I am your pal to a point. I love picking up the dinner check. It elevates the mood and continues the camaraderie. The difference between me and your friend is that I only carry a student loan and a mortgage and though my income is lowish, I can afford it. It's my luxury, my reward for hard work. Also, we're mostly talking restaurants that serve burgers.

I've also come to recognize friends who take advantage. I'd like to be more altruistic in my giving, but once I identify them I will no longer foot the bill until they pull out their wallet at check time. Recently, I had a pal who is good at reciprocal giving and a pal who has never once paid at the same restaurant table. The giving friend and I paid more than our share of the bill and the tip. When we pointed this out my stingy pal made no indication of understanding our request that she cough up the dough! I love my stingy pal and want to spend lots and lots of time with her, but no more free lunches at my expense.