Money is the most uncomfortable topic when it comes to romance. Nobody wants to be the one to bring it up, but if you don’t, it will inevitably result in negative consequences. So, when is the right time for you to bring up the conversation about money while you’re dating? Taking a look at the situation reveals that there are certain times and ways that you should use to bring up financial matters with your partner.
Never do it on the first date
With all the rules concerning money and romance, one rule holds true: never, ever talk about money on the first date. According to experts of the website Beyondthecharter, you shouldn’t talk about money on the first date, it kills all romantic atmosphere. Your date will know that you are thinking about money and they will believe that you’re being cheap if you bring it up. While you might want to go and split the bill when it comes, there is no need to talk about it at the outset of the date. It’s good form for the individual who asked the other out to pay for the date, but that idea is changing in the present. Nevertheless, be a good host and date by making sure to take the first grab at the check when it hits the table. Yet, this approach begs the question, should be the one to pay on a date?
Who pays on a date: chivalry vs equality
A lot of people have been raised to believe that the man should be the one that pays for a date. But, how is that always fair? Men are also the ones that are supposed to ask out women. Imagine if you have two women that you’d like to meet for a date, but you don’t have money for both. How do you decide? Furthermore, what if the woman just assumes you’re going to pay and uses you as a meal ticket? That’s an unspoken truth of dating; some women are just looking for a man that is going to foot the bill for them. Yet, if you opt for equality, it’s fairer to everyone. You don’t have to itemize the bill and then only pay for what you ate, but maybe just split it down the middle. That way, nobody walks away from the date feeling jilted or like they didn’t get their money’s worth. However, the person paying usually depends on their personal values.
Budget in a relationship. How and when should you discuss it?
When should you discuss a budget in a relationship? Some people think it’s important to be upfront after the first time that you kiss. At that point, it’s a physical relationship and you need to set guidelines. However, there are better ways to bring it up than just blurt out that you don’t want to pay all the time. Offer to take turns, cook for them at home, or treat each other while being open about your expectations. It’s uncomfortable to talk about, but it’s better than ultimately resenting someone because of their actions.
Talking about money is never going to be fun in a relationship. Yet, you can either suffer in silence as a man, or you can take a stand and make sure it’s more equal. Being that guys are spending an absurd amount of money on romance, it’s not a bad thing to seek a more balanced view of money in dates. However, always keep in mind that some cultures are different than others, and the expectations can change with the background of your dates.