The great bill dilemma

A new habit is emerging to set expectations from the start: loud budgeting. The idea: being upfront about your financial limits right from the beginning. It's part of a wider trend, salary talk, which means discussing pay and lifestyle early on to avoid misunderstandings.

And when the bill comes, 50/50 is far from a given! For most singles (61%), the man pays, while almost a third prefer to split the bill.

There's a third way, though, and we love it: taking turns. You get tonight, I'll get the next one. Bonus: it implies there will be a next one.

The limits of loud budgeting on a date

Love and money don't always mix: for 46% of singles, the two should be kept well apart. Even so, almost 20% of users say sharing the same financial values is essential.

As for splitting costs, it's not necessarily something to bring up on a first date: 38% of singles think it matters, but prefer to wait until the relationship is official before discussing it.

How to talk about it without the awkwardness

The hardest part is finding the words. A few lines to keep up your sleeve:

• "I'm being a bit careful this month, fancy doing something fun but cheap?"

• "Shall we split it or take turns? You get tonight, I'll get the next one."

• "I asked you out, so this one's on me. You can get dessert next time."

So, which team are you?

• Team "whoever asks, pays": you suggested it, you own it. Simple, effective, a little old school.

• Team 50/50: the calculator app is out before dessert even arrives.

• Team "take turns": one date each, and you're even.

• Team instant payback: the transfer lands before you've even made it home.

Our tip

So, to help you avoid any slip-ups between loud budgeting and misunderstandings, we've put together a few date ideas with no bill attached:

• Go back to where you crossed paths on happn and start your walk where it all began

• A run club: it's free, and the conversation starts itself (or not, if you're out of breath)

• An exhibition or a museum, on a free evening or day (almost every city has them)

• Rediscovering your city like tourists

• A picnic where everyone brings their favourite snacks

In the end, the best date isn't the most expensive one, it's the one where you feel comfortable enough to talk about anything. Even money.

*Survey of 1,062 happn users, conducted in December 2025.