Should you split the bill while dating? (2024)

The mere thought of dating can induce a feeling of invigoration and at the same time it can evoke a sense of intimidation for both men and women. Invigorating and intimidating? Doesn’t go hand in hand, right? Well, dating is all that and much more. Over the years, the decrees of dating have changed. It is no longer a hard and fast rule unlike the bygone days that only a guy can ask a girl out. Today, if a girl finds a boy attractive or interesting, she too can make the first move.

In the present-day scenario where we talk endlessly about equality amongst the sexes, women’s liberation etc, there should be no scope for any disparity when it comes to dating or when you are building a long-term relationship with a girl. It’s an accepted fact that majority of women prefer their men to be chivalrous and charming at times like opening a door for them while entering a restaurant, offering them a seat before men take their position at the dining table etc. So, after a romantic meal, when the bill arrives, do you just fold your hands and expect your man to pay? Wonder what happened to that talk about equality amongst the sexes?

If the women folk expect their boyfriend to foot the bill every time they step out on a date, then you rather not talk about women’s liberation and equality. Equality should be in every sense of the way. Do not always expect the man to pay. Splitting the bill while dating should be acknowledged as a normal act by men and especially women. There is no decree which says that man must dig into his wallet whenever you eat out or sip a cup of coffee at the nearest café.

Mayank, a freelance photographer in Pune feels that there is nothing more irritating than a woman who will either not pretend to pay or make an attempt to share the bill despite earning a decent salary. Mayank’s dating experiences is rather intriguing to say the least especially the ones which ended with a dinner or a dessert. It has left him skeptical either about his date’s lack of appetite or their palpable disbelief when he has suggested the idea of splitting the bill.

Mayank’s advice is simple, “Do not order food and drinks presuming we will pay. While we do not want you to be a glutton and stuff your mouth with both hands at the same time. We do like a girl with an appetite”. He had an interesting anecdote to quote in this regard. “The real date from hell wants to seem sophisticated and order by consulting only the right side of the menu. I once met somebody who ordered the most expensive sea food and then when it arrived, she said ‘but today I am a vegetarian!”.

To split or not to split the bill — it certainly is not a predicament of a lifetime! Decide beforehand whether you want to split the bill. If the girl plans to pay her share, accept it as it may set everything in pace. There is no need to get uptight and enter into a scuffle if he insists on paying but be prepared to be fair. Order what you would like to eat or drink and if not hungry say so in the beginning not after your order has been placed in front of you. Even if you are paying for your share, it is rude not to eat after ordering.