Poll suggests men are more traditional than women about the first date

That awkward moment when the bill arrives…

By Kristin Wong Nov 9, 2012 5:20PM

Ah, the question of the moment—who should pay for the first date? Traditional dating rituals are being challenged, as only half of women think men should be the ones to pull out their wallets.

Surprisingly, it's men themselves who think they should pick up the tab—a whopping 74 percent of men think it's the guy's responsibility to pay for a first date. This is according to a recent poll from dating site Cupid.com, which explored first date financial behavior.

The site surveyed 2,500 of its members, asking them questions such as, "What would make you spend more [on a first date]," and "What's your biggest first date extravagance?"

Let's take a look at the answer to the latter, because I'm a little confused.

According to the survey results, 29 percent of men say that their biggest first-date expense is a hotel room. I have a feeling these guys may not be on the same page as the rest of us about the meaning of the word "date."

At any rate, yes—there was a nearly 25 percent difference of opinion between men and women about paying for the first date. This was especially surprising considering the results of a separate poll, which found that guys are sick of picking up the tab.

As for the other statistics, 35 percent of men polled in Cupid.com's survey say they'd pay extra to get their date into bed, and 45 percent say they'd pay less if they felt as if the date wasn't going well. Five percent of men polled say they've put down money for a first date helicopter ride.

On the women's side, 39 percent of ladies say they'd spend more to impress a first date, and 24 percent say they'd spend more just to avoid the awkward moment when the bill arrives.

Refreshingly, the majority of both sexes say there's too much emphasis on money when it comes to the first date. And 90 percent of both men and women agree—personality is more important than anything money could buy.

What do you think—should men still pay for the first date? What's your biggest first-date splurge?

Photo: Ariel Skelley/Getty Images

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