Anonymous wrote:Starting to date after an LT marriage ended. In my mid 40's and haven't dated in almost 20 years.
I've gone out a few times with different people. I asked them out. Both times, when the check came, the date didn't even offer to split it. The one where we just had a few drinks over a happy hour doesn't hurt. It was less than $50. However, the second one went on to order a full-blown meal where the expectation was to just meet for a few drinks to see if we actually like each other in person. Just her part was $60 including appetizer, dinner, and dessert. When the check came, she had to use the restroom. I disconnected from both of them. Even if they offered to pay for their own order, would have made me feel better but it seemed like it was expected that I would pay. Also, these aren't some 20-30 year old people I'm talking about. Both ladies were my age +/- a few years.
Should I tell people up front that we will split the check? I don't want to be a dick but this is going to start to add up.
Question for women - is it expected for the man to pay for the first date?
Question for men - Do you just tell the server at the end for separate checks? Again, I don't want to be an ass about it but especially if the date is not going well, why should I end up paying for both.
When the second woman ordered a meal on a drinks date - did you also order a meal? If so, she probably considered it an extension of the date you invited her on. Next time, meet for coffee, a walk in the park, or a museum if you don’t want to keep spending $$$ on pricy dinners. As a woman I’m fine with free or low-cost first dates, but yes, if you ask me out I do expect that you’ll pay, and if you asked a server for separate checks there would be no second date.