At a friend's birthday dinner, my order was $31. How do I handle a $64 equal split?
Food"It's easier if we just divide it by six," someone said as the birthday dinner bill landed. My main and soft drink came to $31. The proposed share was $64, with the birthday friend's meal included as our gift.
Before we booked, I'd asked in the group chat whether we'd order individually. The reply was, "Yes, plenty of cheaper options." Nobody mentioned wine, shared starters or paying for the birthday meal. At the table I declined the wine and one starter, but I ate a little of the bread basket that everyone shared. I don't want to pretend I touched nothing beyond my own plate.
The organiser had chosen the restaurant because our friend wanted to go there. She says sorting each item now would make an already late evening awkward. I can pay the larger share from money I'd set aside for next week's groceries, but I'd be resentful about it. Our friend is still at the table and hasn't heard this conversation.
I'd be willing to pay for my order, my part of the bread and an agreed contribution to her dinner. How do I suggest that without producing a courtroom receipt calculation? And if the group insists the even split was obvious, is it better to resolve it privately with the organiser or say something before everyone pays?