Advice on splitting checks in restaurants..............

[hardonyou]

Wow, I went back and read the posts more carefully and see where you describe the affluence of your friends. Why is it that the people with the most money are generally the cheapest as well? I am sure if you put your minds to it you can find a fair way to share or split that doesn't involve asking the person who is working hard for their tips. Really.

[designbyroe]

The only time I have ever had this issue is traveling with one of my sisters.
We used to do these sister trips (all 4 girls) and one of the last trips, my sisters gets a 120.00 bottle of wine which I had none......
So when the bill comes she wanted it 4 ways and my other sister told her no way............
I have not been a server, but I would think seperate checks are a pain...
I like Rick's idea and that is what I used when I went to Charleston with my sis......
I paid our hotel for the 3 nights and she bought ALL the food........it came out even since lord knows I love the food in the lowcountry.........lol

[Jerseyboy]

Why is it that the people with the most money are generally the cheapest as well?

In-laws are always the cheapest.

[cypressgirl]

How does this sound: We take turns with our credit card. Example: It's her turn. The bill is 100. and her part is 15. and my part is 30., I hand her 15. in cash and call it even. The other two do the same.

If it's my turn to buy and my part is the most, they have still only paid for their part.

Does that make sense?

[mia]

Jerseyboy.....I'm quite sure that my d-i-l would disagree with your generality. The biggest problem we have is when the check comes and our son tries to grab it before his dad gets it. ....mia

[waterguy]

Hi Cyp.
I think you are over thinking this. We just take turns on the evening meals the rest you are on your own if you want to buy around my friends will buy back. It all works out in the end. If they are so cheap that they would try to screw you over I wouldn't be going with them. Sorry for the rant
Tom

[mia]

waterguy,
I'm with you! In my book, the phrase "cheap friends" is an oxymoron. ....mia

[Pia]

How about splitting the bill equally onto the 4 credit cards at the restaurant, get an itemized receipt and when back at the villa or over breakfast the next day (as long as you can remember what you had the night before ) divide it up and see who owes what, you can then either take care of it then or pay in a lump sum when you get home thus saving your cash

Pia

[Pia]

So, now you have me thinking (not a common occurance ) - here is an example of what I mean.

The Bill is $100.00
All put in $25.00
Girl #1 ate $15.00 so is owed $10.00 from the pile of money
Girl #2 ate $40.00 so owes $15.00 to the pile of money
Girl #3 ate $27.00 so owes $2.00 to the pile of money
Girl #4 ate $18.00 so is owed $7.00 from the pile of money

And wolla - "Bob's your uncle" as we say in England

Pia

[sea-nile]

It is easier to split it 4 ways, or whatever. If I'm on STJ that would be the least of my worries.
I don't mind if I pay more sometimes, but I feel bad for the person who may feel that they are cheated.

[cypressgirl]

Hi back Water, and I may be overthinking this whole thing, but I don't think so. When I asked the gang who wanted to go to STJ with me, I never dreamed she would be one of the ones to go. The ladies I expected to go had other issues (like surgery) and other things that prevented them from joining me.

So Pia, I think your senario will be what plays out. It might be a headache I don't want to deal with, but as long as someone else is good with math in their head while tipsy, I'm ok with that.

I wasn't trying to stir up such a can of worms. I just figured some of you out there may have had similar situations. When we travel as couples it's never a problem. I think it's a testosterone thing for guys to whip out there wallet and offer to buy. But SOME women don't seem to have that problem.

I know our 6 on the beach trip will not have that problem. We just don't want to have to cook. That's where you come in, Tom. Just kidding! You don't have to cook EVERY night.

[Pia]

But the nights he's not cooking for you he can come cook for hubby and me

Pia

[Mark]

Well by all of the responses it seems that we have all be there before. And we seem to be close to handeling this situation in the same way.I believe that our different personalities determine the closeness of our relationships. It seems that after this trip that you will have to weight were your friendships are and weather some of these friends will accompany you to St. John again. Possibily they will become All Inclusive Vacation Friends. No bills equals no problems. Hope all works out fine and that all this was for not. Good luck!!

[waterguy]

I think I'll have to start a catering service I love to cook so Pia it would be my pleasure.
Tom

[Betty]

Deb

From SOTB response's we will not have any issues with splitting checks I love you SOTB and Tom

I am treating anyone that wants to join me for dessert and after dinner drinks at Ocean Grille, I am still dreaming of that Banana Cake and I have to go at least once during our week! The invitation includes Ruth and Pia!

I am back from "Golf HS States" and we are now getting ready for graduation! Daughter came in 6th place out of 136 boys and 8 girls and made the Allstate Team. I will be busy for the next week but will try and get my VIOL fix at least once a day!