Who Foots the Bill on the First Date?

Diving into the age-old debate of who foots the bill on that nerve-wracking first date, we find ourselves amidst a conflict as timeless as the Egyptian pyramids . The question of the bill remains a riddle akin to the juiciest celebrity feuds gracing the tabloids—an enigma that seems as unending as a soap opera cliffhanger.

On this dramatic stage, we witness gallant men brandishing credit cards like swords, poised for action. And on the other side, the formidable women, masters of the hair flip and the irresistible side-eye trick—which has been scientifically proven to soften even the hardest of hearts and wallets.

But hold on, why should the responsibility of treating your potential sweetheart to a royal affair rest solely on the shoulders of these dashing knights? Let's be real, gentlemen, this game was rigged long before our great grandparents even knew what a "swipe right" meant. In a chess game, pawns sacrifice themselves to protect the queen—echoes of male dominance, anyone?

It is high time we break free from the chains of this antiquated myth, claiming that only men hold the elusive key to the kingdom of extravagant first dates. In my view, it's the duty of men to carry the financial load on that inaugural rendezvous, regardless of who sent the first emoji.

Think about it, in the wild jungle, it's the lion's job to chase after its dinner, while the prey flees for its life. The roles are clear; there is no ambiguity about who the hunter is and who is the hunted. And while we're not exactly living in a nature documentary, the analogy holds: it's not just stylish, but also polite, to offer to cover the tab on the first date.

This is the juncture where the lady sizes you up, observing your every move and gauging whether you're second-date material or destined for the dating discard pile. Splitting the bill this early? That's almost like committing "high treason," a term that even legal luminary Counsel Githu Muigai would find fitting. Why sabotage yourself when you do not need to?

Now, I'm all for cosmic balance and equality—ladies should indeed be held in the same high regard as men. But let's be real here: when the bill arrives, practicality often trumps cosmic ideals. There are, of course, exceptions to the rule. Casual drinks? Sure, take turns getting the rounds, but you kick it off. When it comes to a meal, though, gentlemen, it's your duty to foot the bill on that inaugural dinner.

As the dates roll on, the script inevitably changes. The second date. Yep, you are still in the spotlight. By the third, your date might be ready to join the financial fray for drinks, but you are still the one treating the table to the main event. Now, fourth comes around, and it is the moment you have been waiting for—bill splitting can finally be deemed acceptable. She might even beat you to paying the whole tab, and if you have made it this far without protest, arguing now would be as senseless as refusing free dessert.

Therefore, there you have it, fellow daters—our journey through the treacherous landscape of first-date finances. A saga as old as time, with rules that ebb and flow like a romantic tide. Remember, whether you are the hunter, the hunted, or just seeking a connection, the ultimate goal is understanding and respect, with a dash of gastronomic charm to seal the deal.