Separate checks is the norm in TV and thank goodness. Up north I was never able to get individual checks--even when nicely asked, they'd always refuse. Here, it seems that when a waiter sees a mixed group of people, they assume separate checks and seem happy to do so. I think we eat out more often knowing that we are going to get what we pay for. Sometimes someone in the group is trying to be "good" and may just order a soup or salad. There are drinkers and there are abstainers. We all feel good going out together and like that it's fair. And when we have visitors and want to pick up the tab we just tell the waiter. No fuss.
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