I agree on that point. Dinner dates are for people on their way to being a couple. You have the cost right (at least in my area, DC) about right.
Thanks KC_Conspirator.
I don’t like to think in those terms, but that’s the way it is out there.
Went out with a woman and a daughter. Spent over $100 on our meal. This was at a local big-name resort. We walked into the gift shop, and she starting picking out things to buy.
We had already gotten over $150, and she sent her daughter out to select more things. Instead of being appreciative, she was angling to get more while the getting was good.
I know exactly what was going on, but I enjoy being nice to people even if I am being taken advantage of. I had no delusions about what was going on, and I had no unspoken goals for the end of the evening. This wasn’t that type of relationship for either of us.
The kid living with a single mom, I was inclined to do nice things.
After that night, I cut off the monetary gravy train.
There are perks to being alone and becoming accustomed to it.
Marriage is no protection against this sort of thing either.