First Date Etiquette: Who Picks up the Tab?

By: Jessica Danielle Ramirez

At last, the man you’ve been interested in asks you on a date. 

He picks you up, the conversation is fun and flirty and you dine at a trendy restaurant that sets the romantic mood you were hoping for. After a couple hours of getting to know each other and a few good laughs, the bill is handed to him. As a lady, you reach for your purse courteously and hope he says, “I got it.”

But, what if he doesn’t? What if he accepts your debit card?

According to the American Sociological Association, 84 percent of men and 58 percent of women said that men pay for most of the bills, even after there is a period of dating. 57 percent of women said to offer to pick up the tab, but secretly hope their date rejects the offer. 44 percent of women were upset when men wanted the woman to pitch in.

Whether the man takes the offer or not, many men feel as though it is their responsibility to pay. One anonymous source said, “If I am going out with the girl, it’s my priority to pay for her every meal, whether it be the first or 15th date.”

But there is also the other end where men expect to go dutch and split the bill in half. Not on the first date per se, but after a few months of dating. The concept of “going dutch” has become a norm for couples who are comfortable in their relationships.

Some may say yes, but others say it has evolved to where splitting the bill is acceptable even after a few dates.

What to consider if you are stuck paying for your half of the plate:

1:Know he may not be interested in you or in seeing you ever again: If a man is into you, there would be no way your fingertips would even touch the bill.. at least not on the first date.

2: Consider that he may be on a budget: If you both are still in college, chances are he may not be financially stable enough to pay for the additional plate. But in reality, there are many places to go to that are FREE or affordable.. Check out “Things to do” on Arizonalatinos.com website.