One of the most optimal parts of living in the United States is the ability to split the bill. Splitting a bill so that everyone pays for exactly what they ordered is less common in NYC, but in most parts of the country, it is not only accessible but encouraged. I understand why a restaurant may not want to split bills (it makes things more stressful and confusing for their servers, who have to remember exactly who ordered what), but for how much it reduces the stress of customers, it’s totally worth offering.

If splitting the bill precisely was the norm everywhere, then this friend group might not be in such a pickle. 2 members of a group of college friends simultaneously complain about their financial issues and order $200 steaks at dinner, expecting their friends to pick up the slack. When one friend decided enough was enough, their scam totally fell apart.