You know, someone with a reputation for being cheap.

Deserved or not, it isn't how any sane person would want to be viewed by colleagues. And the thing is, it's pretty easy to avoid.

Just buy a round now and then.

And when it's time to chip in for lunch, don't be a George Costanza about auditing the bill.

I worked with a guy a hundred years ago who was known as the office tightwad. People used to openly mock his slowness about reaching for his wallet. But he did not amend his behavior. At least not while I knew him.

One time I was having lunch with this guy and a couple of other reporters at Tucson's worst restaurant. It came time to ante up for the tip.

Mr. Cheap twisted his torso around, facing away from us, as if he was trying to see his back pocket and unfasten a stubborn button.

I suspect he hoped the rest of us would get up from the table and head for the door.

But we waited. And waited. And when he finally turned around with zero cash in hand, we all were staring at him.

I cannot remember if he was embarrassed. But he should have been. 

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