Free Advice Fridays Presents: Will Date for Free Meal?

Here’s an age-old question: When a guy asks a woman out, who’s expected to pay?

Ariel Says: Hmm...do I detect an ever-so-slight scent of au de resentment, wafting gently between the lines? As in, “Are you kidding me, fucker? You asked ME out, you pony up the cash IMMEDIATELY when the check comes, you don't sit there fiddling with your queer Save Darfur rubber bracelet and looking at me expectantly!” So, generally, I'd say the rule of thumb is, whoever suggests the date coughs up the dough. That means if you invite him to "The Ice Capades Presents: Moby Dick", you pay. Now, if/when he does ask you out, it would be nice to at least attempt the gesture of reaching for your purse with a "can I contribute?" in dulcet tones. Paying the tip is also very charming. He'll probably dismiss you will a gallant wave of his hand as he proudly rips open his Velcro SpongeBob wallet. If he doesn't, take heed, my friend.

Ken Says:I’ll put this as simply as I possibly can: If you’re a guy and you’re holding out any hope that the female who you’ve asked out for the evening will place her hand anywhere even remotely close to your schlong, you’re paying. What kind of a guy asks a girl to pony up for dinner then complains that she won’t sit on his face? Assholes, that’s who. And some European students.