Don't do it Naomi. Why should should finance their indulgences? If they're uncomfortable, too bad. I don't drink alcohol and I'm often in this situation and we just get separate tabs unless it's a business thing and I'm hosting the event.
I was in this position recently! The protocol is to have everyone pay for themselves and spit alcohol with those who drank it, charging less to those who did not.
Here's my situation, and lest I seem too miserly, let me break it down so you can see the math and feel the vibe: I was invited to join two couples for dinner, yay! I had one glass of wine, while the table enjoyed two bottles. The four folks shared a few meat appetizers and had their entrees, plus dessert. I, on the other hand, had neither an appetizer nor a dessert.
One couple opted to pay for the two bottles of wine, and then it was thought that the other couple and I would split the remainder of the bill. I was so surprised by the suggestion that I was speechless for a moment, lol. Now, mind you, there have been times in the past where I have paid for the whole bill myself (single income), but that would be typically when the dinner invite comes from me to them, in the same way one would be the host to a meal at one's home. At any rate, during my surprised silence, my friends promptly decided I would pay only for my entree and contribute to the tip. Still, I will never feel quite the same way about going to dinner with them in the future - actually, I will get over it and just be sure to ask before I go what the deal is with the bill. Big hugs!
I think the key is talk openly about the bill expectation beforehand, because not everyone has same generosity or awareness! thank you for sharing your experience!!
Not gonna! Thank you, Chris!
Don't do it Naomi. Why should should finance their indulgences? If they're uncomfortable, too bad. I don't drink alcohol and I'm often in this situation and we just get separate tabs unless it's a business thing and I'm hosting the event.
I was in this position recently! The protocol is to have everyone pay for themselves and spit alcohol with those who drank it, charging less to those who did not.
Here's my situation, and lest I seem too miserly, let me break it down so you can see the math and feel the vibe: I was invited to join two couples for dinner, yay! I had one glass of wine, while the table enjoyed two bottles. The four folks shared a few meat appetizers and had their entrees, plus dessert. I, on the other hand, had neither an appetizer nor a dessert.
One couple opted to pay for the two bottles of wine, and then it was thought that the other couple and I would split the remainder of the bill. I was so surprised by the suggestion that I was speechless for a moment, lol. Now, mind you, there have been times in the past where I have paid for the whole bill myself (single income), but that would be typically when the dinner invite comes from me to them, in the same way one would be the host to a meal at one's home. At any rate, during my surprised silence, my friends promptly decided I would pay only for my entree and contribute to the tip. Still, I will never feel quite the same way about going to dinner with them in the future - actually, I will get over it and just be sure to ask before I go what the deal is with the bill. Big hugs!
I think the key is talk openly about the bill expectation beforehand, because not everyone has same generosity or awareness! thank you for sharing your experience!!