Using coupons for a restaurant meal when with others?

Dear Polite One,

Let's say my partner and I have a coupon for a dinner at a restaurant with another couple. Should we split the bill evenly before using the coupon or use the coupon to pay for the entire meal and split the difference of the remaining bill. Basically, I'm asking if the coupon can be used the same as cash to pay one couple's part of the bill and not share it with the other couple.

Sincerely,

Using Coupons

Dear Using Coupons,

Using coupons is becoming more and more common, so this is a timely question. For appearance’s sake, it would be best to use the coupon when they are alone unless they intend to share the bill. Sharing the coupon could be viewed as a gesture demonstrating generosity. But, not sharing it does not imply selfish behavior.

Sincerely,

The Polite One

More by The Polite One

Do we pay for our guests to a private golf course?

Should Americans bow & curtsy for royalty?

What comes after the 3rd?

Comments

What is California Cocktail Attire?

Dear Polite One , What is California cocktail attire? Thank you, Confused Dear Confused , There is no such thing. At times, it feels as if hosts just like to make these things up to confuse their guests. I’m sure that’s not the case. Still... Many hosts try to create a “feeling,” or more appropriately, “set the stage” for an event. So, they will incorporate a well-known attire category with a word that describes that elusive stage. This leads to the confusion we both feel since neither of us can actually see inside their minds. So, I suggest going with slightly laid-back cocktail attire, which typically is the suit for men and the little black dress or its equivalent for women. Perhaps skip the tie and accessories that appear expensive. Additionally, it is appropriate to call the host and ask for clarification. Sincerely, The Polite One More by The Polite One How to Decode ...

3 Most Asked Questions About Listing Doctors on Envelopes

How to List Doctors on Invitation Envelope? Dear Polite One , How does one address an envelope for the two following scenarios? 1) The wife is a physician, but the husband is not. 2) Both the wife and husband are physicians, and she used her maiden name. Lots of Doctors Dear Lots of Doctors, The doctor and husband: Doctor Jane and Mr. John Smith The doctor couple: Doctor Jane Jones Doctor John Smith Most sincerely, The Polite One What is the Proper Salutation for Doctor Couple? Dear Polite One , How do you write the correct salutation when both the husband and wife are doctors? Doctors All-Around Dear Doctors All-Around, If you are close friends, you would use their first names. If this is a formal or business letter, you would use the title doctor for both: Doctors Smith, Doctor Sam Smith, and Doctor Tina Smith, or Doctors Tina and Sam Smith. Most sincerely, The Polite One Don’t Know Husband’s Name and the Wife is ...

How to Address Domestic Partners and Child on the Envelope

Dear Polite One , How does one address heterosexual domestic partners with a child ? The child has the last name of the father. The child's middle name is the mother's last name. How should envelopes be addressed? How should the inside of a formal letter/invitation and informal letter/invitation be addressed? Sue Smith and Frank Jones and Zak The Smith-Jones Family Mr. Frank Jones and Ms. Sue Smith and Son (or Zak) Should their signatures read Sue Smith, Frank Jones, and Zak Smith-Jones or Frank, Sue, and Zak? Confused Dear Confused, The formal invitation uses two envelopes. The outer would read Mr. Frank Jones and Ms. Sue Smith on two lines. The inner envelope would read Mr. Jones, Ms. Smith, Zak Smith Jones all on separate lines. The informal invitation would read the Jones-Smith F...

Got Etiquette Advice?

Search This Blog