Is it tacky?

Question

To ask for separate checks when it's not previously agreed upon? We are going out with my in-laws, and as cheap as it sounds, there are four of them and only two of us. We are not the wealthiest people on the planet. Would it be tacky of us to ask for a separate check or should we just let them pay?

Answer 1

Always ask for separate checks unless they make it clear they are treating; otherwise, assume they are not.

Answer 2

just discuss it with them when you are seated and tell them you prefer to pay for your meal seperately.

Answer 3

if each of u tod ur parents before hand that u dont have a lot of money, the night of the dinner u all couldve thought of something. like everyone pay separately. i dont think thats tacky. it might be tacky if  u just made one person pay.....

Answer 4

Unless there was a prior arrangement, the onus is on the person(s) who offered the invitation to dine out to pay.

Answer 5

Just let them pay. Do you think they are unaware of your financial state? What they want is to have a nice dinner with family and their income is probably larger than yours. If you see something like a dessert you can chose to have that on a separate check. If they insist on paying why deny them the joy?

Answer 6

either let them pay since they are your parents or divide the check + tip by 6 and you pay for 2 people

Answer 7

You could try offering to pay and hoping they'll say 'no no, we'll get it' ...forget to bring your cards in case it goes wrong though ;-)

Answer 8

If they volunteer to pay accept it......next time you can pick up the check.  When the check comes if they reach for it and say "we'll pay."  Let them.

Answer 9

It's probably best to quickly discuss it prior to sitting down.  You can be polite about it.  If they insist upon paying, let them but you should offer to return the favor at some point

Answer 10

I whole-heartedly agree on asking for separate checks.  My husband and I have been burned plenty of times when we order salads and the people we go out with order steak and then we end up paying for half their steak!  Now THAT'S tacky!

Answer 11

Just tell the server that you & your husband will be on a separate check.  Don't make a big deal out of it & they will more than likely be ok.  If they do say something just say that their company is why you wanted to go, and then switch the subject.

Answer 12

ask for your own!

Answer 13

If you know the restaurant where you are going call ahead and tell them or pull the waitress aside at one point & tell her.  When the check arrives if they want to pay they will just take it.  On the other hand it depends who invited who.  If "you" were invited they should pay & vice versa.....

Answer 14

Yes it would be tacky.  If you don't want to let them pay, then when the check comes, offer to pay your share.