The One Thing You Need To Know Before Going On A Date

We all go on dates from time to time. Or at the very least, we have been on one at some point. There are so many rules when it comes to dating both spoken and unspoken. It appears that in this millennial generation that we have found even more ways to complicate the whole thing.

So, what is the one thing that you need to know before going on a date?

Simple, who pays the bill. So, my question to you is, “who pays the bill on a date?”

Now if you are like me, you will have questions about this question. While writing this post, I can come up with at least 25 different starter questions including but not limited to:

What kind of date is it?

How long do I know this person?

How well do I know this person?

What is their socioeconomic status? Well, of course, you won’t carry Rihanna to the same place you would carry Jane from the diner. Hey! Just saying.

When it comes to paying the bill, I think these tips or unspoken rules will help:

1. Who asked who out? The person who asked or the asker is assumed to be the one paying and rightfully so.

2. When it comes to couples and date night. Or a more habitual or routine form of dating. A joint account card may be best. However, in the event that one does not exist in the unit. Or that is not what the funds the account are allocated to. Then taking turns seems fair and takes the pressure off of one partner.

3. When it comes to a business date, it is common courtesy for the host of the meeting to offer to pay for the guest(s) meals and forward them the opportunity to accept or decline.

4. The same rule applies to a networking event. If you have invited someone i.e. a prospect to a location that serves food and beverages to show your opportunity, please set aside an amount in your budget to cover the costs of food and drinks or drinks at the very least. This sets you up as the authority.

5. Meetups. If a group of friends or even two friends meet up for a night out. It is expected that each person carries their own weight and pays their own bill unless prior to this it was discussed that the bill would be split equally. The only time this would not apply would be if someone in the group has a special event going on e.g. birthday, anniversary etc.

6. Another unspoken rule, which is something my mom and I practice all the time. One party pays the bill, the other party is supposed to offer to cover the tip. The person paying the bill may decline the offer, more so in a romantic setting. But that is just the way it is supposed to be.

All in all, life is about being fair, building relationships and showing people appreciation and value. These little things show others that you care and are not there just for the taking.