There is one abiding rule - the person who requests the pleasure, pays for the pleasure. So, as a simple point of etiquette, you should pick up the tab for a lunch, dinner or raft of cocktails - if you have invited the other person.

Men may want to make the offer to pay, but equally they should be ready to concede if she is adamant.

Never be tempted by the compromise solution: splitting the bill. That is fine for bigger restaurant gatherings but the greatest spoiler to romance is going Dutch.

The other non-paying party should, however, assume one or more of the minor expenses of the date - after-dinner drinks, a taxi home…

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