How should I go about confronting Tom about treating Tim and leaving me out what should I say 10 points please read for more details?

Question

I am Jason and I am friends/ business partners with this guy named Tom. Well Tim is business partners/friends with Tom as well. This other gal Sara who is friends with Tim, but not friends with myself or Tom.

Anyways we went to chipotle. Tim stayed sitting in his chair. Tom, myself, and Sara went up towards the long line. Well me and Sara were behind Tom in line. Tom told me to go ahead of him and then Sara followed behind me. Me and Sara paid for our own plates separately. However, Tom paid for Tim's plate.

I was thinking if Tom was going to pay for Tim's plate than why not pay for me and Sara's plate.

Thoughts 10 points best answers. Please explain thoroughly.
This wasn't the first time. One night after this big company meeting me, Tom, Tim, and 10 others from work went to this sushi house. Well the waiters served all of us our food and drinks. Then after everyone was finished with their food. The bill came to the table everyone at the table was getting their money out to cover their portion of the bill. Well Tim sat their and didn't pull out a dime. However, Tom came over to me and everyone to collect the money except Tim. Tim didn't pay

Answer 1

There could be any number of reasons.

A. Tim and Tom are in a romantic relationship and you just didn't know.

B. Tim has financial problems you may not be aware of.

C. Tom has romantic feelings for Tim that have not been reciprocated yet, so Tom is still in that phase where he is trying to impress Tim.

D. Tom and Tim made a bet at some point and Tom lost.

E. Tom writes off the cost of the meal for him and Tim on their business' taxes, and it is easier to keep up with 1 receipt, than 2.

F. Tim did something for Tom that was so great that Tom feels he owes Tim.



G-Z. I could go on and on, but confronting Tom about it could harm your friendship with Tom and may force Tom to reveal facts he may not want to.



Regardless, your friendship with Tom should not hinge upon his financial dealings with others. You are Tom's friend because you enjoy being around him, not for how much he has or who he spends it on. I would let it go and just enjoy the friendship as it is.

Answer 2

It sounds like Tim & Tom might have a different business relationship that you and Tom. And it could be that perhaps Tim gets reimbursed for lunches/dinners with Tom, because they are partners, and vice-versa. You, however, are not business partners with Tim, so Tim really has no obligation to pay for your plate. It probably has a lot to do with how much both Tim & Tom can spend on others lunches or dinners. Even though Sara is a friend of Tim's, she is not a business partner, which is why Tom didn't pay for her plate either. Same with the sushi house; I don't know all the facts or what kind of company they work for, or if it is their own business, but I'll bet they simply can't foot the bill for everyone and anyone. I don't think it's favoritism at all. I would just ask Tom, "Hey Tom, I have been thinking about our lunches / dinners together and since we are business partners, I just want to clarify who pays for what. If there are times where we are all together but you can only pay for yourself and Tim, I am just curious as to why". Hope that helps clear things up!

Answer 3

It's all about you, isn't it?