"We went to breakfast this morning, four people total, and I informed the waitress beforehand that we'd like separate, individual checks. One of the participants piped up when I said that, saying that he'd like one single bill instead. I assumed he meant that he would take care of the entire bill for all four of us. I sincerely believed that was his intention. When the bill came, everybody save one took out their wallets and offered, out of politeness, to pay cash."
"Even if the hapless host now assures the cashless participant that he will pay, that person has already been embarrassed. And now the two whose cash he just accepted will also feel ill-used. Miss Manners does not understand why people are so eager to speak about money at all the wrong times, but are suddenly shy when it is perfectly proper."
When a diner asks that the restaurant prepare a single check, the clear implication should be an offer to cover the entire bill. If that person truly intends to pay, they should explicitly say "Please let me get this" rather than leaving the matter ambiguous. Accepting cash contributions from others after proposing to pay causes embarrassment for anyone who expected to use a card or did not bring cash. Those who offered cash may feel ill-used when their money is accepted unexpectedly. If a guest apologizes for lacking cash, the would-be payer can graciously use that as the reason to insist on paying. Polite, unambiguous language and prompt refusal of others' offers to contribute prevent awkwardness.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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