We’ve all been on a date where there’s been that awkward moment around the time the bill arrives. I’ll pay for it is usually the first stance, beaten off by the ‘oh no I’ll pay’ defence. People have what they call ‘traditional’ views (I call them out-dated) where the man should pay. How about, 50/50? or whoever asks the other one out? The point is when times are tough financially and you still want to date, what do you do when it comes to splitting the bill? Here’s a couple of things to remember…

Be Honest In Your Needs

When you are writing your dating profile, be honest about what you are looking for. This might put some people off, but then would you have wanted to make an effort dating them anyway? The last thing you want is to spend money on dates with people who aren’t looking for the same as you. Instead, be honest in your needs and you need that each date you go on is a worthwhile investment in meeting someone new. You can also be relatively frank about wanting to live life within your means or explore the local surroundings more. for example, Lancashire singles might want to explore more of Blackpool, from the beach to the cliffs. Look at what’s around you and think of places locally you’d really like to go with someone. Indirectly, you can make people aware you’re not about to drop a couple of hundred pounds on a night out!

Don’t Be Afraid To Cancel

Firstly – ghosting is a big no-no. Don’t do it, it’s not fair and just causes upset. Plus, you’ll never know when you might bump into them again. Just because you might be Lancashire dating now, they might pop up when you move cities and want an explanation! However, if you’re really not feeling it then don’t waste your time meeting someone. Give some time to consider whether it is just nerves or whether you really don’t like the idea of dating them. If you’re not feeling it then you don’t have to feel pressured into meeting them – why would you spend your hard-earned money on a date you already know in your heart won’t work out? You don’t need to be hurtful, but you can definitely be honest with someone about how you’re feeling and that way you can both move on to meeting someone who feels right for you, so it’s a win-win situation. If someone is already giving signs that they expect a certain time of date, maybe it’s the right time to either explain your situation or wonder if the person is right for you anyway.

Be Clear

Ultimately, I think you have to stick to your budget and be clear from the get-go on how your paying for the date. It makes the entire evening more comfortable instead of worrying about ‘that’ moment. I reckon the other person would be just as relieved as you are by knowing where everyone stands. It doesn’t mean you’re cheap, it just means you’re sensible! Thre’s a difference. If they really do want to go ahead and pay, maybe offer to pay for the second date. It’s a great way of letting them know you’d like to see them again and of course, means you really can return the favour.