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