AITA For Not Ordering Food To Avoid Paying My Friends Split Bill - Best Reddit Stories

AITA For Not Ordering Food To Avoid Paying My Friends Split Bill - Best Reddit Stories
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AITA For Not Ordering Food To Avoid Paying Split Bill
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I had been good friends with Jake and his girlfriend, Sarah, and we often went out to eat together. Originally, each of us paid for our own food, which worked well. But things changed when, for Sarah’s birthday, we split the bill evenly. I thought it was a one-time thing, but from then on, Jake started pushing to split every bill equally, even though he and Sarah ordered much more than I did. It felt unfair, but I didn’t want to cause tension, so I reluctantly agreed a few times.

One evening, they invited me out again, and I suspected they’d expect to split the bill. To avoid the awkwardness, I ate before meeting them and didn’t order anything. Jake and Sarah ordered their usual spread, and when the bill came, I didn’t chip in since I hadn’t eaten. This surprised and frustrated them. Later, Jake messaged me, saying it was wrong of me to eat beforehand, calling it “mean” and accusing me of ruining their night because they’d counted on me covering part of their bill.

I explained that I didn’t think it was fair to pay for food I didn’t order and that I preferred our original way of paying separately. Jake was upset, claiming friends should split things to keep it simple, and he couldn’t understand why I was pushing back. The whole experience made me realize that Jake and I had very different expectations about friendship and fairness.
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#redditfamily #reddit #familyrelationships #redditstories

[snidecommenter]

Jake sounded like he didn't understand? Oh he f*cking well understood. And he didn't want the game to end.

[mogulmade]

They were surprised because you are the community doormat. Who asks you to pay if you didn't eat? These people have NO respect for you.

[BladeStar-uqxe]

The heck with the friend! He's using you! I wouldn't go out with them period!

[tomhaskett]

1st. Story: OP is the third wheel in an awkward relationship. They are trying to push OP out. He should simply find excuses why he can't go out with them and let the friendship wither and die.

[lyricaldove]

OP you did the right thing. It was never about making paying the bill easier. Jake admitted it was about making you pay for part of what he and his girlfriend ate and drank. Would they still want to split the bill if you ordered significantly more? Also, when you didn’t order anything, shouldn’t Jake and his girlfriend have split the bill between the two of them? I’m glad that you stood up for yourself.

[computernerdtechman]

I would tell Jake that I am insulted that you see me only as an ATM to subsidize your meals and that true friends would not take advantage of their friends like that.

[rinistephenson]

When a relationship is based on money, it's called pr*stitution. You're being used. I'm sorry your former friend doesn't treasure your friendship any more. Believe him. :(

[DonnaStevens-uovp]

They are all wrong! Just ask for separate checks.

[ninaross]

NO TENSION ! THEY WERE. WORRIED ! KNOWING THAT THEY WERE GOING TO HAVE TO PAY 💰 FOR THEIR OWN. MEALS

[tonyhemingway]

The best way to have handled the situation would have been for you to ask the waitress for a separate check for your food. If your friend made a fuss about that then you just refuse to eat with them again.

[lynettemacdonald]

I would have went to the restaurant and ordered everything expensive, ran up the bill and got them to pay 3rds.Do this a few time and see how they like it.

[slyballlastname]

with friends like Jake and Sarah you don't need

[marvenagoss]

Just ask for a separate bill from the start and you don’t have figure anything out.

[lindalanteigne]

They use you to eat out at fancy places. They couldn’t afford it on their own. Time to part ways.

[tantelila]

And telling the waiter "separate checks, please" before ordering something was not an option?

[empresskimberly]

Now I know why one of my friends always says separate checks please when he first orders when we go out with a group. Smart guy.

[wernercd]

Simple statement at the START of the meal to the waiter: "We'll be having split checks btw"

Problem solved.

Only people I'd not split checks with is family and even then...

[GlendaJustice]

Always ask the waiter for a separate check. It's that simple.

[marcinnawrocki]

THis whole "Splitting bill is too complicated" dram, is proof of how poor math education is nowadays. Adding 3-4 numbers is so hard.

[Objective-Observer]

Just once, I would like to see the Victim grab their plates and say: If I'm paying for your expensive tastes, I'm going to eat my portion of this.