The issue of splitting the bill at a dinner invitation can often be a delicate subject.
For Stella, the situation took an unexpected turn during her colleague’s birthday celebration.
After bringing a thoughtful gift, she was caught off guard when asked to pay for her share of the bill.
Feeling it was unfair, Stella refused to contribute.
What began as a minor disagreement soon escalated into workplace drama, turning a personal issue into a much larger conflict.
Stella’s letter:
My husband and I were invited to my colleague’s birthday celebration at a high-end restaurant.
After getting home, I received a text from my colleague:
“Thanks for coming! Your share of the bill is $190 + tip.”
I was furious, but calmly responded: “I think the nice gift I gave you already covered my part ;).”
The real sh0ck came the next day at work.
As soon as I walked in, I noticed people staring.
Another colleague rushed up to me and said,
Can you believe it?
One of the girls refused to pay her part of the dinner yesterday! What a cheapskate!”
I kept quiet and didn’t reveal it was me.
Then, I was shocked when I found sitting on my desk, the gift that I had brought her.
She had returned it!
I still believe what she did was against etiquette
. You can’t expect people to bring a gift and pay for an expensive dinner when you’re the one inviting them.
Am I wrong?
Stella
