Who pays the bill?

colinoscapee wrote:

I love watch the locals fight over the bill at restaurants, quite humourous to watch.

I guess I've never paid attention.  Fighting to pay, fighting to avoid paying or fighting to try to somehow split the bill?

SteinNebraska wrote:

colinoscapee wrote:

I love watch the locals fight over the bill at restaurants, quite humourous to watch.

I guess I've never paid attention.  Fighting to pay, fighting to avoid paying or fighting to try to somehow split the bill?

Its all about bravado, in front of others.

SteinNebraska wrote:

If I go out with extended family, foreigner pays.

We're very fortunate that after hundreds of outings, we're still exempted from paying when we go out with the family.  They pay every time including our anniversary.  The only exceptions are our birthday parties -- although last year, they treated us to pre- and post party meals/drinks.

During my siblings' 3-week visit from the States last year, everyone (hosts and visitors) took turn to pay.  Still, my husband and I were exempted.  The reason?  "Aunt and Uncle are old and don't have that kind of money."  I suspect it's more than likely because of my ranking (I'm the family matriarch) and not because of my age.

Ciambella wrote:

SteinNebraska wrote:

If I go out with extended family, foreigner pays.

We're very fortunate that after hundreds of outings, we're still exempted from paying when we go out with the family.  They pay every time including our anniversary.  The only exceptions are our birthday parties -- although last year, they treated us to pre- and post party meals/drinks.

During my siblings' 3-week visit from the States last year, everyone (hosts and visitors) took turn to pay.  Still, my husband and I were exempted.  The reason?  "Aunt and Uncle are old and don't have that kind of money."  I suspect it's more than likely because of my ranking (I'm the family matriarch) and not because of my age.

It doesn't count as "going out", but don't forget the great pizza party you hosted with your "stimulus" check... 😉

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

It doesn't count as "going out", but don't forget the great pizza party you hosted with your "stimulus" check... 😉

We went out to eat with the family all the times.  My nephew has always paid.

The only good thing Covid brought to us was that pizza party.

Ciambella wrote:

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

It doesn't count as "going out", but don't forget the great pizza party you hosted with your "stimulus" check... 😉

We went out to eat with the family all the times.  My nephew has always paid.

The only good thing Covid brought to us was that pizza party.

I like to pay for our meal because I am Older Brother 😉

Take care of Younger Sister...

goodolboy wrote:

Finny, I always feel the need to visit the toilet just as the bill comes.

I have mates like that in Australia, happens when it's their shout for a round of drinks.

colinoscapee wrote:

goodolboy wrote:

Finny, I always feel the need to visit the toilet just as the bill comes.

I have mates like that in Australia, happens when it's their shout for a round of drinks.

Yea, I can relate to that too, strange that really, never quite figure it out why my bladder reacts like that.

goodolboy wrote:

colinoscapee wrote:

goodolboy wrote:

Finny, I always feel the need to visit the toilet just as the bill comes.

I have mates like that in Australia, happens when it's their shout for a round of drinks.

Yea, I can relate to that too, strange that really, never quite figure it out why my bladder reacts like that.

The whole just going to the loo skill is an art learnt over the years. Bit like the one where you're entering a bar and someone rushes to open the door first, hold it open and so be the last one in... thereby avoiding gertings the drinks in

goodolboy wrote:

colinoscapee wrote:

goodolboy wrote:

Finny, I always feel the need to visit the toilet just as the bill comes.

I have mates like that in Australia, happens when it's their shout for a round of drinks.

Yea, I can relate to that too, strange that really, never quite figure it out why my bladder reacts like that.

Sometimes do you look at your iPhone and finding something serious messages when the bill comes??

Libhero wrote:

@jalgarbutt I agree with your assessment that when you invite people to lunch, dinner, or to drinks, expect to pay the bills. This unwritten rule is very strong and expected often in most honor-shame cultures, including Vietnam.