INT. RESTAURANT – NIGHT
Upscale. The place is full but it’s still intimate. A MAN and a WOMAN sit at a table as they finish a piece of cake. By the flirtatious look in their eyes, they’re feelin’ each other. Mucho.
Woman
That was delicious.
He smiles.
Man
Yeah, I could definitely eat that every night.
She blushes, clearly liking the implication.
Man
I’m glad you finally let me take you out.
Woman
Me, too.
A WAITER comes by and leaves a check on the table. They both look at it, not knowing what to do.
Have you experienced this situation before? Are you about to go on a date and feel nervous about what to do when the bill arrives?
Don’t worry, we’re about to break it down.
William (Old School): Back in the day, it was automatic that the guy would pay for the bill. When I asked a woman out, there was no hesitation on my part in terms of paying for everything. I was raised to take care of my lady and I did just that. But, there were things that I looked out for when the check arrived:
*Did she expect me to pay?
*Did she offer to contribute to the meal?
*Did she thank me for paying?
I always looked out for these things because it said a lot about a woman. If she didn't even try to contribute, or say thank you, I felt like I was cheated. And it always told me she would probably act that way in a relationship. So, I always say the man should always pay for the meal while looking to see what the woman does. HOWEVER, if you’re always going out, allow her to pay every now and then.
Lauren (New School): My dad made some good points, but that was WAY back in the day. Times have changed. I don’t think it matters if you’re a man or a woman. What matters is who did the asking out?
Article comments
1 - Michele
I am a Marriage Proposal and Romantic Date planner. I think definitely in the beginning of a relationship a man should pay for the first few dates. It can even out later :)
2 - monika r
i dontn care what year it is a man should pay for dinner. after all, we have the babies, are pursued for the sex, have to take more risks, make less money for doing the same work, have to get prettied up for the date - is that not fair. i think it is!
3 - Jackie S
I'm "old school" but an independent thinking female, who prefers to pay for or contribute to paying the bill. I feel I'm more empowered and in control of the outcome at the end of the date.
4 - nunya
Bunch of stupid women out for a free meal is what it seems like. Women should always contribute in these times. It's not like we have a hunter/gather economy, everything costs a lot, and typically women make the same or more.