Is it okay to use a coupon on a date?

[NBAfan]

Why would a girl be put off by a coupon? Isn't it smart to save money?

 

[Hygro]

So I took a girl out to a blues club last weekend, and I paid for it with a Groupon that I picked up a few weeks ago. I go to blues clubs fairly often, and why pay more than I have to right? I didn't make a big deal of it, and she didn't really seem to care...because hey, cheap drinks!

When I mentioned this to a few of my friends later though, a few thought this was a terrible move. It shows you're cheap! they said. If you have to use a coupon, pick a different, cheaper place...and if you have to do it, don't do it on date two!. I suspect my friends make more money than I do.

Personally, I think if a girl gets hung up on how I'm paying for stuff...I don't want to pay for her stuff! (unless I paid for dinner with cocaine-laced dollar bills from a briefcase. That might warrant suspicion)

So what do you think? Is it okay to use a coupon? Does it depend on the coupon? After what date is it okay to use a coupon? Are there other date-related financial etiquette rules?

Poll coming yo

Your mistake is that she's probably crazy.

 

[Artifis]

I'm one of those who voted for the "don't use it on the first few dates" option.

Let her get to know you first before using the coupon. We all see things subconsciously even if we try to apply logic to all of our daily functions.

And besides, it's a first date. To my mind any person worth his or her salt would wanna impress the other party as much as possible, and that includes showing that they have the ability to pay for the trip in full using their own money. Using a coupon just makes it seem cheap. In a first date everything small counts, because it's the only chance you get to snag a chance of a subsequent date.

Got a coupon? Use it after you get the girl to realise that you're not exactly a cheap guy.

 

[Hygro]

It's groupon. Groupon is cool. If you don't think Groupon is cool it's because you're either totally unhip, or you're a complete hipster because you're over it. For the rest of us reasonably cool people, using Groupon on a date in your early 20s is a good thing.

Also, the cool thing about Groupon is that you can make a date out of it. I said this in the previous thread, but if you frame it right, making a coupon the focus means you are inviting her to an activity. She can get excited about it to. Just make sure you own it.

Plus if you're worried about being cheap, you can always go for drinks or designer gelato or something afterward and buy her the expensive thing.

 

[Leonel]

No

End of discussion

 

[Atticus]

Almost picked the first option, but instead want to be more clear: I usually don't pay for girls (take this the way you want ), and I don't want to think me making the rules. Sure I can pay a coffee or something like that if it's a situation where I'm getting them or I'd pay it for an ordinary friend too.

Lastly, I think paying with a coupon is a great idea, since girl who thinks there's something wrong with that isn't worth dating with it. Two flies with one strike!

 

[Ahovking]

Well i guess its OK but it might seem a bit cheap.

 

[Tani Coyote]

Hypothetically, of course.

What are you trying to say?

Demonstrating frugality with food isn't hard at all, and indeed, more people should.

 

[Verbose]

What's a groupon? And what kind of coupons are we talking about? (Not at all sure I've encountered this.)

Honest questions!

 

[Hygro]

What are you trying to say?

Demonstrating frugality with food isn't hard at all, and indeed, more people should.

I don't think anyone has impressed me by being frugal. Some people impress me that they are Spartan with their finances, I respect that. But (and speaking as a guy who has gotten way too many girls to buy me drinks or dinner--which I always end up buying back and more if they stick around) in a vacuum I'm more impressed by someone who can spend, and am flattered they are willing to do so on me.

 

[Neonanocyborgasm]

When I mentioned this to a few of my friends later though, a few thought this was a terrible move. It shows you're cheap! they said. If you have to use a coupon, pick a different, cheaper place...and if you have to do it, don't do it on date two!. I suspect my friends make more money than I do.

And here I thought you were such a ladies' man!

Yes, if you want to destroy an otherwise good date, just whip out a coupon. You will not be getting any that night, or with that girl, any other.

Personally, I think if a girl gets hung up on how I'm paying for stuff...I don't want to pay for her stuff! (unless I paid for dinner with cocaine-laced dollar bills from a briefcase. That might warrant suspicion)

It would also be nice if they didn't judge you based on your clothes or how much money (they think) you made, but that's not the perfect world we live in, is it?

 

[Hygro]

And here I thought you were such a ladies' man!

Yes, if you want to destroy an otherwise good date, just whip out a coupon. You will not be getting any that night, or with that girl, any other.

Which is why you don't whip out a coupon

Spoiler :

You make it part of the fun ahead of time. Own it!

 

[GoodGame]

I'd say it's fine, but if you're trying to impress the girl that you are wealthy or well-to-do, well...you just showed that you are thrifty. Given the current economic climate, that may make a positive impression. If you used a Groupon, then you probably even look "cool" or "trendy". +1 to Hygro. I know this is true because chicks dig Groupons. Chicks like cell phones, and Groupon comes on their cell phone, therefore Groupon is something that chicks dig (right?).


I don't get how coupons send the "wrong message". It's not like you are devaluing your date.

 

[shadowplay]

If I want her to think I'm really "cool" or "trendy", I whip out my iPhone calculator and calculate 15% of the restaurant tab.

 

[Perfection]

If I want her to think I'm really "cool" or "trendy", I whip out my iPhone calculator and calculate 15% of the restaurant tab.

trendy people tip 20% and calculate it in their heads.

 

[Tani Coyote]

I don't think anyone has impressed me by being frugal. Some people impress me that they are Spartan with their finances, I respect that. But (and speaking as a guy who has gotten way too many girls to buy me drinks or dinner--which I always end up buying back and more if they stick around) in a vacuum I'm more impressed by someone who can spend, and am flattered they are willing to do so on me.

Well, if one can afford to spend big, by all means, feel free too.

I was moreso just making a point that I can't stand when people who are in poverty or whatnot go out to eat frequently. (Then again, some fast food joints probably are cheaper than groceries given how prices can double in poor areas)

Though, if one has a coupon, I don't see a reason NOT to use it. Get what you want, but if you can get it for cheaper, why not?

 

[Valka D'Ur]

I gave my wife one for some pole dancing lessons once.

Naughty? Yes, but boy was it fun. Whoot!!!

So she took the lessons, then?


Guys, if you want to make a good first impression, do not use a coupon on the first date. After that... either discuss it with her, or be discreet. Nobody likes to feel they're not worth a bit of sacrifice on the other person's part.

 

[Takhisis]

I could just impersonate a South American with a bad accent, sí señor, and then my Latin charms (provided I shave off the red beard and forget how to speak Inglés) would do the work, Valks.

 

[Valka D'Ur]

If you forget how to speak English, how would we communicate?

 

[Takhisis]

We Latinos have a lot of encanto, mi querida Valka! *waxes moustache*