WHO PAYS?

Shannon News, 6 November 1925, Page 2

WHO PAYS?

POINTS THAI' PERPLEX. One of the little problems that we are often faced with when out with a friend is: Who pays? Should I offer to pay, or does she mean to? We wonder, hesitatingly. When a friend pointedly invites one to have lunch or tea with her at a restaurant, says a writer in an exchange, or to accompany her to some entertainment, it is naturally under, stood that she is tl j hostess for the occasion, and she v\ old be surprised at any offer to pay from her .guest. If the guest does not feel justilied in allowing her friend to foot the bill for everything, it is pcrmissable for her to suggest paying taxi or ’bus fares when the .natter arises, but too great insistence tr the other declines tlie assistance is not in good taste. There are other occasions, however, When, for instance, during a chance meeting while shopping, perhaps a mutual agreement is made to adjourn for a cup of tea and a chat. The bill is presented, and both ladies, seize their handbags. “This is mine, dear!'’ “No, no; I insist!” Rut it is foolish and unnecessary to make too much of so trivial a matter. One puts down her money, the other gracefully withdraws from the friendly little dispute with some such excusing remark as. “Well, you must promise to have tea with me next time.” And when next time comes remind .her friend of this compact.

When the two friends may agree to go to the theatre or the “pictures” ■together. Neither actually issues what could be interpreted into a direct invitation to the other. Each wonders, possibly, what the position is. The simplest and most natural thing- to do is to take the bull by the horns, and suggest before starting, to avoid all subsequent controversy, that everyone pays her own share.