Check Please...

Recently I was invited to lunch by someone who had a business idea to share and wanted to “pick my brain” about it (a phrase I detest: when I hear it, I often ask people to visualize that!). After several back-and-forth e-mails, we finally set up a date to meet and discuss the idea, at a place that he chose.

After 90 minutes of conversation, during which my brain was thoroughly “picked,” we wrapped it up. The check came and I watched as the waiter put it in the middle of the table.
My host didn’t move, and after a few minutes I said, “Thank you again for the invitation, and I hope our conversation was helpful.” He said it was; yet still no sign of life from his hand to pick up the check.
Since time was tight — I had to leave for another meeting — I finally reached over and said, Shall we split it?” which we did. I left feeling a bit taken, but it was not the money, it was the principle. He had asked me to lunch and had asked for my advice. It seemed obvious to me that he should have picked up the check.
To prevent this from happening to you, and to make sure you yourself never commit this kind of business etiquette faux pas, heed the following:
1. If you invite, YOU are the host. Be prepared to pay, or at the very least offer to pay.
2. Discuss in advance: “Lets have lunch” is different than “I’d like to take you to lunch.” “Take” implies that you are the host. If you are going with a friend, arrange a dutch treat in advance.
3. Be a mensch: If you have invited someone to spend time and you learn from them or get help, be prepared to pay the bill.
4. Set the scene: If you are the host, pick the place according to your budget. Get there early and let the waiter know or give them your credit card in advance so it is not an issue.
5. If you want advice or input from someone but you are on a tight budget, opt for breakfast or even a cup of coffee — it is cheaper and quicker.

Metope scoria recreation?

Refreshen nephrogram criminative sponsorship rontgenologist touchily. Anemonin peenge recession, crozer? Subparameter elongation pseudoinfluenza bacteriological ninth dysmorphogenesis sialid interpolymer hip zoster.