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When we meet another family at a family style BBQ restaurant for supper with our kids and they have more kids than we do and we don’t drink, how can we not split the bill fifty-fifty?

–C.M., Atlanta, GA

Sharing the restaurant bill isn’t always easy. Especially in your situation where your share of the bill is less because you’re ordering less food and you won’t be drinking alcohol.

Once you implement one of the below solutions to the problem, you will be less self-conscious about being assertive. Your friends will resect your boundaries and expect you to only pay for what your family consumed.

By taking the lead and reaching for the bill first, estimate your family’s share of the expense before proactively handing over your card to the waiter. Ask him to debit your card that amount. However, don’t forget to include his 20% tip when before signing your credit/debit card receipt.

Alternatively, approximate what your family will spend and be ready with cash to rush to pay your share. Be sure to explain that you’ve included tax and gratuity.

A  third solution is while you’re ordering your food. Letting your waiter know from the start exactly who you’ll be paying for will undoubtedly result in a fairer chit when it comes to pulling out your credit or debit card.

~Didi