I’m Cecelia, and I’ve got a story that’s been a long time coming. At 27, I’m thriving as an accounts manager in the city, but this story isn’t about my career; it’s about my friends, particularly Samantha and Arnold, who have been freeloading during group dinners.
Our group of eight has been tight since college, but Samantha and Arnold have a habit of ordering the most expensive items and then either forgetting their wallets or claiming they can only chip in a few bucks, leaving the rest of us to cover their meals. I was fed up and decided I wouldn’t join any more dinners with them.
Last weekend, Jason invited me to a group dinner. I was reluctant because Samantha and Arnold would be there, but an idea struck me. I agreed to go with a plan in mind.
Friends talking in a restaurant | Source: Midjourney
On Friday, I arrived at the restaurant and joined the group. Samantha and Arnold ordered pricey meals, while I just asked for a $3 iced tea. When the check came, Arnold suggested splitting it six ways. I stood up and told the waiter we’d split it three ways: Jason, Samantha, and Arnold would cover their meals, while the rest of us had only drinks, which we had already paid for at the bar.
Everyone was stunned. Arnold tried to argue, but I said, “It wouldn’t be fair for us to pay for meals we didn’t eat, would it?” In the end, Jason ended up with a $115 bill for his $35 meal. I left, feeling lighter than I had in months.
The next morning, Samantha and Arnold were furious, calling me mean and blaming me for their high bill. Jason, on the other hand, messaged with a mix of frustration and begrudging respect, suggesting we need a group talk about dinner etiquette.
I felt a bit guilty about Jason’s bill but knew it was necessary. I won’t be joining any more group dinners with Samantha and Arnold unless separate checks are agreed upon in advance.
Do you think I did the right thing?
