Have you been invited to a friend’s birthday celebration lately that involved a “birthday dinner” out on the town? And at the end of dinner, the person who opted for the lobster bisque and the finest bottle of wine suggested that everyone should just split the bill? You, of course, wanted to contribute to the guest of honour’s meal. But why should you be stuck with covering everyone else’s indulgences when your bill only came to $30? Here’s how to deal with the situation while maintaining some class:

Get a separate bill

Quietly pull the waiter aside on your own to explain that you would like a separate bill.

If anyone at the table gives you a look when the bill comes, explain that you thought it would be easier to have your own since you were worried you might have to slip out early and didn’t want anyone to get stuck with your tab. Aren’t you considerate?

Buddy up

If you can’t get a separate bill, then at least buddy up. Have you ever noticed that people order much more than what everyone can eat and there is always food left on the table at the end of the night?

Try curbing the ordering process by teaming up your order with someone else. A good excuse to order fewer dishes could be to bring up leaving room for dessert. It is safe to bet that not everyone will get dessert anyway.

Skip the entrée

Eat ahead of time and show up fashionably late for cocktails and dessert.

Order your own drink

If an expensive bottle of wine is ordered, be sure that you order your own distinct cocktail (preferably the one on special!) that way everyone at the table can clearly see that you don’t owe for the pricey vino.

Don’t pick up the bill

Do not be a hero. If the dreaded bill-division discussion is just too much for you to handle, you may be tempted to cover the entire bill. Let’s be clear — there’s no need for you to cover the entire bill!  Smart Cookies are all for generosity, but let’s be real. These are your friends and you don’t need to impress them by throwing down your nearly maxed-out Visa. Who are you fooling!? Chances are your friends want you to enjoy their celebration, not break out in a sweat when the bill comes to the table.

We bet if you show some interest in keeping the bill low there will be more than one sigh of relief at the table. Happy celebrating!