She’s the part girl who’s always pushing you to down one more tequila shot – and then another, and another…
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The solution: Before you head out, decide how many drinks you’re willing to have and stick to it. Tell her that you only have a certain amount of cash, so she won’t order too much. If she tries to make you drink more, suggest doing something else instead, like dancing, suggests Agnes Koh, director and founder of international Ettiquette & Image International.
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READ MORE: Weed out the money toxic friends you have in your life, NOW and 3 warning signs that your friend might be too toxic for you.
She orders a lot, but usually can’t finish, leaving the both of you with leftover food and a hefty bill.
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READ MORE: Weed out the money toxic friends you have in your life, NOW and 3 warning signs that your friend might be too toxic for you.
The solution: Make it clear before ordering that you don’t have much of an appetite. “Suggest politely that the two of you order a couple of dishes to share first, explaining that you can order more later on if you’re still hungry,” says Yvonne Anjelina, director and chief ettiquette coach of The Ettiquette School Singapore.
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READ MORE: Weed out the money toxic friends you have in your life, NOW and 3 warning signs that your friend might be too toxic for you.
She counts calories and sometimes doesn’t eat at all – killjoy when you want to enjoy your steak.
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READ MORE: Weed out the money toxic friends you have in your life, NOW and 3 warning signs that your friend might be too toxic for you.
The solution: Choose a place that serves light food like salas and soups. If she still chooses to skip the meal, say lighty: “I feel guilty eating when you’re not. How about a salad or a glass of sugarless iced tea? We can walk it off later!” Jean, 28, a civil servant says: “If a friend chooses to count calories, I’ll do my best to choose a place that serves healthy food. But I won’t eat less because of her.”
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READ MORE: Weed out the money toxic friends you have in your life, NOW and 3 warning signs that your friend might be too toxic for you.
She loves going ot posh restaurnats for your dinner dates. But those big bills are bad for your wallet.
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READ MORE: Weed out the money toxic friends you have in your life, NOW and 3 warning signs that your friend might be too toxic for you.
The solution: Pick an eatery within your budget and sell it to her by saying, “I heard the food is really good, and the ambience is great!” Andrea, 29, a copywriter says: “I try to be the first to suggest a restaurant, before my friend has the chance to recommend a pricey place. I’ll also ensure the place I choose is acceptable. I also try to be a little more insistent by emphasising why I want to try it, so she gets the hint.” If she doesn’t politely explain that you can’t afford the place she wants to eat at. Add that you’ll be happy to do a posh place once in a while or on special occasions. Keep your tone light so you won’t offend her.
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READ MORE: Weed out the money toxic friends you have in your life, NOW and 3 warning signs that your friend might be too toxic for you.
She’s always cautious of spending money. At times, when you dine out together, she doesn’t have cash, so you end up settling the bill. But she seldom pays you back.
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READ MORE: Weed out the money toxic friends you have in your life, NOW and 3 warning signs that your friend might be too toxic for you.
The solution: Suggest going Dutch before the dinner date, or tell the wait staff you’d like separate bills. Alternatively, Agnes suggests, when the total bill arrives, tell your friend nicely: “Let me pay first, and I will divide it when the check comes back.” Melissa, 27, a corporate communications manager, was constantly paying for meals out with a friend. The latter was low on cash and seldom paid her back. “I eventually told her truthfully how I felt. I said I understood that she was in a difficult situation, but that I also feel the pinch.” Melissa even offered some money-managing tips, which her friend was receptive to. “Since our talk, she’s always paid her share.”
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READ MORE: Weed out the money toxic friends you have in your life, NOW and 3 warning signs that your friend might be too toxic for you.