A first date is like a business merger. Imagine that you and your date are representatives, looking to agree on developments that could benefit both of your companies. You are each on the same level; both interested in getting to know more about the other. If all goes well with this first meeting, you might decide to go on more dates. If all goes well with these other dates, you may decide you’re a good match for each other. There is a chance though, that you might not be into her and she might not be into you.
When you’re planning a first date, keep in mind that you are still seeing if you like this girl. You don’t want to waste your money on some girl who you’ll later decide you don’t even like.
This is why I usually advise guys not to pay for a woman on a first date at all. Either you should both pay, or do something that’s free. Always plan what you are going to do with her before going on the date. This way you’ll be more confident and in control of how things are going. You’ll also be prepared with whatever cash you might need. If what you’re doing is going to cost money, then at least make sure it’s something cheap. Don’t be the guy who takes a girl on a first date, spends a lot of money, and then never gets to see her again.
Some women might request that you take them to dinner or somewhere else expensive. But why spend hard-earned money on her? You’re not even sure if you’re into her yet, and you aren’t sure how she feels about you either. If she asks you to take her to dinner, or insists that ‘it’s the man’s job’ to pay for first dates, you should tell her to keep it moving. She’s not worth the time, and you can find another girl to go out with.
It’s always good to keep your options open. If you are looking to make a good business merger, you contact and meet with many potential companies. With women, you should go on many first dates too. Spending little or no money on these first dates will ensure that you can afford them all.
Keep your first dates with a woman even. You are both on the same level of interest and neither of you should pay more. The first date is both peoples’ chance to find out if they want to continue getting to know the other. Take as many women on first dates as you can, but plan them so you don’t spend a lot. On first dates, it will benefit you most to focus on getting to know a girl— without emptying your pockets.