I heard an interesting thing the other day, about an Aspie in a
restaurant. The lady in question ordered a meal, which her dining
partner knew she didn't like. Afterwards they discusses it, and the
reason given was that, since she had never quite understood
the 'protocol' when dining in company, regarding bills and relative
costs, she always orders the cheapes thing on the menu, and then
splits the bill. That way, she knows she's always safe from criticism.

It reminded me that I have always had a problem buying a round of
drinks in a pub (no, wait). I've never known when to get them. Do I
wait until the glasses are empty? By which time some of the people
will have been waiting too long. Should I get them when the first
person has an empty glass (or nearly empty?). In which case, some
people won't be ready, and may refuse my offer, so, how do I 'catch'
them?

My solution is to always try to buy the first round.

Now, is that an AS trait - i.e. not understanding the protocol, or am
I just paranoid that some people will think I'm mean for not buying
them a drink?