Advice
Hannah!
I’m going on a Bumble date this weekend and it’s our first date. He wants to take me to this really nice restaurant. But I’m nervous because it’s so expensive. I feel bad ordering anything except salad, and even that is almost $20. Add in one drink and it gets pricey quickly. I’m also worried he doesn’t know how expensive it is bc he’s never been there before. We’re in our mid-twenties and he just got his first job after grad school, so I feel like he’s not rolling in cash just yet.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. You give the best advice.
Signed,
Wannabe Cheap Date
Dear WCD,
You have a wonderful energy and it is so generous and considerate of you to worry about the price of the restaurant! If he invited you there, I am sure he is aware of the prices and probably eager to impress you. In the days of online reservations and reviews, I imagine he does have some idea of the pricing as it is likely listed online and I am sure he looked into the restaurant before inviting you on a date there!
My general advice for first dates between heterosexual couples is that the man should pay. Here are some of my best tips for being respectful of budgets while on a first date, particularly in a circumstance where you’re worried about the restaurant’s prices!
Follow your date’s lead when it comes to number of courses and drinks. It is perfectly fine to drink less than he does but if you are concerned about costs, try to avoid ordering extra cocktails and courses
Suggest splitting a few things rather than each ordering your own multi-course meal. Of course it depends a bit on the restaurant wether this is appropriate but at most modern places it is encouraged. Splitting dishes is more social and often leads to less total food ordered and a lower bill
Ask him what he’s thinking of ordering and then pick dishes that are the same price (within a few dollars) or less than what he picks. Unless he says something like, “I’m off red meat right now but the filet looks amazing, you should definitely get that!” it’s polite to avoid ordering the most expensive dishes if your date chooses mid-priced options.
Have a wonderful time and best of luck!
With love,
Hannah