If everyone at the table knows you make the most money, does that automatically mean you are paying for dinner?
Apparently, this is becoming an issue for more families and friend groups as the price of eating out continues to rise.
Restaurant menu prices have continued climbing, making it more expensive to regularly treat an entire table to dinner.
Etiquette experts say there is nothing wrong with being generous and picking up the check from time to time. The problem starts when other people begin expecting you to pay simply because you earn more money.
Making a higher salary does not make someone the family ATM.
Experts recommend setting expectations before everyone gets to the restaurant rather than waiting for the check to arrive and creating an awkward moment.
That could mean simply saying, “I’d love to get dinner, but everybody is covering their own meal tonight.”
You can also request separate checks when ordering so there is no confusion at the end of the meal.
And if you decide to treat, it should be because you genuinely want to, not because everybody at the table assumed you would.
Money can already make relationships uncomfortable, so clear communication may save everyone from an argument over the check.