The check comes. Is there an awkward pause and silence about who picks up the tab? Or does it flow naturally? Couples might have trouble deciding whether or not to pay when they are on a date. Some people think that guys should pay because it is the gentlemanly thing to do, and some people think that you should split the cost or buy your own meal. But paying on dates should not be a big deal. I think that payment on dates should be decided between the couple, not a universal rule.
The first thing to do is talk to your boyfriend/girlfriend about how it is going to work out. Is the boy going to pay every time, sometime, or never? Communication is key. If you didn’t talk to he/she about it, there will be plenty of awkward silences in the future at the end of dinner. Not cool. So talk to him/her. Establish the rules about how dates are going to work.
For girls:
If a guy decides that he wants to pay for every single date, then that is perfectly fine! You are only lucky girl! Just make sure you are with him because you like HIM, not his benjamins!
But sometimes a guy might get tired of paying all the time. After all, it does get a little expensive after a while. So offer to chip in every once in a while. Either split the check or just pay for your meal yourself. That way your boyfriend will know that you care and that you aren’t trying to take advantage of him.
For guys:
Maybe you don’t believe that the guy should have to pay for a girl’s meal. Then establish the ground rules with the girl first, so she won’t be caught off guard or be unprepared. It is perfectly fine to pay for your own share only. There is not law commanding you to pay for your date, it’s more of a tradition than law.
But I feel that every once in a while you should treat your girlfriend to something special. That way, she will know your care for her and enjoy her company. Talk it out with your significant other and establish ground rules so that you understand what will happen next time the check rolls around. Just remember to talk about it before any more awkward silences come up!
-Sarah
