People & Blogs
Would you let your friend pay for dinner? #TEDTalks
The check lands on the table. Everyone freezes. Do you let your friend pay and call it a gift? Insist on covering it? Or promise to get the next one? Corner Piece host Sabrina puts Taha, Melissa and the audience to the test, and it turns out “what do we owe each other?” is a…
@Casey-ip7ug
October 30, 2026 at 12:14 pm
C
@imaginefun13
October 30, 2026 at 12:33 pm
Definitely C. The problem is actually remembering that you wanted to treat them back 😂
@KenTheAdventurer
October 30, 2026 at 7:42 pm
This works better if you have a thoughtful personality
@juliegolick
October 30, 2026 at 12:50 pm
“Aw, thank you so much, that’s so kind! Let me get the next one.” (i.e. C, but not just planning in my head. Actually asking them to let me pay next time.)
@pureorangeness
October 30, 2026 at 1:11 pm
C for sure. Friendship is about reciprocation, and you have to let them do something nice for you so they will accept when you something nice for them. It doesn’t always have to be a 1:1 value trade but it should be close and consistent.
The last thing you want to do is make it difficult for people to express their affection by pushing back when they try to treat you.
@lilywashere27
October 30, 2026 at 2:21 pm
B, then C. Unless the friend is way richer than me, then A
@PiotrKaszuba8403
October 30, 2026 at 2:33 pm
A mix of A, B, and C. Yes to A in general, as receiving a gift is a good thing. Also, B, but do not insist. Instead, propose to share so they won’t think I want to take advantage of them, and if assured, go back to A and say thank you stronger. Plus C, keeping in mind that receiving and giving are the sides of the same coin and wanting to do the same for them in the future.
@Sandrylene
October 30, 2026 at 2:55 pm
Definitely team C. I just did this with my sister this month, makes it much easier than constantly doing math or whatever.
@jillie_chan
October 30, 2026 at 2:56 pm
Literally just did C the other day, my friend bought the movie tickets and so I got dinner
@jqsminemeow
October 30, 2026 at 4:17 pm
ok but who is Bill?
@mariapeaceangel
October 30, 2026 at 5:35 pm
I agree with the all three approach
@chachopaul695
October 30, 2026 at 8:31 pm
It is interesting to see how many different cultures play the “who gets to pay the bill” game.
I’ve been out with friends from so many different backgrounds, and it’s always a battle to see who has the honor of paying.
Typically, it ends with the host paying, and a promise from all guests to pay when they host. I think it’s beautiful to see.