That's the thing we're not equal financially. My friends earn at least double what I'm on but I still go to top end restaurants with them albeit now it's only on special occasions as opposed to say two to three times a month like before.
I don't want to be seen as tight like some people I know. If the meal was $92 each and we're in a group I'm not expecting or demanding my change back.
Unfortunately that just doesn't work though when someone in the party cannot afford too much and others can. It also creates resentments (by the one who ate less and paid more) and results in friends refusing invites next time so they don't risk being left penniless. All downsides, when it's actually not hard just to go through the bill and pay for your own. I usually tot mine up, add service and "abit extra just in case" and throw it in the pot. Most of my friends do the same and then we all argue about what happens to the surplus
I wish I was more frugal! I always start the month with the best intentions...
Being frugal only makes sense in context. I have seen locals not wanting to do a health checkup because they consider it expensive, then later when they realized they had health problems which would have been easier to treat had they done their checkup earlier. Sometimes, you just have spend the money. Rather spend it now then regret it later.
Despite the big splashing of $ over status symbol items (i.e. Rolls Royce, LV bags) by the rich locals, most Hong Kongers (and many Asian culture) in general empatize thrift and I can't recall how many times I have heard locals slam Americans for their over-spending and indebted ways. So locals have their virtues in terms of spending.
But then, if no one spends, then the economy won't be going anywhere.