Paying for a first date.

What is the current etiquette for a first date bill? We’re growing up in the age of chivalry being dead but females being bad ass bitches. So what is the current etiquette for a first date bill?

Gentlemen were told that a man must pay for the first date, it sets an example, shows he can look after, support the lady he’s trying to woo, just like his dad did, his grandad, his great great grandad etc…

However the times are changing and us females are starting to be heard as we shout from the hill tops. So is it now our turn to be expected to pay for the bill?

The question lingers and I believe it will always be an age old debate but heres my thoughts and experiences.

My first ever date as a fresh 18year old was a tinder date. I don’t remember his name, but I remember his face and the date itself as it was a lovely first date. I had suggested we go bowling to make it less awkward in case we didn’t have anything to talk about, and he suggested a few bars. We met outside one and he offered me a drink, I didn’t offer to pay or say id get my own. I let him. We then moved on to a bowling alley in which I told him I’d get this, he didn’t protest, he didn’t argue. He let me.
He then ended up getting the next two rounds, and once again I didn’t argue, I didn’t offer. I let him.
Some might say I should have paid for a round or two, but in all honestly I enjoyed how split the date was and nothing was said viciously and neither one was annoyed at the other for paying. If it had been a large fancy dinner then yes I would have asked to split as I would have felt too guilty. But for the alternative date suggestion I enjoyed how even it was.

My second ever first date was with my current partner, once again it wasn’t your original first date but I had suggested we got to a comedy show that one of our colleagues was going to. We met after work and I was already ready to munch down on a dessert id ordered while he ordered a drink and we waited. When it came to pay he ran to the counter and paid for my dessert as it was on the same tab. A part of me felt a bit annoyed but I also found it quite cute that he did that without any discussion.
When we arrived at the place I asked if he wanted a drink as I was getting one and he let me pay for this despite offering. I felt a lot better having paid for one half of the night before moving on to another place in which once again he bought the last round. Much like my first date I loved how even it was with the activities but I did find it very sweet that he paid for my dessert without any hesitation. 

Ever since our relationship has been very much what mine is yours and never an argument on whos paying for what, yes we sometimes say no ill pay for this because you paid last time. However it is never a debate.
I’ve been out with some couples that spend their whole night telling the other one who’s turn it is to pay and personally I don’t believe this a very healthy way to live.

I can understand the annoyance from the other party on those first date traditional meal dates where the other party does not offer to pay especially when we live in a generation where women are fighting for empowerment and equalize, it should only be fair that our partner or future life partner gets treated as we would want to be too.

It will always be a confusing subject, will he pay, will she pay, will anyone pay?
Just don’t be one of those people that purposely leave their wallet at home. It most likely wont get you a second date.