| Do people really spend hundreds on a date?
Posted: 4/14/2008 9:45:18 AM | I read so much complaing about guys buying high maintenence women meals on early dates that cost hundreds of dollars. How much does this really go on?
The reason I ask is that I have dated quite a bit, and several very upscale type of guys, who have taken me to very nice places. ( Usally men that I am in a relationship with).
For these guys, it is a pretty common thing , and typically they are foodies to begin with and would be going there anyways, with or without me. That is just their lifestyle.
Even then, I doubt if my tab has even gotten near 100.00. I mean I know it is possible, but I would often discourage, or not order that much. I mean you can get a really nice pre fix menu with four courses at a really nice place for anywhere from 60.00 to 100.00. Then with wine, some extra. But I don`t think that this is a normal date. I know for me, the few times I have done it, it has been a very, very special occasion.
My boyfriend one time offered to take me for New Years Eve to any restaurant I wished to go to in Vegas. We lived there. They all had a special menu that evening. The
tasting menus were running 150.00 and another 100.00 for wine pairings. He would have gladly taken me but I said " Honey , that is so much money for one meal. Why don`t we save it. We could do a whole getaway weekend for that later on. "So we stayed home and had turkey burgers. It was fine, I loved him the same either way.
So I am curious, How many people on this site regularly go to this kind of establishment for an early date. I just don`t see the type of people complaining about it , wanting to sit at a very high end restauarant. | |
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| Do people really spend hundreds on a date?
Posted: 4/14/2008 9:52:16 AM | Dates cost a bomb full stop ! Heres an average breakdown;
Fuel £20/$40
Meal £50/$100
Wine £15/£30
Misc £15/$30
Total £100/$200
Thats a regular date, nothing special and no "gift allowance".
In short, dating costs a fortune !!! | |
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| Do people really spend hundreds on a date?
Posted: 4/14/2008 9:59:18 AM | I'll meet someone (first date),and,we'll have 2-3 drinks........@$5 glass.........
Geez,im a cheap date.....i'll definitely have to up the ante !!
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| Do people really spend hundreds on a date?
Posted: 4/14/2008 10:02:43 AM | My question was.............................How many people actually do this on a regular basis? I don`t think it is that many? Also, I have heard in Europe, it is almost double
from here. | |
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| Do people really spend hundreds on a date?
Posted: 4/14/2008 10:05:08 AM | Define *date*. 
First date? Likely not. Heck we're still figuring out what each other likes...
Date with someone you're serious about? Why not? Dinner has run me upwards of $180 with wine, fixings, and tip and the ballet later was about $150. Her birthday was about $800 including the carriage, dinner and a day at the spa.
Sadly the challenge seems to be finding the lady who appreciates the time spent, not just the amount spent. :-( The ones who enjoy a night at home, just as much as a night out. It seems far too many want to be *seen* and have something to brag to their girlfriends about, rather than enjoying the company for what it is... On the other hand, if they were paying, I guess I wouldn't mind so much, but finding one of *them* is an even greater challenge...
So there you have it. Yes it happens, the regularity depending on the circumstances and the people. Would I do it all the time (ie more than once a week)? Unlikely, as I prefer to cook, but that's me. Do I enjoy it with the right person? Absolutely.
Cheers.  | |
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| Do people really spend hundreds on a date?
Posted: 4/14/2008 10:09:08 AM | ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Any time I have been offered a day at the spa, extravagant treatment, I have graciously turned it down. I never would want a man thinking that I am taking advantage of him financially. Even when in a realtionship, I just don`t accept those kinds of things, and never have. Would some men be offended by the refusal? | |
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| Do people really spend hundreds on a date?
Posted: 4/14/2008 10:12:22 AM | I think it really does boil down to the point you made about lifestyles. I've been out with men - - not even always "dates," but sometimes just friends, colleagues, etc. - - who would think nothing of dropping $100+ on dinner and drinks. And those are the only type of men I would feel comfortable doing it. I would be extremely uncomfortable with a guy, who is not accustomed to that lifestyle, blowing money on cuisine he can't identify and wine he can't pronounce.
That being said, I guarantee it is not the men who live those lifestyles who are complaining about their women being "high maintenance." Those men like maintaining those type of women . . . as much as they like showing them off. Being well-maintained by a fellow like that does not come without its costs - - which is usually a sick kind of ownership perversion. (In my opinion). But, high maintenance and ownership tendencies go very well together.
I don't really care about the pricetag of the date. I definitely want my date to be doing whatever it is that makes him comfortable and genuine. So if lavish dinners is what they do - then that works for them. If it's not their norm - don't do it to impress. It's awkward. Myself - - I could rack up a $100.00 tab easily . . but I'll be wearing jeans, as will my beau, while we throw darts, and chase our shots with beers at the local tavern. | |
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| Do people really spend hundreds on a date?
Posted: 4/14/2008 10:19:12 AM | I think, to answer your direct question...YES...people DO...especially the ones who think a credit card or fat wallet is what impresses someone! (UGH)
But I think that there are far more people who appreciate the company, the originality, the conversation & intellect...over the price tag of a date! | |
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| Do people really spend hundreds on a date?
Posted: 4/14/2008 10:22:43 AM | you can ~and should get creative ~ but still ~ Yes! it's expensive,
movie threater tickets bought early ~ 16.00 movie Nim's Island ~ sweet but don't stand in line to see it.
four beers and two burgers and 4 beers ~ 18.00
tip 2.75
movie treats ~ 18.00
tips 2.00
fuel ~ 12.00
simple little sweet night with a charming darling and well worth it.
$68.75 ~ don't get much cheaper ~ if you leave the house
a solo bar tap and juke box ~for 2 hours will run ~ 35.00 ~ often ~ three times a week
~dar | |
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| Do people really spend hundreds on a date?
Posted: 4/14/2008 10:25:24 AM |
Fuel £20/$40
Meal £50/$100
Wine £15/£30
Misc £15/$30
Total £100/$200
Thats a regular date, nothing special and no "gift allowance".
In short, dating costs a fortune !!!
That's a bit much for someone you just met. | |
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| Do people really spend hundreds on a date?
Posted: 4/14/2008 10:27:59 AM | | @ Gentle : Thats a conservative amount, besides I usualy wait until there is more than a quick drinks interest between us before we meet ! | |
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| Do people really spend hundreds on a date?
Posted: 4/14/2008 10:53:44 AM | @Gentle: talk ? ask ? take note of whats said ?
if they say things like "god i cant wait to meet you, i want you in my bed" you understand.
if they say " i ilke 6 weeks quarenteen before i kiss" you also understand !
if your having to step outside your comfort zone to accomodate thier tastes and ideas, then a quick coffe will do.
if you feel they are the be all and end all of the universe, 3 days of passion may ensue !
its not difficult to guage the weight of a person before you meet them. | |
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| Do people really spend hundreds on a date?
Posted: 4/14/2008 10:55:42 AM |
How many people actually do this on a regular basis?
I doubt that any date I would go on would cost me less than $100, probably closer to $150-200 by the time we shook hands at her door. That's pretty normal for this neck of the woods, unless you are talking a lunch at a business lunch style place, which could land in at $50-70 or so.
Money isn't what it used to be. Then again, I used to spend that much on a date back when I was a young fellow as well, but the places were more upscale than what you get for that price today.
Yep, you should put a bit of effort into estimating your potential benefits before getting into a date situation in an urban area these days..... | |
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| Do people really spend hundreds on a date?
Posted: 4/14/2008 10:58:26 AM | Well Peter, I'm glad it's working for you. I just don't think it's that easy.
I hope you don't end up one of those guys ranting about gold diggers, I think you are spending too much $$$ on women you dont know very well. | |
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| Do people really spend hundreds on a date?
Posted: 4/14/2008 10:59:14 AM | I've always dated dutch - a fairness/manners thing for me. Generally, I'd go to quirky little restaurants with great food... the sort of place that's an inexpensive "find". Back when I was dating... it was hard to get out of there without dropping $40-50 - just my share. Not including parking/gas or anything else in the evening.
Dating takes a fairly significant chunk out of the monthly "entertainment budget" ... glad I'm not a guy expected to cover both ends of the date. | |
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| Do people really spend hundreds on a date?
Posted: 4/14/2008 11:00:31 AM |
its not difficult to guage the weight of a person before you meet them.
I always get a charge out of the profiles that read:
"I enjoy the finer things in life...fine food, fine wines, travel....."
I mean, who doesn't? These people are in the market for someone who clearly is in a position to fund their lifestyle. | |
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| Do people really spend hundreds on a date?
Posted: 4/14/2008 11:19:07 AM |
Geez,im a cheap date.....i'll definitely have to up the ante !! I'm even cheaper strawbs08....1.50 for a cup of coffee  That is for a first meet though. For an actual date, I think the most spent was $20 for lunch. I try not to let a guy pick up the whole tab himself. | |
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| Do people really spend hundreds on a date?
Posted: 4/14/2008 11:20:39 AM | | do what i do. Make your own food, wine and beer, then you'll do fine. most expensive date to date. $700. 3 year anniversary. Average date for me. $30-$60 | |
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| Do people really spend hundreds on a date?
Posted: 4/14/2008 11:22:21 AM | I`m sorry , but I just don`t get it. A usual early on date for me ( and I live in a very expensive upscale area) I would suggest something casual, and also possibly a small plate or shared appetizers as opposed to the big meal.
So at a nice piano lounge, 2 shared appetizers-- possibly 30.00 tops. 2 rounds of drinks, 32.00 (8.00 each) tip and tax andother 15.00. Nice conversation, great music, for two-77.00, and that is at a nice place .
a mid-level place, nice entree 16.00 each, 32.00 2 rounds of drinks-20.00 tip and tax
12.00, that`s 64.00, even with a bottle of wine for later. still less than 100.00.
Where is the extra 100 to 200.oo expense coming from? If this isn`t enough generosity for a woman, you need to find a different woman. | |
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| Do people really spend hundreds on a date?
Posted: 4/14/2008 12:43:36 PM | Well context is everything.
For starters those prices are average where I live, neither expensive nor upscale.
Recent dinner out for three at a nice (but not *expensive*) place:
Soda - $2.50
Tapas Platter - $16
Rib Eye - $28
Sangria - $6
3 Dip Med Bread - $7
Chicken Spaetzle - $15
Sangria x2 - $12
Crab/Shrimp Cake - $10
Baked Brie Salad - 13
Total - $109.50
Tax - $7.50
Tip - $20
So, per person it was about $46 for a nice meal - appys, entrees, drinks and a good tip for good service. We went elsewhere for dessert on purpose which added another $30 to the tab, so $56 each in total for a nice night out with friends. We don't do it all that often, but one of the girls was having a birthday just as she left for a couple of months. | |
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