So you scored your first date. Now, who pays? Truth is, I generally stay away from dinner dates at first meeting so the bill is never more than $20-30 for a round of drinks (Yea, that could sound kinda pricey to some of you out there, but the Bay Area IS expensive). There’s a whole set of other reasons I stay away from dinner on the first date including: the inherently un-sexy nature of having someone watch me while I shovel food into my mouth, the speed in which I can put away a three-course meal, and what if they’re vegan?!?

A couple of weeks ago, I was on a first date at a neighborhood wine bar (his choice). He obviously knew the staff and was probably a regular. The conversation flowed easily and when he got up to use the bathroom, I noticed the bill had arrived. I sneaked a peek at the cheque, but since we only had one glass each, it was easily under twenty bucks. I pulled out my plastic and felt confident I could squeeze out a second date later, and he’ll just get the next round. I was surprised when I held out the bill to the server I got a two second blank stare. Then he spoke, “You know you can wait for him to get back…” HUH? Did the bar staff think my date would give a better tip than me? I was thoroughly confused.

Tons of discussion can be found on this subject. Women still only earn 78 cents for every dollar in America. If you want to get technical about it, whip out the iPhone and do the math. But let me say, that would be seriously not cool. Some advocate that whoever asks is the one who pays. Pretty much I’ve got one rule. I bring enough $$$ to get me through the date. If its truly bad, I can put down my share and bolt.