My husband and I were invited to my colleague’s birthday at a fancy place. I got home, and she texted me, “Thanks for coming. Your part of the bill is $190 + tip.” I was livid because I had brought her a nice gift. I ignored her text. Then, a few hours later, I decided to write to her, “I think I have already paid you with the nice gift I brought ;).”
But the real shock came the next day. I went to work, and as I walked in, people stared. Another colleague rushed up to me and said, “Can you believe it? One of the girls refused to pay her part of the dinner yesterday! What a cheapskate!” I kept quiet and didn’t reveal it was me. Then, I was shocked when I found sitting on my desk, the gift that I had brought her. She had returned it! I still believe what she did was against etiquette. You can’t expect people to bring a gift and pay for an expensive dinner when you’re the one inviting them. Am I wrong? Stella
I Brought a Gift, I Refuse to Pay for Dinner Too. To avoid complications, disagreements is to get the arrangements forvdinnner costs up front when the invite verbal or nonverbal when go out. I.e., dinner is Dutch and everyone is responsible for their meals, drinks, etc. Traditionally, and ediquete wise, when you invite people out for dinner the invitee shoukd pick up the bill. Now, in modern times, most people are expected to pay their own tab. Best way is to call ahead and ask restaurant if they can do separate bills. I have done this a number of times. Another way is to split the bill a,young all; however, there are some crude people if knowing this will order more expensive items.