Has Dating Become Transactional? The Debate Over First Date Penalties and Paying for Kids
- JB Quinnon
- May 16
- 2 min read
Updated: May 19
Modern dating seems to be shifting into unfamiliar territory. A recent viral debate raised eyebrows after a woman insisted her date pay for her two kids’ meals because he was late. This situation has sparked conversations about where the line is drawn between courtesy, respect, and unreasonable demands.
Traditionally, the purpose of a first date is to get to know someone, not to assume financial responsibility for their children or pay penalties like a service charge.
Expecting a man to cover the bill for children he’s never met because he was late feels, to many, like an overreach.
But is this becoming the norm? Some argue that lateness shows disrespect and that compensating for it in some way is appropriate. Still, does that justify paying for extra meals? And if we’re going to start attaching financial penalties to dating etiquette, does that standard apply equally to women? Should women also compensate men if they’re late or cause inconveniences?
These situations highlight a broader question: Has dating turned into a transaction where people feel entitled to charge for their time, attention, or even patience? For some, it certainly feels that way. Others insist dating should remain an organic and mutual experience, free of hidden fees or penalty charges.
As dating culture continues to evolve, one thing remains clear—communication and clear expectations are key. Whether you believe dating should remain traditional or accept that it’s becoming more transactional, knowing where both parties stand can save time, money, and misunderstandings.
The Debate Over First Date Penalties and Paying for Kids
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