Dear Annie: I have been close friends with “Marianna” since high school, and we still see each other regularly. We always split the bill when we go out to eat. I don’t mind.
But often I see at work (I work at a restaurant) that people will fight over the bill and offer to cover for whoever they’re dining with. Marianna never does this.
Even on my birthday two months ago, she didn’t offer to pay for the bill. I felt like I shouldn’t have had to pay for my own birthday brunch.
We went to a museum on my birthday, too, and she expected me to pay her back for the ticket. Am I being selfish and entitled? It really irks me. I don’t know what to say or do. — Upset and Over It
Dear Upset Over It: Maybe Marianna thinks you have an agreement that you’re both comfortable with. Fifty-fifty is fair, after all, although her treating on your birthday would be generous and appreciated.
If you want to start a new pattern with her, why don’t you offer to treat one of these days? She’ll likely pick up the bill the next time; and if she doesn’t, then you can fall back on the fifty-fifty arrangement.
Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.
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