Dating expert reveals the only time a woman should pay on the first date

A dating expert has revealed the only time a woman should pay on a first date with a man - and even then, she should only go halves.

First dates can be awkward enough without the unwritten etiquette of who pays for what. Some traditionalists believe that the man should always pay on the first date as an act of chivalry and respect.

Others believe that, as an act of equality, both parties should go Dutch and split the bill.

And some live by the rule that the person who asked for the date should be the one who pays - regardless of gender.

However, podcast host and relationship advisor Jana Hocking says there is only one occasion where women should open their wallets.

After previously stating that men should always pay to come across "assertive and manly", Hocking revealed on the news.com.au podcast Kinda Sorta Dating that there is an exception.

Speaking with writer Thomas Mitchell, Hocking said: "I always get in trouble when I say the man should pay for the first date."

She then clarified: "I have rectified that, I do think now if the girl has asked the guy out, they should go halves. I still don’t think the girl should pay for all of it."

However, despite her beliefs, Hocking did say that she has always offered to go halves when on a first date with a guy - not because she wants to, but more as a test.

"I don’t always mean it but I always go, 'Oh no, let’s go halves' ...more often than not guys are going, ‘OK’ and I’m like ah, dammit," she said.

Recalling a recent expensive experience, Hocking then revealed how she was left "$100 out of pocket" because she had offered to go half with a guy at a "really expensive win bar".

Hocking's comments come after another dating expert stated that men should always pay on a first date.

Boasting over 680,000 followers across her Tiktok and Instagram accounts, @Ask.Nelly stated in a video earlier this month that "men should never let a woman pay for a first date".

In the video, Nelly - who frequently uses her accounts to share relationship advice for both men and women - states:

"If you're asking a girl out and then going Dutch, it just shows you're cheap, you weren't raised right, you're not chivalrous, or you're dating outside your price range - and by that, I mean you're taking a girl out on a date you can't afford to be on."

Nelly goes on to say: "So instead of trying to flex on a nice dinner, you're better off taking her on a picnic in the park.

"And even the most progressive girls who insist they split it with you and say they don't mind... do mind.

"Not because they can't afford it, but because it shows us your character and if you're a girl and you've paid for first dates, I want to tell you that he ain't it, sis."

So, who should pay on a first date? Let us know in the comments section!

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