"Should we just split it equally?" These words, after sharing a meal at a restaurant with friends, can bring the mood down quicker than an anti-vaxxer's conspiracy theories.
Dividing the bill equally after a group meal despite how much you spent is becoming a common trend.
But for someone who ordered the cheapest items on the menu to avoid getting stuck with a bill they cannot afford, an even split can be an unsettling experience. Considering the state of the economy, joblessness, and rising food prices, money is a bit tight.
For those who are cash strapped, the thought of splitting the bill evenly is distressing, leaving one wishing they'd stayed at home and enjoyed a home-cooked meal instead.
A woman who spent approximately R400 on food and drinks at a birthday celebration with five friends simply refused to pay for more than she ate.
The UK woman's friends wanted to divide the bill equally but she was not having it.
Seems the friends were not impressed by her refusal to split the bill proportionally even though this is done commonly on group outings.
Because it's awkward to bring up money, especially when it's time to pay, it's wise to state how much you have or are willing to pay for a meal upfront even though speaking about finances is not easy.
Drum spoke to a couple of people who have had dining experiences that were so unpleasant, they decided to give up going out in groups altogether.
"I was out for dinner with my friends, whom I have not seen in a while, so when they suggested we meet I could not say no. But I wish I did. Even though I have budgeted R200, for a drink, meal and tip I ended pay R400 as a decision was made to split the bill proportionally and I was too shy to say no," says Phelokazi Magini, a PR intern.
"When I think about my group date experiences I am glad lockdown came and restaurants shut their doors. I had become accustomed to splitting the bill equally because I was afraid to speak out and let my friends know about my finances, so I became a victim of splitting the bill and spending more than I budgeted. Eventually, I stopped going out altogether, and thanks to Covid-19, I don't have to explain myself," says Alexis Stewart, a lawyer.
More people have taken to social media to share how they feel about it. Whatever the reason maybe be behind splitting the bill, it is never fair, unless all parties agreed upfront.
Here are some tips for how to deal with the controversial splitting-the-bill-evenly scenario.
1. Speak up
Talk to your friends early about the bill and let them know how much you have budgeted for a night out, Chicago tribune suggests. Finances can be a bit tight and if they are family or friends they will understand.
2. Deal with the drinkers
Alcohol usually bumps up the bill and if you don't drink, it is unfair to split a bill evenly. Encouraging those who consume alcohol to get a separate bill is a reasonable thing to do.
3. Use the tip app
A tip app allows you to pay for your meal separately and tip equally by doing all the calculations for you and ensuring all is fair.
4. Get a separate cheque
Speaking directly to the waiter and asking for a separate bill will save you from an awkward conversation, suggests Food & Wine. If you are comfortable having this conversation with the group beforehand, you can suggest everyone have a separate bill too.
5. Stay at home
This might be on the extreme side of things but if dealing with this type of scenario is daunting, then staying at home and enjoying a home-cooked meal will save you bucks and peace of mind.
