Who pays the first date?

[Kacik]

My dad says the man should. My ex said the same. I disagreed and wanted to take turns, or split. That made him feel uneasy...

Let's say it's not anything incredibly expensive - a coffee and ice-cream or low-ish entrance fee to a place, cheaper lunch/dinner... Really nothing lavish

What option is most comfortable for you? What do you think "the norm" should be? Where are you from?

The guy

The girl

They should split

Whoever makes significantly more money

Whoever invites the other

[DishLady]

I literally was out with a guy just yesterday -- just friends and we've known each other a LONG time -- and he paid "bc he's the man" and that was the end of that discussion for him. I don't really get to see him that often so it wasn't an argument I was going to get into, you know? And he's a nice guy, so he reminded me that the last time we'd gone out I had treated... which was then the real reason not to let me pay. It was sweet of him to remember. I hadn't remembered at all.

Anyway, getting back to the First Date question, this guy -- and basically ALL my guy friends -- would never think of letting a girl pay on a date with them. It's considered an insult to their "manhood" or something... and honestly is that the lasting impression you want to leave with the guy you're possibly interested in seeing again?

THE ONE EXCEPTION is if you're not into this guy and you really don't plan to see him again. THEN ok, pay or offer to pay or get into your little argumentative mode to ruin the date vibe completely... and he'll basically not want to call or bother you again.

[Kacik]

It was explained to me similarly as you described it in your second paragraph... that is one of the reasons I asked here, but some "guys" in the comments and the poll so far seem to treat it as a possibility to troll and don't offer any plausible arguments. Thank you for sharing

[DishLady]

Guys are sometimes confused about the fact that women SPLURGE on prep for a date. We don't just show up with cute asses and whatnot... it's a daily concerted effort. To then have Dad Bod guys whine about having to pay $20-$40 on lunch/brunch/light dinner? Come on...

[Simslover92]

The guy but I will always offer to go half just to be courteous.

[Iron_Man]

The man should pay for the first date always it’s a good sign of faith. Later on down the road if the woman insist on Dutch Treat 50-50 split then it can be discussed And worked out

[Iron_Man]

Thanks for most helpful award

[DrPepper12]

Split or invitor. It should be so SIMPLE & CHEAP the first time that it's irrelevant.

[bralesswonder]

Usually I pay but If she offers (only happened once) I wouldn't say no

[msc545]

Men pay for the first and all subsequent dates unless they don't want to see the woman again.

[oldpigg]

The woman must pay for her meal and mine.

[DrPepper12]

Chivalrous or broke at 18?

[LiamJHayden]

The asker should at least offer.

[Kelly6]

@Kacik guys