It's hard to know who should pay on a first date, especially between men and women. It's nice to go even, but you also don't want to step on anyone's toes. I have guy friends who enjoy covering the check and see it as an expression of affection. I have other guy friends who hate that there's an expectation that they pay. Of course, everyone is different, but how are you supposed to tell what kind of person they are based on one date? I'm proposing radical first date transparency. Talk about it, and come to a decision together, that way nobody's feelings get hurt. Easier said than done, I know,
Money issues like this can continue way past the first date, like in this recent Reddit story from a long-term couple, whose bill-splitting decisions led to a public snafu. Read what commenters had to say about their sticky situation.