Dear advice people: The other day I went to lunch with a friend at her invitation. She insisted on paying for the meal and I insisted on giving the tip. Well, I put six dollar bills on the table. When she saw what I had done she said “that’s too much” and snatched up two of the dollars and put them in her purse.

I was appalled. Yes, it was a generous tip, considering the bill was probably just over $20, but the service was exceptional and my tips are almost always on the high side.

I didn’t say anything to my friend at the time, probably because I was too stunned. But I keep thinking about it and keep getting madder. My husband thinks it’s funny and says to just let it go. I wouldn’t call this woman a close friend but we have always gotten along very well and enjoy the time we spend together.

Now, I’m thinking about cutting her out of my social circle. Do you think I’m overreacting?

— Annoyed friend

Mr. Handsome responds

Dear Annoyed: You should have nipped that in the bud right then and there by demanding your money back, putting it on the table and telling her that how much you decide to tip is none of her business. Or you could have demanded your $2 back, grabbed your server and thrust the entire $6 into his or her hand, where your friend couldn’t touch it.

OR you could have given your friend a lecture on how hard servers work for every lousy buck they get, and that you were happy to reward your server for making your lunch such a pleasant experience.

OR you could’ve just slapped her and said, “Next time you touch my money, you’ll pull back a stump.”

To answer your question: Yes, I would eliminate future lunch dates with this ridiculous cheapskate. That was a low-class move.

TDN Good Girl responds

Dear Annoyed: Yes, you are overacting. Next question!

OK, the so-called editor insists on a more detailed answer, so here I go.

If you didn’t have the nerve to say something to her at the time you need to let it go. Your husband is right. Yes, your friend was rude and cheap but if you enjoy her company and want to do so in the future you’ll need to take a tip from me and drop it.

Things you could/shoud have done.

Insist on paying for the meal by grabbing the check and saying “obviously, that’s too much for you.”

Put two more dollars on the table and say with clenched teeth “we agreed I’d take care of the tip.”

Wrestle her purse from her, liberate your two dollars and put them back on the table.

Say “hey swamp donkey, if I wanted to give you dollar bills I would have shoved them into your industrial-sized g-string.”

Next question!

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