Although I always offer to pay my share, I do expect the man to pay on our second date, which is the real first date. For the first date, I don’t believe it is necessary to go through a lot of trouble to meet someone you don’t even know you can endure 5 minutes of their presence. I like to keep things simple and real and see if I’d like to go on a real first date. Coffee places, a drink or walks are usually great and spending is minimal.

Does that mean you should expect him to pay on the first date?

There is no right or wrong answer for this question. I believe the best way to go is according to your convictions. I don’t think who pays on the first date is as important as whether you are being real and true to yourself. If you have been raised to expect him to pay, trying not to will set you both off on the wrong foot. That being said, men consider classy a woman who don’t assume they have to foot the bill.

Independent Feminist?

If you like to assert your independence and don’t like strangers to take care of you just because they are having dinner with you, by all means insist on handling your share. But make sure he is clear about your motives if you plan on seeing him again.  Men like to take care of women they fancy and most gentlemen will interpret your insistence as a sure sign you are not interested in them.

In Any Case Bring Your Wallet

Nevertheless, be ready to tackle your share as you never know how disastrous the first date can be. If things work out and you both become more intimate, as long as you are both focused on what truly matter, like making each other happy, who pays the bill should not be an issue. And if you find yourself always paying, I only have two words for you sister; dump him.