• What Is OWN?
    Watch the preview!
    GO
  • Love 101
    A newsletter for your relationships, in all their forms
    GO

Who Pays on the First Date?

He asked you out to dinner. It's your first date. When the check comes, who should pay? Our panel of etiquette experts offers their advice to single women everywhere.

Expert Advice
Kim Izzo, etiquette columnist: I think it's a natural assumption to make that whoever makes the invitation should pay.

Ceri Marsh, etiquette columnist: I agree. On a first date you can also make a gesture: "Can I get the tip?" The next time, you can treat and keep an even playing field.

Harriette Cole, syndicated columnist: I'm still old school. On the first date, I want him to pay. It's romantic. We make enough sacrifices later on in a relationship—he can pay for dinner!