My Colleagues Always Made Me Split Bills Even Though I Didn’t Eat That Much, So I Found a Way to Put Them in Their Place

Sydney just wanted to get along with her coworkers and enjoy being a part of a team when she started a new job. The team always splits the tab equally after their weekly Friday lunch out, as is customary. One issue exists, though: Sydney makes less money and cannot afford these opulent lunches. She then imparts a lesson to her teammates.

I was excited to get along with my coworkers when I started my new job. I mean, I had to get along with the folks I would be working with every day in a new workplace.

Naturally, I accepted their invitation to join them since they already had their own customs. I didn’t want to seem like the odd one out because going out to lunch every Friday was one of their traditions.

But there was a glitch.

My coworkers belonged to a whole different tax bracket. They were well-established in the firm and made significantly more money than I did, while I was just starting out and barely scraping by. I had to make ends meet on my entry-level wage in addition to paying my rent, bills, and loans.

Things my colleagues did not need to be concerned about.

Nevertheless, we went to these extravagant places every Friday, almost like clockwork, where the tab appeared to keep getting bigger every week.

And they always insisted on dividing the cost equally. At first, I tried not to let it get to me. Let’s be honest, it was only lunch, right? However, as the weeks passed, my pockets began to feel far lighter than they ought to have.

The truth is that I’m a vegetarian. Additionally, I’ve always ordered good yet straightforward cuisine. However, I usually have salads or tiny entrées for dinner. In the meantime, Josh and Lisa, two of my coworkers, consistently purchased enormous meat platters.

Steaks, ribs, whatever the priciest dish on the menu was. Their orders frequently exceeded $60, if not more. Nevertheless, we divide the bill equally each week. It was because of them that my $15 salad became a $35 dinner.

I could understand their desire to indulge in these dinners now that they could afford them. I remained silent the first several times. Since I was a novice and didn’t want to cause any trouble, I assumed it was just a part of the team culture.

However, after a few months, it got intolerable. They didn’t seem to realize that I was spending about half of my weekly shopping budget on these lunches. When the bill came, they would chuckle, discuss their plans for the weekend, and then carelessly set their credit cards down on the table without even looking at the amount.

When my mother arrived at my house with big bags full of goods, she remarked, “Sydney,” in a firm manner. “You must maintain your position. Would you rather go without food for the remainder of the month and spend all of your money on one meal?”

I responded, “No, Mom,” as I started to eat the donuts she had brought over for tea. “But I don’t want to complicate anything because I’m so new.”

“How would you be complicating anything, Syd?” She enquired. “Due to financial constraints, there are some things you just cannot do. They once stood in your position.”

I nodded, not wanting to upset my mom or have her chastise me for keeping silent about the matter.

After yet another lunch where I had to pay for food that I never ate, I worked up the guts to speak out one Friday.

In an attempt to sound casual as we waited for the bill, I said, “Hey, guys, I was thinking,” “Perhaps we ought to begin creating distinct bills? It might be easier because I’m not actually eating as much as the rest of you.”

Josh shook his head and laughed.

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Different bills? Sydney, please stop being so stupid. This method makes it easy.

Lisa smiled at me, eating the last of her dessert.

Yes, we’re not exactly blowing the bank here. I thought we were all adults? Josh, just divide it as we always do.”

My tongue was bit. I wanted to let them know that I was indeed losing a lot of money because of the circumstances. I nodded instead and feigned a smile.

Yes, without a doubt. Not a huge deal,” I remarked.

But I was furious within. It wasn’t just about the cash. It was the way they wrote me off as though my worries were completely unimportant. As if brushing my opinion under the rug was simple. Like I should be appreciative that they let me sit at the same table as them.

I realized that arguing would not solve my problems, so I changed my strategy. I would also play along if they wanted to, but only under my conditions.

When we went out to lunch the next week, I didn’t just get my standard warm veggie and couscous salad. No. I placed two appetizer orders. One for “the table,” and one for me. Like they usually did, they immediately tore into the mozzarella sticks.

The following week, I improved even more. I placed two entree and two appetizer orders.

More crumpled mushrooms and mozzarella sticks. And a four-cheese pizza and lasagna. Before anyone started eating, I ordered the waiter to package the pizza in a box to go. It didn’t appear like anyone noticed, or if they did, they remained silent.

By the third week, things were beginning to change. After arriving at the eatery, we took a seat. This time, I placed an order for two appetizers, two main courses, and a dessert. I was determined to push the boundaries because the menu included pricey vegan cheesecakes.

“Normally, Syd, you wouldn’t order this much food,” Josh remarked, scowling.

Yes, I do feel more and more hungry all the time. I guess my job is simply making me need food constantly.”

I asked the waiter to package up one main course and one appetizer as soon as the food was served. Lisa watched the waiter deliver me a beautifully wrapped to-go box, and this time she arched an eyebrow.

She asked, visibly agitated, “Wait, are you actually taking leftovers home now?”

Josh gave me a stern look but remained silent when our server delivered our bill. As everyone looked at the amount, I could feel the tension around the table. Now that the meal had been split, everyone’s portion had increased to about $30, and my share was well over $40.

I almost chuckled when they realized what was going on.

With a tense voice, Josh threw his card down on the table.

“Really, Sydney? You’re taking these meals home that you’ve been ordering? And we have to make the payment? Not even that we’re eating it! What issue do you have?”

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“I’m just carrying out our collective decision. I take it we divided the bill equally? I therefore reasoned that it was now time for me to receive my fair share.”

Lisa crossed her arms and pressed a thin line to her mouth.

Sydney, this isn’t a meal prep service. The plan is to have a team lunch.”

Indeed, however, I have been paying for meals that I haven’t had in weeks. I’m just following your lead now, folks.”

With that, they could not argue. Not before they acknowledged that all along, they’d been using me to pay for their ostentatious lunches. With a grimace on their faces, they all tapped their cards to pay the charge.

I realized that the game was over by the fourth week. Josh gave an uncomfortable clear of his throat as we took our normal seat.

“Well, so perhaps we ought to… Do separate legislation going forward, I’m not sure.”

Lisa gave a nod.

Yes, that may simplify things. Keep vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals apart, you know.”

I smiled without even trying to disguise it.

“That sounds like a fair idea,” I replied.

I only got one appetizer and one main course that day. Easy, same as it was before. I was determined to pass the meal around the table the way they normally did with their enormous platters of meat when it arrived.

“Anyone want a bite of my halloumi sticks?” I enquired.

Lisa and Josh shook their heads, but their irritation was evident. They would never again touch my food since they would have to pay for it as well.

Everything changed after that. The concept of sharing the bill evenly was swiftly shelved. They had been overpaying for weeks without recognizing it, as it turned out.

And me?

I paid for only what I ate and left with my money intact, having finally been able to enjoy my dinner in peace. I’m planning to ask for a raise soon; perhaps then I won’t be worrying as much.

I’ll just stick to my salads and green tea for the time being.

How would you have responded in that situation?

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