rest of the bill.


No-one mentioned the petrol used for their transport! Am I being churlish for not looking forward to our next trip out for a meal?


Created By on 22/10/2021

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KimM912
7th Oct 2023 13:05:33
1
Thanks for voting!
Next time don't volunteer to drive and see who does, and how it goes ? Then you could enjoy a taxi service and alcohol. Seems v unfair to be treated like that.

Alternatively say in passing how expensive fuel is now, and that you're thinking of charging them all a fiver each! Maybe that'll get them thinking ...
ecarg
15th Sep 2023 10:42:36
2
Thanks for voting!
Hi Carole
I think if your providing the transport it would be a courtesy of your fellow diners to contribute to your meal not you ending up paying towards their drinks when it was thanks to you that they could have a drink,or maybe all share a taxi next time.
Woody75
30th Mar 2023 13:42:28
0
Thanks for voting!
I used to take three friends (sadly only one is still alive) on day trips every week and never paid for my lunch. Petrol was cheaper in those days and although I haven't worked it out it was reasonable. Some journeys were short but some were in excess of 100 miles. I confess I miss those days and my friends. The remaining friend is housebound and knows better than to offer me money for the diesel when I visit her every week.
tom230
28th Mar 2023 01:01:43 (Last activity: 29th Mar 2023 23:48:00)
2
Thanks for voting!
They should have treated you for driving, get better friends lol
Response from Sally - Silversurfer's Editor made on 28th Mar 2023 07:56:31
Hi tom230,

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Response from CaroleAH Original Poster made on 29th Mar 2023 23:48:00
Thanks for your comment,Tom! I tend to agree with you 🙂
chuckkk
28th Feb 2023 15:02:38
1
Thanks for voting!
that's silly, they should expect to pay for themselves!! this is America!!!
lionesspink
1st Feb 2023 01:37:15 (Last activity: 1st Feb 2023 07:57:35)
1
Thanks for voting!
In my opinion, the alcohol drinkers should have insisted on paying their fair share. You should not have been left feeling churlish.
Response from Sally - Silversurfer's Editor made on 1st Feb 2023 07:57:35
Hi lionesspink,

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Dubbu63
31st Jan 2023 19:57:40 (Last activity: 31st Jan 2023 23:37:15)
1
Thanks for voting!
Must be related to some of my mates! Folk will always take advantage if you let them, I decided to drop out of that group cos I didn't want to cause any friction. I find voting with your feet a useful tool from time to time.
Response from Sally - Silversurfer's Editor made on 31st Jan 2023 23:37:15
Hi Dubbu63,

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PaulP9
30th Jan 2023 08:16:44 (Last activity: 30th Jan 2023 08:41:19)
0
Thanks for voting!
I would just have split the bill in 4 even though I would have been the driver... But to make things fair really the drinkers should pay for their drinks.
Response from Sally - Silversurfer's Editor made on 30th Jan 2023 08:41:19
Hi PaulP9,

Welcome and many thanks for your first comment in our Forum.

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Carol Ford
21st Jan 2023 01:21:41 (Last activity: 21st Jan 2023 09:14:46)
1
Thanks for voting!
I know this was quite a while ago but they should be able to make their own way to the venue, taxi, bus or their own vehicle. Over here the designated driver who drops them home gets free soft drinks & the other parties pay a reasonable amount for their meal But I live in Australia. They are taking advantage of your kindness.
Response from Sally - Silversurfer's Editor made on 21st Jan 2023 09:14:46
Hi Carol Ford,

Welcome and many thanks for your first comment in our Forum.

If you already know your way around, then we will leave you to it.

If you are looking for some lively discussions, head on over to the Forum homepage to see what's trending right now and feel free to join in the discussions, with all our friendly members, perhaps ask a question or even start your own post.

DiWil
25th Oct 2021 09:21:29 (Last activity: 25th Oct 2021 10:39:03)
2
Thanks for voting!
No can understand that feeling... over the fuel particularly, sometimes it is amazing how others do not think of all expenses.
Years later we still talk about the time we had good friends stay with us in our holiday home in Spain.
We had quite a long holiday and they were joining us just the last week of ours and then we would all fly back together.
We hired the car and they never thought about a contribution for the expenses including the fuel which was really thoughtless, but we said nothing. Food wise all was done fairly though.
Trouble is not only is it embarrassing to say to much but it does leave you slightly as you feel now.
How much do they mean to you, these evenings out.....that is how I would make a decision on that basis and if you decide I want to enjoy my friends company again ... try and bring all to the conversation tactfully over time to solve this... so once again you can then enjoy your social events..
Response from Sally - Silversurfer's Editor made on 25th Oct 2021 09:39:36
Hi DiWil,

Welcome and many thanks for your first comment in our Forum.

If you already know your way around, then we will leave you to it.

If you are looking for some lively discussions, head on over to the Forum homepage to see what's trending right now and feel free to join in the discussions, with all our friendly members, perhaps ask a question or even start your own post.

Response from DiWil made on 25th Oct 2021 10:39:03 > @Sally - Silversurfer's Editor
Thanks last time I came to join I just got lost..Finding it a little easier now..
Cheers for the response.

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