I agree with the majority of the sentiment here.
- One, it says more about a person how they tip their wait staff than what they pay for a meal. If it’s a $50 tab and buy one entree get one free brings it down to $30? If he tips on the $30 he’s a goner. If he tips on the $50 you know he’s a stand up guy.
- If I were in a position to do so it would be interesting to see what would happen in your date’s eyes if you actually had a 3,000 sq ft home and a Mercedes but showed up with a 10 year old Honda and took her back to a one bedroom apartment for drinks. That would be an interesting reality show to me.
- I do agree that tact should have been used. “I have a coupon for this place that I’ve been wanting to try with someone.” before hand is the perfect set up for that.
My dad knew a guy in the AF who did just that. He wanted to serve his country, so he signed up for a 4 yr rotation. Didn't tell very many that he was a trust fund baby. My dad was one of just a couple that knew. Lived on his military pay, drove an old beater. Met a young lady, started dating. She married him, right before he was scheduled to get out of the AF. She thought they were going to have to start their lives with nothing. They loaded up their belongings in the beater and off they went. He stops the car in front of this huge house and gets out. She thought he'd gotten a job as a gardener or something, working for the people who lived in the house. It took him a while to convince her that it was his parents' house and for reality to sink in.
Well they did it in reverse with "Joe Millionaire."
Yes tact should have been used and a comment such as the one you quote speaks to the true intent of the author (IMO). It is not about the money, it is about the message. There was a time when men courted women, and after reading this thread, it is no longer perceived in the positive light as it once was by a lot of men and women on this thread. Said another way, chivalry is dead, spread um honey.