Roxane Gay, in her book "Bad Feminist: Essays," addresses the dynamics of splitting a restaurant bill among friends. She suggests that when dining out as a group of four, it’s simplest to divide the total bill equally rather than calculating individual expenses. This approach reflects a sense of maturity and social responsibility, as it encourages collective enjoyment over personal accounting.
Additionally, Gay presents a perspective on financial situations during social outings. For those who can afford it, she recommends treating friends and taking turns paying the bill, which fosters generosity and friendship. Conversely, for those who are experiencing financial constraints, it’s acceptable to manage expenses in whatever way works best, highlighting that social interactions should be adaptable to everyone’s circumstances.