When I started my new job, I was eager to fit in. My colleagues had a tradition of going out for lunch every Friday, and I didn’t want to seem like the odd one out. However, they were in a different tax bracket. They ordered expensive meals, while I stuck to simple salads, yet we always split the bill evenly.

My $15 salad would turn into a $35 meal, and it was burning a hole in my pocket. After weeks of this, I finally spoke up, suggesting separate bills. They laughed it off, dismissing my concerns. So, I decided to teach them a lesson.

The following week, I ordered two appetizers, a main, and dessert, taking most of it home. Josh and Lisa began noticing but said nothing until the third week when the bill skyrocketed. Josh finally snapped, accusing me of meal prepping on their dime.

I calmly replied, “We’re splitting the bill, right? Just like before.” They couldn’t argue with that, as they’d been using me to subsidize their meals.

By the fourth week, they awkwardly suggested splitting bills separately. I grinned, agreeing. From then on, I paid only for what I ordered.

The lavish meals stopped, and peace returned to the table. With my budget back on track, I’m now thinking about asking for a raise. Until then, I’ll stick to my salads and enjoy paying for only what I eat.