Why I’ll Never Split the Bill Evenly at a Restaurant (And Why You Shouldn’t Either)
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Why I’ll (Almost) Never Split the Bill Evenly at a Restaurant
I’ve been seeing this trend pop up online lately where people are advocating for splitting the restaurant bill evenly among friends, no matter what each person orders. And honestly? You’re not going to convince me. Not ever.
Now, before you judge, let me clarify: I’m not some money-obsessed, “every penny counts” person who refuses to treat friends. I’ve done it once – and only once – at a tapas restaurant where sharing tiny plates made sense and the cost was roughly the same for everyone. Other than that, splitting the bill evenly just feels…off.
Here’s the thing: when you’re at a regular restaurant (burgers, pasta, sushi) everyone’s orders are different. You don’t always order a $5 appetizer or the $50 steak. Why should you pay the same as the person who did? For me, it’s not about being cheap; it’s about fairness and financial awareness. Paying for exactly what you ordered is smart. It’s being intentional with your money. And in my experience, it’s never caused friction. Not at casual spots, not at nicer places – never.
I think this “everyone splits evenly” idea might be a new-age social norm because growing up in my 20s and 30s, it wasn’t even a conversation.
Funny enough, I saw a post recently where someone said, “People with money are the cheapest,” and a lot of people in the comments agreed. Personally, though, I don’t think it’s about stinginess. It’s more about understanding value.
They know the difference between wants and needs. They notice when they’re overpaying or when something simply isn’t worth it.
And according to the commenters, these are often the ones who don’t want to split the bill evenly, who question whether an outing is really worth the cost, or who sometimes turn down invitations altogether. But I find that observation interesting. Because if you’re noticing this trend among your most financially stable friends, maybe there’s a reason why. Maybe the reason they’re financially stable is because they think twice before spending. (Related: Download your mindful spending Money Mindset Bullet Journal — it’s your personal spending coach).
When you know what you’re willing to spend, what matters to you, and what doesn’t, you’re making choices that benefit you long-term. That’s the exact opposite of mindless spending. And it’s why I can confidently sit at a table and pay exactly what I ordered, without guilt or apology, while still enjoying myself.
So, here’s my take: if splitting the bill evenly works for your friend group, go for it. But if it feels off to you, don’t force it. Speak up. Pay your fair share. Protect your money without being embarrassed about it. Financial smarts aren’t about being cheap – they’re about being intentional.
Now I’m curious, what do you think? Are you a “split it evenly” person, or do you quietly calculate your exact share like me?