10 signs that your date is cheap
1. He keeps asking you only for coffee.Coffee dates are fine for first dates, but after that, if he can't invest more than a dollar or two, it might be time to question how much he values your company. "Nothing says I'm keeping our dates casual-and you in the friend zone-more than repetitive coffee dates," says author and Match.com columnist Dave Singleton. "He needs to choose date spots that show he's got imagination, not just load you up on caffeine."
2. He wants to split an entrée.Splitting an appetizer or a dessert can be romantic, but the main dish? "If he wants to split an entrée, it can be a sign that he is planning to split a whole lot more with you-his time, his energy, every dinner bill in your near future," says dating coach Marni Battista, founder of Dating with Dignity.
3. He just assumes you'll split the check.There's nothing worse than a guy who invites you out and springs the "women's equality" argument when it's time to pay. "Yes, the modern era means we gals can fend for ourselves but the general rule is 'whomever extends the invitation pays,'" says Baldock. You can always do the "wallet grab" when the check comes, but most non-dollar-counting dates will refuse your offer to "go Dutch."
4. He uses a "coupon"... on your first date.Dating can be pricey and there are a lot of great deals out there. But on a first date, it's important to give a good first impression. "I'm all for Living Social and other discount couponing, but if you want to be dating social-a new term I'm coining for singles who exhibit appropriate date behavior-then save your frugal joy for later," says Singleton. "Talking about and using coupons on a first date is as sexy as ranting about your ex." Once you are in a relationship, it's fine to use coupons to stretch your dating dollars and have more fun together!
5. He skips the pre-dinner drinks ... and doesn't offer to get you a cocktail.Unless he's sober (in which case, he's thankfully staying on the wagon), this one can be a cheapskate tip-off since alcohol bills add up. "He ought to know that he will appear much more attractive after you have had a drink or two," says Baldock. "Only a cheapskate who is unwilling to invest in a second date would fail to offer to open up a bar tab for you and improve his chances of a repeat performance."
6. He says he already ate at home.If you know you're going out to eat, why on earth would you fill up at home beforehand? "If he has asked you out for a meal, he should know that it is an experience to be shared. You can eat alone any time, but sharing dinner or lunch with someone is a special thing," says Battista. "Cheating you out of eating together can be an indicator that he cuts corners in a lot of ways."
7. He always finds something wrong ... to get a price break.You don't want to date the person who always needs to talk to the manager about something. "This is the guy who will nickel and dime it through life," says dating coach David Wygant. This cheapstake behavior may also indicate that your date has other unattractive qualities. "When someone is always trying to get a discount on something that they don't really deserve, it can be a red flag that you're dealing with someone who feels entitled." says Battista.
8. He doesn't tip enough."Tipping at the end of the meal is a great way to test your date's relationship with money," says Baldock. "If they're under-tipping on a date-a time when a good impression is crucial-then the depths of their stinginess knows no bounds." Even if the service is bad, a date should still step up and leave something for the server-especially so you don't feel like you have to jump in and save the day by secretly emptying the contents of your change purse on the table as you exit the place. "Frankly, if you can't afford to tip the waiter, you should pick another place to dine," says Singleton.
9. He only takes you on "freebie" dates.Many women like dating a "popular" guy who knows everyone. He gets into concerts for free, eats at the best restaurants at no cost, and never seems to pay for a drink at any bar. But, if this guy is only taking you places where he can get you both in free, it could be a cheapskate sign. "It could be a sign that he's cheap, cheap, cheap and he wants the date for free and you for free," says financial expert Carla Cargle. "Beware of the guy who is not willing to invest his money in getting to know you."
10. He forgets his wallet ... again."Forgetting your wallet once is forgivable," says Singleton. Any guy worth his salt would be mortified. "Forgetting his wallet again means he's in dire need of caretaking, cheap, careless or some combination of all three," says Singleton. If your date can't seem to remember to show up with his money, he might not be able to show up for you either. A truly interested guy will put his money where his date is.