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[From The Frisky]

It seems that all anyone is talking about lately is the economy, so why is money still such a tough topic to discuss with your nearest and dearest? They say married couples fight over money more than anything else, but what about when you just started dating? That’s possibly even more awkward.

The First Date

Though Dr. Phil feels otherwise, my take on this has always been he (or she) who asks, pays. (The bloviating shrink says men should always be the ones to pony up.) And if you don’t pay for the whole thing, you should at least offer to split the tab. Incredibly (to me), most women I spoke to thought I was an idiot and firmly believed the dude should always pay on a first date-though for some this was a recent change of heart.

Kate, a 33-year-old writer told me, “I tend to try to pay for myself, but as I get older and more comfortable with my awesomeness, I kind of wish and hope that the other person will be a little more old-fashioned about it.” Good point. If someone’s eating opposite Amazing Me, shouldn’t she or he pay for the privilege? After all, I’m entertaining and cute and if you let me order dessert there may be some smooching in your future.

Regardless of your feelings on the matter, whatever you do, don’t leave the house without enough money to pay for at least your share. It’s a first date so while he may seem great (and generous) on paper, you never really know what you’re getting into until he’s sitting across from you. Sure, he might be staring adoringly deep into your eyes, but then again, his pants might be held up with duct tape. Do you really want to count on that dude to know the meaning of “gratuity?”

What to say: “That’s so generous of you-can I at least leave the tip?”

What not to say: “This princess doesn’t pay for food!”

So what do you do after the first date, especially if you end up with your new beau? Read the rest of the article here.

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