@Windsy
i think you are completely missing the point here. no one is saying that a man should spend his whole paycheck on a first date at all. for me i prefer to eat quality food ( my cabinets in my kitchen contain organic and natural foods of all kinds cause i shop at places like whole foods, fairway, trader joes, farmers markets,and ethnic markets). there are numerous place that have better quality food and better service/decor for the same price point. I live in nyc and there are wonderful restaurants at every price point. because i'm a person that knows the dangers of gmo foods and have watched films and read books like food inc, supersize me, and fast food nation i wouldn't touch a fast food chain with a ten foot pole. i would even give a guy who tried to take me to chilis, applebees, or old country buffett the side eye. *if a man can't afford to take a woman on a date where the meals run anywhere btw $15-$50 ( easily spend this on my self or more when i take myself out depending on the restaurant type) pp plus taxes and gratuities added then he shouldn't bother taking a lady out. i think starbucks is fine for a first date to get a feel for one another but after that i expect him to up his game if we connect. if a woman takes time (sometimes its takes 2-3+ hrs to get ready for dates) to make herself to look pretty for a date then a man should show his appreciation by taking her somewhere decent....i'm old school and believe a man should court me.
a man must earn the right to be in my presence cause we pick them they don't pick us.
* know that depending on a man's age or financial situation, where he can afford to take a lady may vary but a fast food chain is never an option. if he is unemployed and trying to ask a lady on a date this also makes no sense cause he is umemployed...ive had stupid men ask me for number and tell me this and i politely tell them i'm involved or not looking to actively date cause i feel it looks raggedy. i think for a teenager ihop is appropriate or even applebees for a date.