When it comes to dining, there are plenty of unspoken rules—like how you should always tip, even if the service isn’t great (though that’s up for debate, in my opinion). Or how the person who initiated the date should be the one to pay. Whether it’s fine dining or fast-casual, there are all sorts of expectations we’re supposed to follow.
Sometimes, those expectations get murky—which is why we’re constantly seeing viral TikToks and Reels debating what’s “right” or “wrong” when it comes to dining etiquette. Case in point: this viral Reel, where a man expresses frustration and disappointment after spending $120 on a meal and only receiving a hug in return.
Naturally, everyone took to the comments to spread their opinions, most of which are pretty negative. “Wait, $120. Sir, you went on a date to get more than a conversation?! WTF!” one user shared.
Another chimed in, “This is like me buying a man dinner and then getting mad he doesn’t come home and mow my lawn.”
Most commenters agreed: dating should be fun and low-pressure, with minimal expectations. And while $120 is definitely steep (depending on who’s asking), you shouldn’t feel frustrated just because the person you treated doesn’t owe you anything in return.
One user offered a practical solution: go Dutch, at least for the first couple of dates. “I don’t think a guy should have to pay for every damn date. Go 50/50—unless someone insists on covering it,” they wrote. “And if they do insist, they better not complain when they don’t get something in return. There should be zero expectation that spending money guarantees anything.”
So what’s your take—should you go Dutch, or let the person who asked pay? Let us know in the comments.
