Reddit user unhappy with being requested to share mother's lunch bill with sisters' children who also consumed the meal.

An etiquette expert advised a disgruntled Reddit user who was invited to take his mother out to lunch and then asked to split the check evenly with his sisters and their children to consider the occasion before involving himself in a potentially awkward situation.

A Reddit user named 'taenuts' posted about a family lunch outing on the 'Am I the A--hole' advice forum.

The man, claiming to be in his 20s, revealed that he has two older sisters, both in their 30s, who suggested inviting their mother out for lunch and splitting the expenses three ways.

"While I don't have kids, both of them have 2 each," the man wrote.

When "taenuts" informed his sisters that he was not interested in the idea after previous outings where "the kids were not included in the bill but still ate," they "disapproved" and accused him of being "rude."

The man then said that his mom discovered the situation and supported them.

To provide more context for why it bothers me, a similar experience occurred during a previous trip where I had to cover a third of the expenses for a family outing that included my sister's husband and her children.

"My mom begged me not to say anything and not start a fight, but now I think I've held my silence for long enough."

In the forum, "taenuts" queried others about the rightness of his desire for the bill to be divided differently, given that he does not have children and is solely responsible for his own share and his mother's.

According to Florida-based etiquette expert Jacqueline Whitmore, it is typical for adult siblings to share the cost of a meal for their parent on special occasions, as mentioned by the Reddit user.

""The siblings with children should bear the cost of their own families since there are more individuals involved," she stated."

Another fair approach, Whitmore proposed, "would be to examine who ordered what."

Since her siblings are bringing their children, it makes sense for them to cover the cost of their kids' meals.

Whitmore suggested an alternative by adding, "You could also propose covering the full cost of your mom's bill in addition to your own."

The man is not "obligated" to "join a group outing that doesn't work" for him.

"The siblings would divide the remaining portion of the bill, including the cost of their children's meals, among the adults either equally or according to individual orders. The fact that you paid for your mom's meal should be sufficient to maintain harmony."

Some Reddit users recommended that "taenuts" dine without his sisters in the future.

You are not the a--hole, but you need to stop dining and traveling with them," wrote user "EmceeSuzy.

"If your mother is not interested in going on a solo outing with you, that is her decision. It does not mean you have to participate in a group outing that does not align with your preferences. Instead, consider taking her to a special brunch or painting class or some other enjoyable activity."

Reddit user "One-Employee9235" suggested a more aggressive approach.

The commenter stated that they are practical and petty, and would bring cash to pay only for what they ordered plus one-third of their mother's meal.

"After giving mom a kiss, leave. Some have proposed taking mom out alone. This resolves the immediate issue but not the bigger one - why the whole family, including mom, continues to exploit [him]."

Planet Chronicle Digital reached out to "teanuts" seeking additional comment.

Whitmore said it's always best to discuss the bill in advance.

To avoid awkward confrontations, you could propose that everyone chip in for mom's meal and cover their own families' meals. If this is not feasible for everyone, then you could take mom out by yourself.