Should couples/ boyfriend-girlfriend go Dutch?
By solxee
@sol_cee (38219)
Philippines
June 5, 2016 9:19pm CST
To end a hectic and stressful week, colleagues and I made a unanimous decision to fill our tummies with sushi, sashimi, rice, rice and more. Food always makes me feel relaxed. It was my first time to go to this traditional style Japanese restaurant where we had to remove our shoes, sit/squat in tatami-covered floors and expose our smelly feet. Despite the discomfort of revealing our weakness, the service was great. So was the food.
While everyone was gossiping in Japanese, I gradually zoned out and started to observe my surroundings. I noticed this nicely dressed, looking-so-in loved couple, who stood up hand in hand and headed their way to the cashier. The guy was a perfect gentleman, assisting the lady, whispering something in her ear while she giggled in response. The cashier had to clear his throat twice to get their attention, informing them of their bill. To my surprise, the guy said ‘betsu-betsu’ which in English means ‘separate’. Both of them reached out for their wallets and paid separately.
Now I have a question: Should couples/ boyfriend-girlfriend go Dutch?
25 people like this
27 responses
@SIMPLYD (90721)
• Philippines
7 Jun 16
Couples should understand each other in every aspect specially when it comes to their financials . Yes, i believe they can go Dutch when paying what they eat at the restaurant . But not always though . Sometimes the guy should pay alone also , just as the girl should also sometimes .
3 people like this
@sunrisefan (28524)
• Philippines
7 Jun 16
@sol_cee Better enjoy your very fatty "humba" solo at home LOL!
2 people like this
@toniganzon (72554)
• Philippines
6 Jun 16
In this practical world of ours nowadays, I think it's a better option. I wouldn't want to depend too much on anybody when paying my bill. But it really depends on the couple.
3 people like this
yep I've done it....for my handsome clients 
@flapiz (23153)
• United Kingdom
6 Jun 16
Well I don't mind going Dutch. I am an independent woman and can afford my meal. It's fair enough, but I do appreciate it when a guy pays for me. Specially if he's working full time as I'm a part timer.
But maybe they aren't a couple? Ahahaha.
3 people like this
@RichardMeister (5328)
• Otis Orchards, Washington
6 Jun 16
Back when I was a young adult it was customary for the man to pay. After all, in most cases, he was the one asking the woman out. Back then it was considered unladylike for the woman to ask the man out. Today everything has changed. Women ask men out. And going Dutch seems to be coming into fashion. I suppose if it is agreed upon before the date that would be okay, but I personally think the man should pay. I'm sure that's a bit old-fashioned but if I went on a date and the woman said we should go Dutch and she basically demands to go Dutch, I would go along with it just to keep from arguing. I would never demand to go Dutch. To me, I feel, by going Dutch, the man is saying, "I don't like (love) you enough to be worth it."
2 people like this
@ridingbet (66854)
• Philippines
6 Jun 16
it is the common practice now, because both may be earning a living so the lady could share half of the expenses.
2 people like this
@sol_cee (38219)
• Philippines
10 Jun 16
@ridingbet I'll be in charge of the tip.
1 person likes this
@ridingbet (66854)
• Philippines
10 Jun 16
@sol_cee good, but don't fret if the tip is not much; rejoice if it is sky-high.
@ridingbet (66854)
• Philippines
10 Jun 16
@sol_cee women now do pay their share. it is new now. equality reigns!
1 person likes this
@brokenbee (11090)
• Philippines
6 Jun 16
I think yes, they should pay for their own. It's a different story if he's already the husband.
My mother always reminds us not to let a guy (courting or not) or anyone pay for our food
2 people like this
@sol_cee (38219)
• Philippines
9 Jun 16
@brokenbee but you can kung fu right Queen Bee?
1 person likes this
@brokenbee (11090)
• Philippines
9 Jun 16
@sol_cee no.. haha she thinks if people will pay for us, they can do whatever they want to do to us, and she doesn't want that to happen.
1 person likes this
@Daljinder (23236)
• Bangalore, India
9 Jun 16
In circle of friends splitting is okay unless there is an invite from one then he/she foots the bill alone. But in romantic setting, it is kind of difficult to answer. Over here generally men insist that they should pay. Some may even feel insulted and hurt if woman offers to pay the bill. Basically, it is mutual understanding of the couple. If they wish to split then fine. if not then fine. Depends on the couple.
2 people like this
@acelawrites (19272)
• Philippines
6 Jun 16
Maybe an aspect of their culture? For us, it should be the man who should shoulder the bills, or when the woman was the one who invited the man, she should pay it, more so if she has a nice job and the man earns less; or vice versa!
2 people like this
@acelawrites (19272)
• Philippines
6 Jun 16
@sol_cee yes, it could be weird because we are not used to such "arrangement;" kanya-kanyang bayad (each pays for his own).
2 people like this
@sunrisefan (28524)
• Philippines
6 Jun 16
They need not go Dutch coz they're not in Netherlands LOL! And good thing you were not required to take off your clothes. That would have been more inconvenient.
2 people like this
@sunrisefan (28524)
• Philippines
6 Jun 16
@sol_cee That could be their culture but with us, it should be the the gentlemen to pick up the tab. Given that, would you like to have a date with me at the market for "humba" and "chicaron"? LOL!
2 people like this
@sol_cee (38219)
• Philippines
6 Jun 16
@sunrisefan or I'd treat you to Japanese cuisine. lol
2 people like this
@sunrisefan (28524)
• Philippines
6 Jun 16
@sol_cee After the "humba" and "chicharon"? The only Japanes food I know and like is the tonkatsu chicken or pork LOL!
1 person likes this
@lovelymom (41)
• Tianjin, China
6 Jun 16
In my opinion, we should go Dutch with our boyfried or our gilrfriend when we are in love. After we get married, we could not go Dutch with our husband or wife because we are family and the husband should pay for the meal.In China, the men like to do this.
3 people like this
@salonga (27775)
• Philippines
6 Jun 16
I think it is not in our culture to go dutch as couples although there are already couples who are going "betsu-betsu" but me and my husband...we never did that from the day we dated till we got married and how much more that we are already husband and wife. I think it all depends on the couples decision and perhaps also depending on their culture.
2 people like this
@sunbeams (232)
• Philippines
6 Jun 16
In my opinion and since I believe in fairness, it is okay to sometimes go "Dutch" and pay separate bills.I think it depends on how comfortable you are with each other or if both of you decided on it beforehand. In this modern day age, it doesn't matter who pays, as long as the bill is paid. Haha. Seriously, "Dutch treats" among couples may depend also on the culture, age, financial circumstances, etc. That's my opinion. ^____^
2 people like this
@hora_fugit (5862)
• India
9 Jun 16
@sol_cee Everyone dresses up for a first date...lol
Quite another matter if you were upset about something and gave a good dressing down. 
2 people like this
@antonbunot (11093)
• Calgary, Alberta
7 Jun 16
Depending where you are. I mean here in Canada that is usually what happens to a couple. Pay what you eat, I pay mine. But in the Philippines, men usually shoulder everything including hotel expenses. hehehe
2 people like this
