On a first date - whoever does the asking pays. You are asking to take her to dinner...then take her. After that, it's all negotiable. Two adults ought to TALK about stuff. If she is a lawyer and he is pumping gas, well....of course she oughta pay more. If incomes are similar, there is no reason to not take turns paying.

Talking this out is part of the relationship building. Talking is much better than letting resentment build, and having the whole thing end prematurely when it could have been solved by a simple discussion. Having the man continually pay is unfair and unhealthy for women. It's taking advantage of an old social custom, AND makes women appear dependent. We aren't.

em