At every stage of dating, it can be difficult to gage a women's expectations, but perhaps no junction is more confusing that the first date. After summoning the courage to actually ask her to hang out with you, you have to navigate the often complicated transaction at the end of dinner—who will pay the check?
A recent study found a not-so-surprising fact: Men want women to pick up the check more often, but felt anxiety asking her to do so. Does that mean you should hold off on paying for dates? Not so fast. Donna Barnes, relationship expert for ABC News' hit series What Would You Do?, dating advice guru on VH-1's Rock of Love Charm School and author of Giving Up Junk-Food Relationships weighs in on the issue. Here is her comprehensive guide to navigating who pays and when from the first date and beyond.