Bad manners breeds ill feelings

Dear Harriette: A friend offered to take me out for drinks “to celebrate the holiday” that is my birthday (as she put it in the e-vite). She makes a considerable amount more money than I do and said, “We can eat wherever you choose and have whatever you want.”

I was only in the mood for a couple of beers and spring rolls, but when the check came, she said, “So we’re going to split this, right?”

The bill was small, and I’m not the confrontational type, so I paid my share and we went our separate ways. I haven’t spoken to her since and I’m feeling a little offended. I enjoy the friendship, but I’m hesitant to contact her.

Since I let the resentment fester, I’m not sure what I’ll say. — Kevin, Queens, N.Y.

Dear Kevin: Call her and say you have been feeling uncomfortable about something and weren’t sure how to address it. Tell her you feel she misled you for your birthday celebration. She billed it as her treat and then reneged.

If she deflects it, remind her of her e-mail and her exact words.

You can also chalk it up to bad manners, forgive her and let it go. Trust me, she’s not sitting at home thinking about it. Are her bad manners really worth your angst?