I bought you a Grey Goose-and-tonic. You bought me a Coors Light. Is it really my turn again?

A. L. Katz  |  02:28 PM, Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Truffle bellinis? Is that even a good idea? Fungus infusions aside, this is a common dilemma. If your tab is backed by an expense account or a trust fund, or if the drinks all cost more or less the same, a round for a round is both convenient and gracious. But premium-tequila margaritas and rare single malts add up fast, and the frugal (or unfussy) beer drinker should not be hustled into footing the bill. (Good for you, by the way, for not getting caught up in an alcoholic arms race. It's all too easy to get swept up in the frenzy of seemingly free, super-pricey drinks — until it's your turn to cover a round, and you realize that bellini x 6 = empty wallet.)

Ideally, it's the responsibility of the high rollers to realize their drinks cost $15 more than yours and to pass you some cash as you head to the bar. If your friends aren't quite this aware, especially after their third cocktail, I think it's kosher to say, "Hey, martini guy, you want to throw in a little extra? I'm just drinking beer over here." If that makes you uncomfortable, forestall the paying-for-rounds thing from the start. The real issue is who's going to go to the bar, right? When your friends get up to grab drinks for everyone, give them five bucks or whatever your drink costs (plus a buck or two for the beleaguered bartender). Now you're all paid up, and you don't owe nobody nothing. When it's your turn to make the run, you can ask them for funds with a clear conscience.

Feeling short-changed, slighted, or just uncomfortable? Email your questions about money and etiquette to awkwarddollar@bundle.com, or submit via BundleHQ.tumblr.com/submit.


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