The issue of splitting the bill at a dinner invitation can often be a delicate subject.

For Stella, the situation took an unexpected turn during her colleague’s birthday celebration.

After bringing a thoughtful gift, she was caught off guard when asked to pay for her share of the bill.

Feeling it was unfair, Stella refused to contribute.

What began as a minor disagreement soon escalated into workplace drama, turning a personal issue into a much larger conflict.

Stella’s letter:

My husband and I were invited to my colleague’s birthday celebration at a high-end restaurant.

After getting home, I received a text from my colleague: “Thanks for coming! Your share of the bill is $190 + tip.”

I was furious, but calmly responded: “I think the nice gift I gave you already covered my part ;).”

The real sh0ck came the next day at work.

As soon as I walked in, I noticed people staring.

Another colleague rushed up to me and said, “Can you believe it?

One of the girls refused to pay her part of the dinner yesterday!

What a cheapskate!”

I kept quiet and didn’t reveal it was me.

Then, I was shocked when I found sitting on my desk, the gift that I had brought her. She had returned it!

I still believe what she did was against etiquette.

You can’t expect people to bring a gift and pay for an expensive dinner when you’re the one inviting them.

Am I wrong?

Stella