Dating Relationship Tip: They Ain't Paying for Nothing

At first you were not really sure. You'd go out for a walk and maybe come across an ice cream stand. You'd asked them if they would like one. They'd seem to hedge a little bit until you offered to pay for it. Then they readily accepted. Another time, you made the suggestion to take in a movie. Your dating partner declined and told you there is a really good film on one of those cable stations; best to stay home and get comfy. 

You let it go for awhile. After all the two of you do hit it off pretty well. You also share many of the same interests so you took in all in stride. Before you knew it, the two of you were a couple.

But it started to occur with such alarming frequency that you could not overlook it anymore; especially after the last date. They called and invited you out to a restaurant. Needless to say you were pleasantly surprised but you were even more surprised when they pulled the car into the drive thru at McDonald's. Amazingly, you held your tongue. You figured the fact they invited you out was a major step in the right direction. That is until you ordered. When the attendant gave you the total and said "drive around", your date turned to you and requested you cough up the money for your half of the bill.

Right there you discovered two things:

1. You are dating a tightwad
2. You cannot eat when you are angry.

There are a couple of things you have to admire about cheapskates. The way they save their money; the ability to sniff out a bargain, their discipline when it comes to fiscal responsibility can be classified as admirable traits. The problem arises when these qualities cross into stingy territory; which is always.   One person constantly shelling out cash on a date while the other booby traps their wallet can put a major strain on any relationship if not end it all together.

There are several ways to deal with this dilemma. You can develop a thicker skin and accept the fact your date is intent on being named to the penny pincher's hall of fame. You could also try to change them which will take a lot of work on your part and may not produce the result you want.  Or just carry your own money and tell your date from now on the two of you will always go dutch. They may agree with that last one but let them know it comes with a proviso. You like a Big Mac just as much as the next person but when the two of you go out things are going to be a little more upscale.

In spite of their cheapskatedness, you like your dating partner; maybe a lot. You get the impression they feel the same way about you. That's great but one person always getting their way is not healthy for any dating relationship. If they really care about you then they have to give some ground. If not then by all means let them enjoy their happy meal all by themselves.