AITA for only paying for my wife and I at a restaurant?
I (24m) and my wife (24f) are newlywed couples. My wife has 4 friends who she has been really close with since school. For a celebration my wife decided to go to an expensive steak house.
The day comes and we go in separate cars there. We all eat and my wife slides the bill (700+) and proceeds to say. “The man should always pay for the wife and her friends.”
I laugh awkwardly saying why. She says because I’m the man. I tell her that the only other person I would pay for would be you and me. Her friends proceeded to laugh at me calling me a broke husband. I stand up and put the money for me and my wife’s food and leave.
My wife gets home and starts screaming at me. Saying I made her feel embarrassed. How she promised her friends I’d pay. And that her friends made fun for her on the ride home for marrying a man who can’t pay the bill.
I decided to pack a bag and head to my friends house. I told my parents/friends and they say I should have just payed it. Now I’m having second thoughts if I over reacted.
Edit 1: Hi guys, I’ve read someone comments if my wife has ever acted like this. And she never has that why I just laughed awkwardly.
The only other time she did this was when I didn’t buy her mom food. Which happened when we first started dating. And it was the first time she ever screamed at me like that. Instead of escalating it, I just left. And when we do argue it’s not a screaming match.
I read some comments and decided to go talk to her tomorrow about what happened, why she did that etc.
I do recognize that I didn’t pay the full amount of me and my wife’s dinner. I do take fault in that. I should have added another 50-75 dollars to make it the price of 2 people.
A 42-year-old woman has been arrested by the Singapore police for loanshark harassment, after she allegedly splashed paint and left a debtor’s note at a unit along Rivervale Walk.
S’pore Police’s statement
WOMAN ARRESTED FOR LOANSHARK HARASSMENT
The Police have arrested a 42-year-old woman for her suspected involvement in a case of loanshark harassment.
On 11 August 2023 at about 9.20pm, the Police were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment where a debtor’s note was left at a residential unit along Rivervale Walk. The gate of the unit was also splashed with red paint.
Through follow-up investigations and with the aid of images from Police cameras, officers from Ang Mo Kio Police Division established the identity of the woman and arrested her on 17 August 2023.
The woman will be charged in court on 19 August 2023 under the Moneylenders Act 2008. First time offenders found guilty of loanshark harassment shall be fined not less than $5000 and not more than $50,000, with mandatory imprisonment of up to five years, and caning of up to six strokes. Repeated offenders found guilty of loanshark harassment shall be fined not less than $6000 and not more than $60,000, with mandatory imprisonment of not less than 2 years and not more than 9 years, and caning of not less than 5 and not more than 10 strokes.
The Police have zero tolerance for loanshark harassment activities. Those who deliberately vandalise properties, cause annoyance and disruption to public safety and security, will be dealt with severely in accordance with the law.
Members of the public are advised to stay away from loansharks and not to work with or assist the loansharks in any way. The public can call the Police at ‘999‘ or the X-Ah Long hotline at 1800-924-5664 if they suspect or know of anyone who could be involved in loansharking activities.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE 18 August 2023 @ 10:21 PM
POLICE STATEMENT ON INCIDENT BETWEEN POLICE COAST GUARD OFFICERS AND MALAYSIAN FISHERMAN IN SINGAPORE TERRITORIAL WATERS ON 14 AUGUST 2023
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) is aware of news articles by Malaysian media (Sinar Harian and Berita Harian (Malaysia)) alleging that a Police Coast Guard (PCG) boat had entered Malaysia Territorial Waters (MTW) and headed towards the fishing net laid by a Malaysian fishing vessel. This is untrue.
The facts of the incident are as follow.
On 14 August 2023 at 6.55am, PCG officers were patrolling Singapore Territorial Waters (STW) when they spotted a Malaysian fishing vessel in STW at the sea off Tuas. At the time, there were a few other fishing vessels in the vicinity, but they were in MTW. PCG officers engaged the fisherman on board the fishing vessel in STW and advised him to leave STW.
After the engagement, a fishing net became entangled with the propellors of the PCG boat as the PCG boat was reversing to try to avoid entering MTW. The fishing net was subsequently damaged in the process of untangling it from the propellors.
PCG officers were enforcing Singapore’s laws within STW.
The SPF notes that the fisherman involved in the incident on 14 August 2023 was also involved in a previous incident in October 2022, when he was advised to leave a live firing area in STW for his own safety. During the October 2022 incident, he had also falsely claimed that he was in MTW when he was in fact in STW. The SPF had similarly issued a clarification regarding his allegations. Please see Annex for the Police News Release on the incident that happened in October 2022.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE 20 August 2023 @ 10:35 AM
S’pore Police’s statement back in 2022
COAST GUARD OFFICERS AND MALAYSIAN FISHING VESSELS IN SINGAPORE TERRITORIAL WATERS ON 23 OCTOBER 2022
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) is aware of allegations circulating online about Malaysian fishermen being chased away by Police Coast Guard (PCG) officers for fishing in Malaysian Territorial Waters. The allegations are wholly untrue. The facts of the incident are as follows.
On 23 October 2022, at about 4.00pm, PCG officers were patrolling Singapore Territorial Waters, when they spotted a group of Malaysian fishing vessels entering and exiting the live firing area of Singapore’s Territorial Waters off Lim Chu Kang. Unauthorised vessels are strictly prohibited from entering the live firing area, for their own safety. PCG officers thus approached the Malaysian fishing vessels and used the public address system on the PCG boat to advise them to leave the live firing area in Singapore Territorial Waters.
At about 5.28pm, a few Malaysian fishing vessels approached the PCG officers, and their crew expressed unhappiness at being asked to leave the area. Our officers explained that unauthorised vessels were prohibited from entering the area, and asked them to leave for their own safety. After a verbal exchange, the Malaysian fishing vessels returned to Malaysian Territorial Waters at about 5.37pm. This exchange also took place entirely in Singapore Territorial Waters.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE 25 October 2022 @ 7:10 AM
A cockroach displayed commendable determination by holding on to the window of an aircraft in the air, and it has taken the internet by storm. This incident, witnessed by a female passenger on a China Southern Airlines flight, has left people intrigued and amused.
The Unusual Scene
On August 16th, a female passenger embarked on a flight from Xishuangbanna to Ningbo with China Southern Airlines. During the journey, she encountered an utterly unexpected sight—a cockroach adhering to the plane’s window.
What made this sighting even more bewildering was the insect’s ability to cling to the window’s surface without any apparent struggle or fear of falling.
A Puzzling Observation
The passenger, Ms. Guo, diligently observed the cockroach for an impressive three hours as it hung onto the window while the aircraft soared thousands of feet above the ground.
The perplexity deepened as she contemplated why a cockroach would choose to position itself on an airplane window, high above the clouds.
Unveiling the Truth
As the flight continued, Ms. Guo remained vigilant, closely monitoring the cockroach’s behavior until she reached her destination in Ningbo.
The cockroach’s resilience was evident; it showed no signs of budging, even in the face of the plane’s movement and turbulence. However, China Southern Airlines later revealed that the cockroach was not braving the elements as it initially seemed.
Behind the Scenes
In a subsequent report, China Southern Airlines clarified that the cockroach observed by Ms. Guo was nestled between the inner surface of the aircraft’s windshield and the inner lining.
This revelation shifted the narrative, explaining that the cockroach’s perceived flight was, in fact, an optical illusion created by its position between the glass and the inner structure of the aircraft.
The Mystery Solved
It was plausible that the cockroach had crawled onto the window from the cargo or luggage on the plane. This migration made it appear as though the cockroach was “flying” on the outside of the window. In reality, it was shielded from the elements by the aircraft’s structure.
Going Viral
Despite the debunking of the cockroach’s airborne endeavor, the viral video continued to captivate audiences. The footage garnered a staggering 45 million views on Douyin and other social media platforms.
Internet users were quick to draw parallels with the cockroach’s resilience and its nickname in Chinese culture—”Xiao Qiang,” which translates to “Little Strong One” in English.
Unbelievable, A passenger who didn't buy a plane ticket.😎 It finally succeeded in reaching its destination. Cockroaches are the most powerful creatures on earth. pic.twitter.com/agijdytV6V
Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng has taken decisive action by instructing the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) Office to issue corrective measures in response to a TikTok video.
The video, posted by the user @dr.ishhaq.jay on August 12, prompted the issuance of a Correction Direction to the user and a Targeted Correction Direction to TikTok itself.
CORRECTION DIRECTIONS UNDER THE PROTECTION FROM ONLINE FALSEHOODS AND MANIPULATION ACT 2019 TO ADDRESS FALSEHOOD ON CPF POLICIES
1 The Minister for Manpower has instructed the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) Office to issue a Correction Direction to TikTok user “dr.ishhaq.jay” and a Targeted Correction Direction1 to Tiktok Pte Ltd. in relation to a TikTok post by user “dr.ishhaq.jay” on 12 August 2023 (“the TikTok Post”).
In the TikTok Post, he falsely claimed that no one among low and middle income CPF members who utilised their CPF monies to repay their HDB loan has met either the Basic Retirement Sum or Full Retirement Sum in their CPF accounts.
2 The user “dr.ishhaq.jay” will be required to create a new TikTok post containing a correction notice which states that the TikTok Post contains a false statement of fact, and provide a link to the Government’s clarification. TikTok Pte. Ltd. will also be required to communicate a correction notice to all end-users in Singapore who had accessed the TikTok Post.
3 For the facts of the case, please refer to the Factually article “Corrections and Clarifications regarding false statement of fact on CPF policies in TikTok video published by “dr.ishhaq.jay” on 12 August 2023” at https://www.gov.sg/article/factually200823-a.
MINISTRY OF MANPOWER 20 AUGUST 2023
Govt’s clarifications
Corrections and clarifications regarding false statement of fact on CPF policies in TikTok video published by “dr.ishhaq.jay” on 12 August 2023
The Ministry of Manpower would like to point out that a TikTok video published by “dr.ishhaq.jay” (“the TikTok Post”) on 12 August 2023 contains a false statement of fact on CPF members.
False Statement of Fact
The TikTok Post stated that no one among low- and middle-income CPF members who has used their CPF monies to repay their HDB loan has been able to meet either the Basic Retirement Sum (BRS) or Full Retirement Sum (FRS) in their CPF accounts.
This statement is false.
Based on CPF Board’s data, almost 7 in 10 active CPF members have set aside their cohort’s BRS at age 55 in 2022. This proportion includes members earning below the median income for those aged 55 years old in 2022 who have used their CPF savings to repay housing loans. We expect the proportion of active CPF members who are able to set aside their cohort’s BRS at age 55 to increase to about 8 in 10 in 2027.
The Minister for Manpower, Dr. Tan See Leng, has instructed the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) Office to issue a Correction Direction to TikTok user “dr.ishhaq.jay” and a Targeted Correction Direction to TikTok Pte. Ltd. under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act 2019, in respect of the TikTok Post.
Additional Clarifications
Government Support for Retirement Adequacy
The Government has been enhancing the CPF system over the years, especially to benefit those who require more support. For example, we provide 1% extra interest on the first $60,000 of members’ combined CPF balances, and an additional 1% on the first $30,000 of combined CPF balances for members aged 55 and above, to help boost their retirement savings.
To help seniors who wish to continue working, we have been raising senior workers’ CPF contribution rates in tandem with the raising of retirement and re-employment age. For seniors who have less for retirement, we provide targeted support through schemes such as Silver Support and ComCare. We have also introduced the Matched Retirement Savings Scheme to help seniors who have not met the prevailing BRS to save more for retirement.
To support lower-wage workers to earn more through upgrading skills and improving productivity, the Government has worked with tripartite partners to expand the Progressive Wage Model. The Government further tops up their wages and provides additional CPF contributions through the Workfare Income Supplement scheme.
Clarifications on TikTok Post
1. The TikTok Post claimed that members will have to start paying cash for their monthly HDB loan repayment from age 55 onwards, as CPF monies in their Ordinary Account would all be transferred to their Retirement Account at that point.
Facts:
When a CPF member turns 55, monies from the member’s Special Account is transferred to their Retirement Account, up to the Full Retirement Sum. If there is a shortfall to the Full Retirement Sum, only the Ordinary Account monies needed to make up the shortfall is transferred to the Retirement Account.
CPF members can apply before age 55 to have all or part of their Ordinary Account monies retained in their Ordinary Account to pay for their housing loan. If they do so, this monies will not be transferred to the Retirement Account even if there is a shortfall to the Full Retirement Sum.
Any inflows to members’ Ordinary Account after they turn 55 can also be used for housing.
Please visit the CPF Board website for more details.
2. The TikTok Post claimed that members are charged interest on the CPF monies and grants used for housing.
Facts:
When members use their CPF savings for housing, they are tapping into savings that go towards supporting their retirement needs, Therefore, when they sell their property, they are required to refund to their own CPF Account the total amount of CPF monies (including any CPF housing grants) used for the purchase of the flat as well as the amount of interest the member would have earned if that monies were not utilised for the purchase of the flat. The full refund goes to the member’s CPF account, and nothing goes to the Government or any other party. There are no charges imposed on the member when they sell their property.
3. The TikTok Post claimed that members cannot use their CPF savings to pay for their children’s education, whereas foreigners enjoy education for free.
Facts:
Under the CPF Education Loan Scheme, CPF members can use their Ordinary Account savings to pay for their children’s tuition fees at full-time subsidised diploma/degree courses at Approved Educational Institutions.
In general, foreigners pay higher school fees than Singaporeans, and do not get education for free in Singapore. Access to government loans is also not free for foreign students, with interest payable after graduation.
The former prime minister of Thailand, 74-year-old Thaksin Shinawatra, is poised for a spectacular return to Thailand after spending more than 10 years in a self-imposed exile, after he was ousted in a military coup back in 2006.
He will be sent to prison upon his arrival in Thailand.
An Unexpected Announcement
The momentous announcement of Thaksin Shinawatra’s return to Thailand was made by his youngest daughter, Paetongtarn. She took to her social media pages to convey the news to the public, stating that she would be at Don Mueang Airport on August 22 at 9am to welcome her father back home. This revelation came after initial plans for his return on August 10 were altered.
Coinciding with Thaksin’s scheduled return on August 22 is a significant parliamentary gathering that aims to decide on a new prime minister, thus concluding months of political deadlock. Amidst this backdrop, the Pheu Thai Party, with which Thaksin has strong affiliations, is set to nominate real estate magnate Srettha Thavisin for the role of prime minister of Thailand.
Legal Proceedings Await
Thaksin’s return is not without legal implications. Wissanu Krea-ngam, Thailand’s deputy prime minister and acting justice minister, has asserted that Thaksin will face imprisonment upon his arrival in the country, according to The Bangkok Post.
Elaborate preparations have reportedly been made by officials to ensure a smooth transition for Thaksin’s reentry. Once back in Thailand, Thaksin will be treated like any ordinary suspect and subjected to standard legal procedures.
A Journey Towards Justice
Thaksin’s path towards resolution entails a series of legal steps. The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders is poised to issue an imprisonment warrant against him.
Subsequently, Thaksin will be escorted to Klong Prem Central Prison by Corrections Department officials. While he has the option to seek a royal pardon, there is also the possibility of his family members pursuing it on his behalf.
In the event that his initial pardon application is rejected, Thaksin would face a minimum two-year prison sentence before being eligible to resubmit his request.
Accompanying him on this flight is his sister, Yingluck, who is herself a fugitive and a former Thai prime minister.
The account further notes that Thaksin’s son, Panthongtae, will join them in Singapore before continuing the journey back to Thailand.
A Reflection on Thaksin’s Legacy
Thaksin Shinawatra’s political journey has been marked by both accomplishment and controversy. Rising to the position of prime minister in 2001, his tenure was not without its challenges.
In 2006, he was ousted from power in a military coup and subsequently sought refuge in exile to evade a corruption trial, which ultimately led to his conviction in absentia.
Throughout his years of absence, Thaksin has predominantly resided in London and Dubai, occasionally making appearances in Singapore.
Conclusion: A Turning Point for Thailand
As the date of Thaksin Shinawatra’s return to Thailand draws near, the nation stands on the brink of a significant juncture in its political landscape.
The convergence of his homecoming with the crucial parliamentary decision showcases the complex interplay between the personal and political realms.
Videos circulating on social media platforms recently captured Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his wife Ho Ching dining at the bustling Bukit Merah View Hawker Centre.
This appearance took place on a Friday, and the videos soon garnered a significant number of likes and shares, showcasing the public’s interest in this unconventional scene.
The TikTok video showcased PM Lee and Madam Ho seated at one of the tables, surrounded by enthusiastic residents. The couple was positioned right in front of a drinks stall, sharing the table with five other individuals, including two young children.
Tanjong Pagar MP Joan Pereira, responsible for the Henderson-Dawson ward in which the hawker center is located, was among the group, casually engaging in conversations and ordering food.
Surrounded by bodyguards
PM Lee and his wife were seen smiling in indulging in conversation, as well as shaking hands with some members of the public while having his meal with his family and friends.
They were also surrounded by a number of men, believed to be bodyguards, keeping watch and facing outwards towards the public members.
Netizens’ comments
The bodyguard need to go order?
what food is he eating that he comes all the way to bkt merah view hawker centre
It is rare opportunity for PM to mingle with the crowds and may not able to eat in peace as many people may want to talk to him.
Hope that I can meet my PM Mr LHL one of these days at any where and anytime pls
Got return the tray?
actually quite nice to see them visiting hawker eating
the drink stall uncle was giving the signal”hello, u faster drink finish can anot, I still want make business de leh”
wow sg PM Lee so humble hang out at local pack foodcourt…top leader class
I saw a bunch of assistant doing the order services, I believe we wish to see LHL order/carry the tray by himself just like we usually does.
“Last month, I have just known about my salary increment and bonus. While it does seems good and that i am also having a promotion, i don’t feel happy at all though my hard work is being recognized.I am honestly grateful for the opportunity given and thankful that i am earning above average for a fresher, but i am really lost as to whether i should stay at my current company or look for a new job.
In my current role, while work can be hectic sometimes, i am pretty much free and bored most of the times as the learning curve has became stagnant. While there is several initiatives that i took, which improves the business operations significantly… I still feel like i have lost my passion for work, and not sure what i should do now to look forward to work everyday.
Should i look for a new job so that i can gain new work experience and regain my purpose of working? Or stay at my current comfy role?”
Here are what netizens think:
Get out of your comfort zone and learn more. Do it when you are still young and no commitment yet. Those experience will serve you well next time.
Career risks depend a lot on your commitments and personal debt structures.If you are holding on to a government job, stay on. You will be able to extrapolate your life plans and minimise your worries for a very long time.If you are in a private organisation, then it would really depend on what you want. The sad truth to private organisations is that many don’t have the bandwidth to tolerate your deterioration in performance when you have to step away from work later in life.If you have a dependable family to free you of your time to focus on a career, then you have a better risk appetite in terms of sacrificing personal time.So it really depends on your current circumstances to make this decision. Everyone’s purpose of working is different.
If me I will change if I know I can get higher/same pay outside.
In the realm of culinary surprises, prices that defy our expectations can occasionally take us aback. The recent news of a customer being charged a staggering S$19 for a packet of mutton biryani from The Banana Leaf Apolo at Downtown East has once again sparked a discussion about the costs associated with dining out.
Just as the shock of a S$12.50 plate of hokkien mee from Marina Bay Sands resonated with many, a similar sentiment has emerged around the hefty price tag attached to a packet of mutton biryani.
The customer in question, who shared her experience on social media, expressed her disbelief at the steep cost of the dish.
The receipt that accompanied the customer’s post outlined the breakdown of her bill. She was charged S$38 for two packets of mutton biryani.
Alongside the 8% Goods and Services Tax (GST) that is typically levied on restaurant bills, there was also a 5% packing charge. As a result, her total bill amounted to S$43.10.
The customer’s caption on her post echoed the sentiments of many who were taken aback by the pricing: “Briyani so expensive at apollo banana leaf! 2 packets [of] mutton briyani at $38. Still charge $1.90 for packing.”
Paying for brand or food
While such instances may seem isolated, they highlight broader issues surrounding restaurant pricing. The question arises: Are customers paying a premium for the name and reputation of a restaurant, or is there a genuine justification for these costs?
Restaurant pricing isn’t solely about recouping costs; it’s a delicate balance between factors like ingredient quality, location, rent, staff salaries, and desired profit margins. Restaurants often strive to strike the right equilibrium between offering value to customers and ensuring their own sustainability.
The inclusion of GST and service charges is a standard practice in the food industry. These additional charges contribute to the overall dining experience.
While they may cause initial sticker shock, they are a crucial part of the revenue stream that keeps restaurants operational.
The connection between price and customer satisfaction is intricate. While customers expect reasonable prices, they also associate higher prices with perceived quality. However, when the price exceeds their perceived value, it can lead to dissatisfaction and negative reviews.
Netizens’ comments
By claiming inflation as a main cause, food sellers always exploited the situations by increasing prices here and there.
Food sold are already considered as a package, why should we pay extra for packaging? That’s called extra profiteering!
Honestly, prices at F&B seem to be going crazily high and not sure if the relevant authority is aware. Are we at the mercy of these F&B operators? Who is protecting the consumers’ interest?
Should have said, mutton briyani take away, but don’t want the packaging. Came across some stall, take away 50cent so we bring our own container and still the stall says that cannot use the container reason,’ hygiene’.
A netizen shared how he feels worthless because nobody remembered his birthday.
Here is the story:
Literally no one remembered my birthday and I feel so worthless
I typically don’t care about this sort of things so I didn’t mention it to anyone but absolutely no one remembered it was my birthday today.
It’s crushing. Not my real life friends, not my teachers, not anyone from work, not any online friends, not my roommates. Literally no one.
Never in my life have I ever felt so completely alone and worthless. I feel like my life doesn’t even matter.
No one remembered me on the one day that is kind of for me, even a little bit. I don’t even like celebrating my bday; I just wish people said even a small happy birthday.
