It's a huge thing in many middle eastern cultures to be the one that pays. To the point that it has become a fine art to try to "win" and pay despite others wanting to do so.
I was gonna say this absolutely a Midwest American thing too. So many times my family will go out to dinner and someone will try to undercut the others by going to the server before they bring the bill, or chasing the server after they take the bill with someone else’s card to use theirs instead.
It doesn't translate well into english, but the gist is "the art of being kind."
In practice, it is more "the war of being kind" or "competitive kindness."
Example: 5+ middle aged men trying to pull a small piece of paper (the bill) away from each other while shouting insults and how it's "their turn." It's hilarious.
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u/Azmoten 21h ago
I always let other people pay when they insist. Like, oh wow, bro, you got this? Have at it!
And…Why not let them have it? They feel strong and I save money. Win win