They say that friends are the family that one chooses; For this reason, this post is dedicated to all our brothers, best friends, parceros, homies, bffs, panas or whatever you want to call them.
We share 10 basic rules of coexistence so that you don't embezzle every time you go out with your friends and apply the “always friends, never enemies”.
1. You shall divide the bill in equal parts, as long as it's fair
Split the bill equally only if everyone eats the same quantity of items or equivalent.
Many times it happens that one person only orders a drink and ends up paying the same as all those who ordered a full meal.
The food items “at the center of the table or to share” are divided among everyone.
Keep track of how much each person consumed when you ask for a bucket of beers or bottles because some drink MUCH MORE than others.
2. You shall do a solid when needed
If your potatoes, your soda, cigarettes, or your food have already been paid for you, give back a little of what they've spent on you. It's not about paying them with cash. Be a good friend and do them a solid when they need it (if they call you crying at 2am because they remember their ex, if they don't have spare change or if they ask you for advice for the thousand time).
Let them know you are there for them.
3. You shall visit venues that are accessible to everyone
Don't go to expensive restaurants, always look for something that fits everyone's budget.
You can apply the classic: “That sounds like fun, but it's out of my budget”. Surely a less expensive plan will come out.
4. You shall avoid unnecessary or impulse hang-outs
A few beers now and then it's fine, but avoid them on week nights, get creative with your “hang-outs”.
It wouldn't be bad if you went for a walk to some cool place in the city center where you live (and buy an ice cream), you'll end up spending 2 dollars max.
5. You shall respect the “I can't” from your friends
If your friend tells you “I can't go out because I don't have any money this weekend”, listen to him and respect his decision.
If you really want to go out, assume you will have to pay for everything in that night out. If you agree and don't have an issue, do it and don't charge them later.
6. You shall share all the promotions you have
A good friend always shares a 2×1 promo, discounts, and everything else like it.
One pays the popcorn while the other one buys the movie tickets or take advantage of promotions at the gym to get fit. Share all the promotions you can.
7. You shall cooperate with gas
If your friend takes you somewhere that deviates from their usual route, put them on gas or give them half of what an Uber would charge you.
It's only fair (but if they tell you that “it's no problem”, take their word for it).
8. You shall accept constructive comments
Listen to your friends. If they're telling you that you “spend a lot on your Tinder dates”, listen to them.
In here applies: Open your eyes dude! They're telling you for a reason. In the end, you'll thank them.
9. You shall prepare food for everyone
Make a deal. If your friend picks you up to go to work together, share your food with them.
10. You shall be as honest as you can
Always be honest. If your personal finances are in tatters, don't go out with your friends without telling them first that you don't have money to hang out.
If you see that one of your friends doesn't want to pay what they consumed, you can apply the: Are you paying in cash or card? They'll have no choice but to answer your question.
Faithfully follow these commandments so that everything goes well between you and your friends.
Be honest. Tell the truth, when you don't have any money.
That said, we remind you of one thing:
Be a good friend.
Amen.
Article translated by Rodolfo Schaefer
