Two days ago, a lady was invited for a date by a guy she just met. After the meal, the guy told her to split the bills with him but she refused saying he should pay since he initiated the date. She asked Friday Treat if it was wrong and we decided to ask others. Here are what some youths think:
I don’t know how to answer that on behalf of others but I feel whoever is asking the other out on a date should. For example, if I’m asking someone to go out with me on a date then I have the money to sort out the bills. But, I believe I should discuss my budget with the supposed partner to avoid over spending that will affect or embarrass both of us. In summary; whoever is asking the other should sort the bill.
-Olumide Coker
Senate opposes granting of Nigerian citizenship to Africans
On a first date, who sorts the bill depends on a lot of factors ranging from who is richer to who initiated it, who is taking who out, whose ego is larger, and a host of others. A lot of people would argue that it’s the man that should cover expenses and because of our social structure, this mostly happens . But in more developed societies the couple could go dutch on such payments meaning that each party covers the bill for their individual meals and the benefit of this is that the lady doesn’t feel that she owes the guy anything and if she isn’t feeling it, she could just pick up her bag and walk away, no pressure. Truth is, as much as men want to show themselves as providers some men also love an independent woman who can take care of herself and what better time is there to show this than on the first date. For example, If a couple goes on a movie date and the guy offers to buy the tickets, there is no reason the woman can’t offer to buy the snacks. First of all, this makes some men more comfortable with you and makes the date go smoother and it also fosters mutual respect. Personally, on the first date, I would almost always cover the expenses but it’s always a breath of fresh air when I meet someone that offers to pay, although more times than not, I would decline but it’s always refreshing.
– Joshua Ohia
It depends on who asked who out. If the guy asked the lady out, he did so knowing fully well his financial capabilities and that he can fund the bills of the outing. So it’s in his right to decline any activities that is considered overspending on his account. If she insists on such activities, he should just be honest and if she still wants it, nothing stops her from paying for those extra activities. But due to ego and wanting to impress, most guys will keep quiet and over exceed their budget.
If the lady asks the guy out:
First date or not, it is assumed she is willing to pay for their outing, but the guy should still offer to pay unless she blatantly refuses and demands to sort the bills.
If the lady suggests an outing to the guy:
The guy pays for that outing.
– Victor Daniel
Whoever initiated the date should. Or conversely, the couple may agree to go dutch. Whatever suits them.
– Gbemi
A first date is said to be a gathering of two people; having a platform in order to know each other better as crucial issues of the heart are been discussed to douse the tension of an outburst of emotions for the opposite sex.
However, my opinion about who should foot the bills solely rests on the male folk. Reason been that the man is the initiator of the date and he’s meant to compliments the outing by offering an outstretch hand of love in cash and kind.
Furthermore, the man is the wooer and the lady in particular is led to a threshold of being wooed. So I see plethora reasons for the man to shoulder the responsibility of the outing. It shows the man is buoyant and in charge.
– Olagunju Afolabi
Well, both parties should split the bills. Reason being that, courtesy demands it. Let’s forget the normal African reasoning and be factual. You guys are getting to know yourselves for the first time, the guy paying it will make the girl seem like “oh! he thinks I’m hungry” and might make the guy look proud and all.
And on the dude’s part,he might just be doing it because it feels right (and that’s because in this part of our world,our males are raised to believe that they to provide for the family),hence their actions. But,personally I think splitting the bill is only normal and right.
– Cynthia Aladelola
It’s the guy that should sort it. The girl can sort it as well, but a gentle man will ask her not to bother…she can ask politely when it’s time to pay, ”can I sort the bill if you don’t mind”? That will make the guy respect her more.
– Esther Oluwafemi
On a first date, I believe whoever initiated or instigated the date should sort the bill. If you don’t have financial capability for an outing, you should not go out for a date!
Though our society might disapprove or suggest a guy is supposed to sort the bill on a date. I believe since most girls of nowadays are clamoring for gender equality then it should be in all ratification. If you inviting me on a date “you paying” and vice versa.
-Royalty Eromosele
Whoever initiates the date should be the one to pay. I don’t think anyone(male or female) who can’t comfortable foot the bills should take on such responsibility. Except there’s an agreement between both parties concerning splitting the bills (for example, one person pays for the first and the other for the second date or they agree between themselves to split the bills right there in the first date)the initiator of the date should be the one to pay.
-Sunmisola Peters
I strongly believe the man should foot the bill if he offers to take me out. It shows responsibility and capability. It doesn’t necessarily have to be in a five star restaurant. Just a classy place will do the trick. Then subsequent times we can see about splitting the bills. But the bills must be on him, especially that first time.
– Pelumi Falana
I’m of the opinion that whoever initiates the idea or brought about the date should be the person to foot the bill, it simply means the person is fully aware of the cost involved and is okay with it before he or she asks the partner on a date. You can’t expect the other person to foot a bill for a date not planned, considering he or she might not be able to afford it at that moment the planner brings up the idea of going on a date.
– Tobi Olayinka
and then