Love Don't Cost a Thing? Really?

The other day, I noticed my bank account balance seemed a little higher than usual, not down to the precipitously low number it can sometimes dip down to right before a pay check comes in. Why was this? Did I get some windfall check I didn't remember depositing? Did I have some ATM fairy-godmother helping me out?

No. I haven't been dating.

Even if I'm only paying for a beer or a glass of wine, dating is expensive. It's cab rides and a round of drinks and buying a new just-in-case dress. It's a bagel the next morning if I've had more than two glasses of wine (whenever I drink, I need heavy carbs the next AM to even seem halfway normal) and it's grandly offering to pay.

While I've cut back in some ways-I definitely no longer get a new wardrobe for a date-the $15 manicure or the $10 taxi adds up. I've also found-and I'm wondering if this is true for you-that men are much less willing or eager to pay on a date. This is something I'm actually fine with. I know a lot of people disagree, but if we both have jobs, why not pay our own way?

What about you? Do you find dating to be expensive? Any ways you cut corners? And, in this economy especially, do you still expect a guy to pay your way on a first date?

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