Dating Etiquette: Who Pays?

In today's times, when there is so much talk all around about woman's equality and liberation, the dating rules are fast changing too. Today, it is not always the man who asks a woman out. It is acceptable and totally all right if it's a woman who is taking an initiative to woo a man! The changed equation however, has left many a men and women confused as to what is expected of them while out on a date. One of the primary concerns is who will foot the bill after the date. Here are some tips on the same.

Speaking from the man's point of view, mostly, men are prepared to foot the entire bill for the date, especially if it's a first date and the two do not know each other that well. At the same time, they feel that if they offer to pay entirely, they might appear conservative and old-fashioned to the woman. Women on the other hand, fall in two categories. The first, who take it for granted that the man will pay and the second who consider themselves equal to a man in each and every aspect and thus, insist on going Dutch. Here, an important tip for men is NEVER EVER let the woman pay entirely! Even the most liberated ones will refuse to see you again if you do that!

The First Few Dates...
For the initial few dates, ideally the man should pay (unless and until she absolutely insists). By taking care of the expenses, a man presents himself as someone who is responsible and can take care of others, which are the primary qualities that women look for in a man. So as a general rule, for the first two months, all the guys should pay the bill. However, if it's a woman who has asked a man out, it is considered all right if she pays the bill entirely. In such a case too, however, the man should always offer to pay and then go by whatever the woman says.

When in a Relationship...
For couples who are in a steady relationship, the bills should be split equally. If you are living together, all household expenses should be shared. Likewise, any things bought jointly, should be paid for equally too. Especially if both the man and the woman are earning almost the same salary. If the woman insists that the man pays every time, a good idea would be to have a conversation about it in a frank manner and then arrive at the solution jointly.

For Special Occasions...
If it's a special occasion such as an anniversary, the woman's birthday or when out on a holiday, men should pay. By making payment a man shows that he values his woman and thus would do all possible things to make her feel special! However, if it's the man's birthday, the woman should pay, to let her man know that she cares. And the man should accept it graciously!

Some women are of the opinion that when a man pays entirely, he expects that he will get sex at the end of the date, that's why some women insist on going Dutch. On the other hand, some men might think that if a woman never ever offers to pay, it shows that she is a gold digger. Other, more old-fashioned men think that by paying entirely, they show a woman that they are good providers and can lead! So you can see, the opinions are greatly divided on this issue. Whether to pay entirely, or forgo completely or go Dutch - it's entirely up to you!