Uncertain Issues Related to Dating
Given the nature of dating, that you both are new to each other and therefore don’t
know much about each other, there are certain gray areas that will arise. There will be
situations in which it may not be clear what the proper protocol or action should be. In
those cases, it may be best to be honest and to talk it over with the date.
One of those uncertain areas maybe who pays for the cost of the date. In bygone
days when society was more chauvinistic, and when men had a clear and far superior role
in the working world, there was no question that the cost of a date would be paid for by
the male partner.
But times have changed. Though they may not totally enjoy equality in all
aspects, nevertheless women are just as dominant as men in the workforce and they also
have jobs that pay well. Despite that, in most situations there is still the expectation that,
especially for the first date, the man will take care of the bill. If the woman insists on also
paying, then the suggestion can be made that she pay an incidental cost such as the tip,
parking etc. Following the first date or the first few dates, the woman can then cover the
cost if she so chooses.
Other options to take care of the cost issue can be explored as the dating
experience continues. Both of you can agree to pay for alternate dates, or, you both can
each contribute to the cost as necessary. You can also go with the traditional method of
having the man cover the cost if he is comfortable and able to do that. As you continue to
date, the important thing is to be aware of each other’s financial status and to be
considerate. That way, neither you or your date will feel any strain or feel financially
pinched in any way, which is a situation you want to avoid as it takes away from
completely enjoying the date.
Another situation that causes uncertainty is how to make the first contact when
you see someone you like and whom you are interested in dating. It’s usually assumed
that such attraction occurs with a man and so he has to summon up the courage to ask for
that first date.
But many times women also see a male in whom they have an interest and would
like to date. Although there are a brave few who will feel and have no fear in approaching
a man for that first date, most won’t do so.
Regardless of the gender of the person who has that first interest in making
contact for a first date, there are ways to arrange that first meeting without any awkward
moments occurring. One way is to do so by minor manipulation. If you know a friend,
colleague or anyone else who knows the person you’d like to date, then you simply have
to find a way to have that person arrange a chance meeting.
And there’s also the chance that there will be a third party who independently
knows both you and your date and who can arrange a meeting without either of you
knowing. This usually happens when the mutual friend knows that you both like each
other.
Another situation that can create a dilemma is when dates seem to be going okay
but you know that you don’t want them to continue because you don’t want to continue
seeing the person. You may have seen someone else you like more, you may have
discovered something about the person or there may just be an intangible reason
