AITA for refusing to split the dinner bill after my friends ordered way more than I did?
I (22M) went out to dinner with five friends to celebrate one of their birthdays. Before we ordered, I mentioned that I was trying to save money, so I was only getting a burger and water.
Everyone else ordered appetizers for the table, multiple cocktails, steaks, desserts, and extra sides. My total came out to about $13 before tax and tip.
When the check arrived, one friend immediately said, "Let's just split it evenly." That would've made my share almost $65.
I said I was happy to pay for my own meal plus part of the birthday person's dinner, but I didn't think it was fair for me to help pay for everyone else's expensive food and drinks when I'd specifically said I was on a budget.
The table got awkward. A couple of people agreed with me, but two friends said I was making things difficult and that "it's just what people do." One even said I shouldn't have come if I couldn't afford to split the bill.
In the end, everyone paid for what they ordered, but those two friends have been making comments about me being "cheap" ever since.
AITA for refusing to split the bill evenly?
<still friends but they keep bringing it up>
Posted Jul 25, 2026, 11:31 PM UTC · locked