5-6 dates. But, the woman should always offer.

"Don't split, alternate. splitting is so awkward for a dating couple."

Agree. Same with offering to pay the tip. Just let him pay for the first few dates and don't worry about it. If you keep dating, there will be opportunities to pay - for the cab or drinks at the bar or buying tickets to an event. Or for a full meal at some point.

Anonymous wrote:Every time we go out, I offer to split the check, but he always says he'll get it. I'm starting to feel awkward and I definitely don't want him to think I'm taking advantage of him. What are the rules here?

Rules are while dating he picks up the check.
If you're feeling awkward and don't want to seem like you're taking advantage - invite him over to dinner and cook something.
You can pay for the groceries.

When we dated we either rotated or paid our own. Husband did not have a lot of money but he tried. Now, it doesn't matter - I used his pay check to pay the credit card bill. Usually he'll do it but sometimes I do.

Anonymous wrote:
As a joke, I sometimes thank DH for dinner when we go out although we have been together for over a decade and have 2 children.

When we go out for dinner, I always give my DH a kiss on the way out and say "Thanks for dinner babe." Is that weird? Obviously all the money is "ours" (I actually make a bit more than he does), but I always let him do the actually paying when we're out.

I'm big on saying thanks though... probably 4 or 5 things a day I say thanks to him for (and he reciprocates - and I notice the more I say thank you, the more he says it to me). "Thanks for emptying the dishwasher, thanks for taking out the trash, thanks for helping me make the bed, thanks for letting me know about XYZ."

Thank you is definitely one of the best phrases to incorporate into a marriage! Costs nothing and reaps huge rewards, even if the other person was just doing their "duty."

So back at square one. We have:

1. He should pay
2. He wants to pay, so let him
3. Split or alternate
4. If he pays he wants sex... or not.

Sounds like I'm not the only one who is confused.

My BF usually picks up the check at restaurants, but I pay for most of our activities. It balances out pretty well.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Forever.

Man? Woman? Why?

The question was "How long does the man pick up the check?" The answer is "forever". Real men pay on dates.

Now, that is SO stupid. And what do women offer - sex?

He's been a real gentleman so far.

If you think he keeps paying because he is a gentleman, then maybe you are the...

A financially secure gentleman will pay forever..

I don't get it. I'm married, but back when I was dating, I never felt odd when a man went to pick up the tab or like I "owed" him anything (sexual or otherwise).

All my boyfriends have paid for me all the time, including my now husband. I was a poor college student and then grad student. DH and I met in grad school. Even when both started working and I originally earned more than DH (then bf), he still paid when we went out. That doesn't mean that I didn't pay for anything. I paid for vacations, clothing, furniture and many other thiings while dating. With my savings (I had more than DH when we got married), we put a down payment on our first home, honeymoon and most of our wedding besides the reception.

As a joke, I sometimes thank DH for dinner when we go out although we have been together for over a decade and have 2 children.

Don't split, alternate. splitting is so awkward for a dating couple.

The first three dates. Then split or alternate.

This is 2015, there is more balance in terms of who pays now.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Forever.

Man? Woman? Why?

The question was "How long does the man pick up the check?" The answer is "forever". Real men pay on dates.

Now, that is SO stupid. And what do women offer - sex?

He's been a real gentleman so far.

If you think he keeps paying because he is a gentleman, then maybe you are the...

Seriously, do you think men pay BECAUSE they want sex?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Forever.

Man? Woman? Why?

The question was "How long does the man pick up the check?" The answer is "forever". Real men pay on dates.

Now, that is SO stupid. And what do women offer - sex?

He's been a real gentleman so far.

If you think he keeps paying because he is a gentleman, then maybe you are the...