SPLITTING ETIQUETTE 🤝

Splitting the bill is one of those things that sounds simple until you're actually doing it. Someone ordered two cocktails, someone else had water. One person got the steak, another got a salad. And then there's tax and tip. Here are 10 rules that keep the vibes intact and the friendships stronger than the espresso martinis.

1. Agree on the Split BEFORE Ordering

The biggest source of bill-splitting drama? Assuming everyone's cool with splitting equally when one person ordered the cheapest thing on the menu. A quick "are we splitting equally or paying for what we ordered?" before the food arrives saves everyone the awkwardness later.

2. The Person Who Suggests the Restaurant Shouldn't Be Forced to Pay

Just because someone picked the spot doesn't mean they owe everyone dinner. Suggesting a place is a favor, not a financial commitment.

3. If You Ordered Significantly More, Offer to Pay More

You got the lobster and two rounds of drinks. Your friend got pasta and water. Don't wait for someone to bring it up — just say "I'll cover a bigger share, I went hard tonight." It's a power move that earns respect.

4. Don't Nickel-and-Dime Shared Appetizers

If the table ordered nachos and everyone had some, just split it equally among whoever ate. Tracking exactly how many chips each person consumed is not the vibe.

5. The Birthday Person Doesn't Pay

This should be universal law. If you're celebrating someone's birthday, their share gets split among everyone else. Don't make them Venmo request themselves on their special day.

6. Tax and Tip Are Part of the Bill

When calculating your share, include tax and tip proportionally. The person who "only owes $15" but doesn't account for the 20% tip is everyone's least favorite dining companion.

7. Venmo/Pay Immediately, Don't "Get You Next Time"

"I'll get you next time" is the financial equivalent of "let's hang out soon" — it rarely happens. Pay your share right there at the table. It takes 30 seconds and prevents the slow drift into permanent debt.

8. The Host Bro Gets First Dibs on Splitting Method

Whoever organized the dinner gets to decide how the bill is split. If they say equal split, it's equal. If they pull out a bill splitter app, everyone cooperates. Don't fight the system.

9. Don't Ghost After Dinner

The classic move: someone says "I'll pay later" and then becomes unreachable. If you're in a group and the bill is being settled, stay until your share is handled. Disappearing is a one-way ticket to never being invited again.

10. When in Doubt, Be Generous

Round up, not down. Cover the extra dollar. Throw in a bit more for tip. Being the person who's always a little generous with the bill is the cheapest way to be remembered as a legend.