Dear Eric: A couple who has been dining out with friends for the past 10 years, always splitting the bill evenly, recently embraced sobriety and no longer consume expensive drinks. Despite this, they continue to split the check and feel it is unfair. They are unsure how to approach the topic with their friends without coming across as cheap but want to be fair. They are wondering if it is weird, rude, or impolite to request that each person pays for their own meals and drinks moving forward.
The advice given is that after years of sharing bills, splitting the check is more about mutual goodwill than money. Changing this may raise other possible inequities and invite disputes. The writer suggests considering if previous different menu choices were unfair and emphasizes that framing the conversation around fairness may lead to conflict.
The couple is advised to communicate their preferences to their friends, explaining that they still enjoy dining together but would prefer not to pay for alcohol. The writer suggests keeping the conversation simple and focusing on the change in their lives rather than fairness.
For more advice, readers are encouraged to send questions to the writer and follow him on social media platforms.
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