> >Also, in the same way that it's pleasant to pick up the bar tab with a group
    > >of friends, knowing that (A) you've saved them the trouble and lightened
    > >their load, if only for a short time, and (B) over the long run it'll all
    > >even out anyway - it's also nice to have the trust and comfort with your
    > >friends to put a reasonable amount on the table at the end of dinner and be
    > >done with it.
    >
    > Trust has nothing to do with it. I don't want to take money from my
    > friends and they don't want to take money from me.

IMO trust has a great deal to do with it. Its not about the money, but
having sufficient faith in your friends or colleagues to give and
take. See (B) as mentioned above for the end result.

Maybe its just a culture thing. I know this Dutch guy who actually
invoiced this girl that stood him up on a dinner date.

I go out a lot and I expect my three-month-moving-average indicates
that I should employ better fiscal control. Do I care as long as I am
having a good time ? Do I f***. How much more of an open mind is
required ?
Dave