I haven't read all the replies yet but I think those rulebooks are stupid. It's not anything that is set in stone, and it's way too subjective. I think it really depends on the people on the date. I mean, for me personally I'm always willing to pick up the tab as a guy and if I can't do so I shouldn't be asking a woman out -- even though I'm not dating now, that's my perspective but, there are also some women that would be put off by a guy's insistence to pay and would rather pay their share. If I happened to go on a date and the woman insisted she paid her way, I'd let her but I just would never ask that. I don't think there's a rule that everyone goes by anymore, what with women working at good jobs along with men.. I think the thought that it was a rule that men always pay was set up in an era when women were either not working or didn't make nearly as much and men were more of the providers in society, it's become more equal now so it's kind of a big gray area. I'd just go with the flow, if he wants to pay his way, let him, it kind of helps to make the guy feel as though he's taking care of you on the date but if he's open to it and you'd rather pay your share, go for it!