Money Talks: Who Pays for the Date?
One of the very hard conversations on a first date is money. The biggest money question on a first date is often who pays the bill.
It’s a popular opinion that the one who asked for the date should be the one to pay. But this isn’t always the reality. While some decide to split the bill, others throw hints that they’ve got the tab or outrightly claim it as their financial responsibility. “My treat,” they say. Some claim the obligation in how they ask you out: they often use “I’d like to take you out for dinner…” instead of “would you like to get some dinner sometime?”
The general cultural assumption is that the guy/gentleman should pay for the date. This was a trend since the 1930s. As the world evolved, women continue to claim financial obligations as well. What we are certain about is that it is important to know what to expect on the first date to avoid butting heads and passive conflict.
A text message like,
Can’t wait for dinner on Friday! Just wondering — do you usually like to split the check, or have one of us pick it up and then maybe take turns? I’m happy to do it, however, just trying to avoid the check dance, lol. — borrowed it from a Twitter post.
The principle here is openness. If you are open enough to start this conversation from day one as lightly as it may be, may create a good path to begin trading on.
Money conversations are key to relationships. A lot of relationships are tested on this unit and the make and break of it, I determined by how well they handle the issue.
In his experience as a wealth coach, CEO Steve Down argues that from his media insight, experience and interactions, 70% of relationship problems that lead to divorces are financially related.
At financially fit Africa, we believe in building a relationship built on trust and openness around money. That is why we emphasise the need to be compatible with money. When couples and even singles looking for partners can have honest money conversations, they can stay true to the financial goals of their wealth vision.
We are rooting for you.
Financially Fit Africa.
