Female influencers on social media are opening about how they refuse to split the bill on a first date because of the ‘hidden fees’ associated with pricey pre-date beauty treatments.
These women explain that they spend money preparing for dates by getting manicures, pedicures, and blowouts, so they’ve already invested before they even arrive at the bar or restaurant.
Because they’ve spent so much time and cash preparing, they’d prefer not to pay for dinner or drinks, especially if it’s the first time they’re meeting someone.
Content creators have gone viral in the past for explaining their economic dating dilemmas, and some have even been dubbed ‘gold diggers’ for their opinions.
FEMAIL spoke to a podcast host who tells dating stories and a female financial expert to find out how they approach first dates.
Some influencers on social media are opening about how they refuse to split the bill on a first date because of the ‘hidden fees’ associated with pre-date beauty treatments (stock image)
These women explain that they spend money preparing for dates by getting manicures, pedicures, and blowouts, so they’ve already invested before they even show up (stock image)
Palm Beach and New York City-based creator Kimberly Murstein co-hosts the Excuse My Grandma podcast where she dive into dating topics with her Grandma Gail, as seen above
New York City-based content creator Nancy, who shares dating stories on social media, caused a stir when she created a video explaining all of the secret beauty expenses that go into prepping for a first date, including immediately booking a spin class, getting her eyebrows done, outfit planning, and getting a manicure.
Many of her followers applauded her attitude, but not all commenters agreed with her approach.
One wrote, ‘Girl, I love you, but this video is not it. I met my husband without my eyebrows or nails done or expensive workout classes. And we split the bill on our first date.’
Another person said, ‘Your mistake is that you’re putting too much emphasis in being In tiptop shape for your date. Do all those things for yourself, not for someone else. Make yourself a priority!’
‘Agree guys should pay the first few dates but justifying your self care routine as a contributing cost to dating is a little immature,’ one woman weighed in.
While she feels strongly about her beauty fees being the reason she won’t put down her card, there are other influencers who believe it’s best not to pay – and spend just as much time getting ready to go.
Palm Beach and New York City-based creator Kimberly Murstein co-hosts the Excuse My Grandma podcast, where she dives into dating topics with her Grandma Gail.
While Gail has been married far more than 60 years and has more low-key date nights – Kim said Gail ‘usually goes for a sweater and pants and doesn’t feel the need to try as hard’ – they both believe in going glam.
Kim summed it up by saying, ‘I’d be offended if a man didn’t offer to pay for the first date, but not specifically because of all the beauty treatments I got’ (stock image)
Financial empowerment expert Amanda Frances, based in Newport Beach, California, offers digital courses that focus on sharing investment advice with women
‘Don’t get it twisted, she will always have her hair blown out, date night or not,’ Kim joked.
Kim gets regular manicures, but tends to schedule a mani/pedi right before a date, and a blowout when she first starts dating someone, usually for around $60 to $80 on the Glamsquad app.
‘Later on in dating, you start thinking about things like waxing or laser appointments too – so it all adds up,’ Kim said.
Kim summed it up by saying, ‘I’d be offended if a man didn’t offer to pay for the first date, but not specifically because of all the beauty treatments I got.’
‘I do think it takes me longer to get ready than it does for a guy, and that should be acknowledged with a compliment of some sort.’
‘But mostly, I stand with my grandma on the principle that a guy should take care of the first date.’
When it comes to Kim’s first dates, she opts for a full makeup routine and gets a blowout
Despite not wanting to split the bill, Kim always attempts ‘the reach,’ and goes for her wallet.
‘Of course, after the first few dates, it’s up to the couple to figure out how they want to handle finances going forward,’ Kim said.
Financial empowerment expert Amanda Frances, based in Newport Beach, California, offers digital courses that focus on sharing investment advice with women.
‘Call me old fashioned, but I don’t think a woman should split the bill under any circumstances,’ Amanda told the DailyMail.com.
While she’s been in a relationship for a few years, when she was single, her perspective was that while she could take care of herself and made money there was ‘just something about the type of man who would never let you pay for dinner.’
Amanda believes that ‘if doing some sort of treatment puts you in a calm and confident state for a date, then definitely do that for yourself, but he should be paying regardless.’
‘I don’t think we should be doing any skincare, treatments or procedures for men – but we absolutely should be doing them for ourselves,’ Amanda continued.
‘If your rent/mortgage is paid, you’ve met her savings and investment goals for the month – then by all means… do all the beauty treatments you desire,’ Amanda suggested. ‘Personally, my weekly blowout, in-home mani/pedi, and monthly facial are non-negotiable.’
