In this clip, we'll talk about who should pay on a date. Well, everybody kind of assumes that the guy is going to pay on the first date, and he should, but if a woman asks the guy out, and she wants to be the dominant in the relationship, then maybe she should pay for the first date.

 

 

 

But as you start to date, and you're spending more time together, do a reality check about the balance of the relationship. If you're dating somebody who's making a lot more money than you do, then they can pick up a lot more checks. But if it's a balanced financial situation, then it doesn't hurt to pick up a check here and there, or pick up smaller things. 

 

 

 

The guy should get the bigger things like dinner, but you could get dessert, or maybe, you know, if you go to get ice cream afterwards, or if you go to the movies, you can pay for the movies. So sharing the finances really does help a relationship, if the financial situations are pretty much balanced.

 

 

 

So let the man be the man. Let him get the checks in the beginning, but then show him that you appreciate him, and that you're not taking advantage of him, by contributing too. 

 

 

 

This is Donna Barnes, Life and Dating Coach, in New York City.