Quote From: starroseI understand everything you say, but there is the question about his wife. Why should I have to pay for her, just because she comes along, as I am not friends with her. She and I are cordial to one another but that is it. For the times that we have gotten together that are not my thank you to him, they have paid for me and then the next time I have paid, but I feel almost like I am pressured into paying for her just because she is there. Why should I have to do that? I have always believed in going dutch as "who picks up the tab" can make things uncomfortable and I am going to tell him that I want to do that from now on. I will do something else for him as a thank you.
From now on, unless its a holiday or birthday gift or anniversary, etc. tell him you really enjoy the time together and want it to continue, but from now on, you will both pay your own checks separately. Whats more important,the food or the friendship? As for his wife, this will be solved because she will have to pay her way, you will pay yours, and he will pay his. If this is a problem, then you are not dealing with healthy friends.
I actually do not like when someone pays for my meals. :) It makes me uncomfortable, especially since I am very well capable of paying. There is no reason for someone to foot the bill, especially in this day and age when money is really a tight commodity.
