Money. Money. Money. It could be the one thing standing between you and the girl of your dreams. And I'm not talking about that Jenna Jameson. I'm talking about paying on dates. A lot have guys will usually foot the bill, but often question is they really need to and when it is appropriate. Should you pay? What does that say about you? What does she expect? Just how much do you have to shell out during dates? Allow me set things clear. Truth: If you offer to pay, a majority of women won't be offended. However, if you don't pay there's a chance she will have a bad opinion of you, think you're cheap or that you don't want to be disappointed. So, what do you do? Here are some guidelines for paying on dates:

1. On the first few dates, you should make the effort to pay. It makes you look good. It makes her feel good. If she's the right kind of girl, she will offer you money or make the gesture toward paying. You should say no. Note: If you're low on funds, pick activities that are low cost or free. For some ideas on affordable options for the broke bloke, read
Cheap Ass Guide to Dating

2. If she offers to pay for half the meal, say thank you but don't let her do it. Some women will be turned off if you take them up on the offer. You will become less than a man. Dating time is for proving that you can be the protective provider type (our Neanderthal roots). There will be time for equality and all that bullshit later on.

3. If you ask her out and you pick the place, you definitely have to pay. It's only fair if you think about it. If you pick an expensive place, you can't expect her to help cover the bill because she had no choice in the matter. Otherwise, you're forcing her to spend outside her means. She will resent you for it and it's just plain rude.

4. If she offers to buy you a drink or get dessert after dinner, take her up on the offer. A good girl will try to find ways to thank you for dinner and repay the favor (in ways that don't involve sex). It's very OK to accept a drink or dessert from her as long as it's less than a quarter of what you spent on her. Again, you should take care of her now, she'll take care of you later.

5. After dates 3-5 if you get into the boyfriend-girlfriend zone, then you can move into the equality phase of the relationship. She should start covering her half of things when you go out and buy you presents occasionally. The exception is special dates (valentines, birthday, anniversary) when you should again pay the bill. If she doesn't pay for anything and doesn't even lift a finger to offer, then she might just be a freeloading, selfish bitch that will suck you dry financially and emotionally. Think about it.

Finally, you should also know that paying on dates (or the lack there of) could be used as a sign of intent. If you really don't like her, but hate letting chicks down, you can give her sign of disinterest by not paying her half. By the same token, if she fervently insists on paying her tab, perhaps she's waving the red flag for you my friend. She's trying to say, I would feel bad if you paid for me since I wouldn't be calling you ever.

More About Paying on Dates:

1. When Should Women Start Paying on Dates?

2. AskMen: Does She Love Me for My Money?

3. How to STOP Paying on Dates