Tikkie has researched the payment behavior of Dutch people during dates. This shows that 65% of people feel uncomfortable when the bill comes to the table. In fact, they find that moment even more annoying than paying itself.
The inconvenience about the payment moment is mainly caused by the fact that the Dutch have different ideas about paying during a date. Men seem to be more traditional than women when it comes to the bill.
split
While four in five respondents (82 percent) believe that both parties should pay the bill equally often as a sign of equality, more than half of men (53 percent) believe they should pay on the first date. Only 7 percent of women think they should foot the bill on a first date.
If the bill is shared by sending a Tikkie, it is wise to make agreements about this in advance: more than eight in ten (82 percent) Dutch people find an unannounced payment request after a date inappropriate.
Another striking fact from the study is that, if it is clear who pays the bill, most Dutch people take into account what they eat and drink at the expense of the other. Three quarters (74 percent) consciously do not take the most expensive snacks/drinks off the card if they know that the other person is paying.
turn off
While many people would like to pay themselves on a date, or at least split up, more than four in ten of respondents (41 percent) find it a turn off if the other person doesn’t pay on a date. This is especially true for women: 46 percent vs. 36 percent male.
To communicate
But how does it actually ‘should’ be? According to etiquette expert Dr. Gonnie Klein Rouweler, there are a number of general ‘rules of thumb’. “The person who initiates the date pays the bill,” she says. “He or she asks the other person out for dinner and selects the restaurant.” According to Klein Rouweler, it is useful if the initiator also makes it clear with the invitation that he (or she) pays the bill. “You could say, for example: ‘I’m treating’, then that is immediately clear.”
According to the etiquette expert, clear communication is the key to avoiding awkward moments. “Feel free to let us know in advance if you want to split the bill. If the bill is shared, it would be nice to order dishes and drinks in the same price range.” And, advises Klein Rouweler: “Splitting does not mean that you calculate who ordered what per dish or drink. The bill is really split in two.”
If you have decided to split the bill, discuss how the bill will be paid. Klein Rouweler: “For example, indicate that you will advance it and ask whether the other person is okay with sending a Tikkie afterwards.”
Sending an unsolicited payment request is not done according to the expert. “Not everyone wants to pay via Tikkie. For example, there are also people who still have cash in their pockets.”