Had a great teacher
 

I always buy the first round and the first meal. Had a guy I flew with as a new hire SO. Former Tigers guy who, on the ground was the greatest guy in the world. In the air he could be the biggest d1ck in the world. It was Marine Corps Bday and we were on a weekend layover in ALB. A bunch of enlisted Marines came into the bar at the hotel and started having a few with their dates. They were in their Blues and looked great. The Captain shows up and we start buying the Marines drinks. At the end of the night I said we should split the tab. He refused! He picked up the whole damn thing! Great guy. I never bought a drink around him and the FO never paid a tip. Still look forward to seeing this guy in the hub at night... He was a great liberty mentor.

Marine Corps B-day= Greatest day of the year! (besides wifes birthday of course)

on a side note, my wife and I do very well financially and have managed to put away alot of money and my rule of thumb is if we go out with another couple or group for a first time, we will almost always pay. What I like to see personally though is that they at least make an offer to attempt to pay when the bill arrives. I will never accept their money but it is the thought that counts. I dont like when people just expect a free ride.

to each is own though

Try taking the crew out when you're the captain and your wife is one of the FAs. The "separate checks except for us" gets even more awkward.

Guess I'm the dick here.......I let the F/A fend for herself when the bill came and she did the " Oh, I don't have any $" line. I paid my bill and left.

PS- she was pi$$ed at me the next morning, but I really did'nt give a rats a$$.

good for you!

Well, maybe I'm a heartless jerk, but I never pay other people's meal tabs with the exception of something small like can I grab you some coffee, and have never expected anyone to pay for me, nor would I accept it unless it would result in an argument and bad feelings,

I'm having a hard enough time in life after 2 layoffs to worry about other people and their money problems as well. Sheesh - I can't imagine someone expecting someone else to pay their bills.

Best advise is don't get caught up in their tales of woe. Establish the rules of engagement far in advance of going out as a group so there won't be any surprises.