When the bill comes at the end of an enjoyable meal with friends, splitting it between diners is usually the fuss-free way to settle things.
But one woman was left aggrieved after paying more than what she owed for a meal when friends suggested they divide the cost.
The disgruntled diner took to Mumsnet to complain, explaining that she and her husband had food to the value of £31.57, but had ended up paying £41.75 when the bill was split equally with another couple.
She said she was ‘completely shocked’ that the woman had suggested splitting the bill four ways, but felt too intimidated to say anything.
However, her complaint did not go down well with the majority of Mumsnet users who branded her ‘prissy’ and ‘joyless’ for quibbling over just £10.
A woman took to Mumsnet to complain that she’d had to spend £10 more than she owed when splitting a restaurant bill with friends (stock image)
The disgruntled diner was annoyed the other couple had used vouchers and spent nothing, while she and her husband put in £10 more than the value of their food
One pointed out that while it would be reasonable to take issue if the other couple had ordered lobster, steak and expensive wine while they ate pizza, there should be no reason to quibble over £10.
Another said that it’s impossible to go out and socialise with people if you’re going to be so precious about every single penny, and another said they’ve never even met anyone who only wants to pay their exact amount.
However, some people agreed with the woman who felt hard done by, saying that you need to watch out for those who take advantage by ordering expensive food and then asking to split the bill
Another agreed that she refuses to subsidise other people’s alcohol choices when she goes out as she doesn’t drink herself, but said the woman should have made it clear from the outset that she only wanted to pay for what she’d eaten.
The woman was branded ‘joyless’ for quibbling over an amount as small as £10
One commenter claimed they have never even met anyone who only wants to pay their exact share of the bill
A commenter couldn’t believe that anyone would get worked up over such a small amount
A woman cautioned that it’s impossible to socialise with others if this kind of thing gets on your nerves
Being controlling about who pays what ruins the atmosphere of a social occasion, according to this poster
One woman suggested the only solution is to eat at restaurants like McDonald’s
A supportive commenter said that it wasn’t unreasonable to be annoyed at the other couple
This poster agreed that it was unfair but said the woman should have spoken up before the bill even arrived
One Mumsnet user pointed out that £10 can be a lot if you’re in difficult circumstances
These commenters agreed that it’s only fair that people pay for what they’ve eaten, and no more than that
A commenter said that it’s never acceptable for people to pay for more than they’ve eaten, even if it is only £10
This woman said she would not expect everyone else to pay for her choices and doesn’t believe in splitting the bill
Severeal people pointed out that it’s always those who have ordered the most that want to split the bill