The dinner was amazing, conversation flowed and you even found each other’s jokes funny. When the waiter arrives, he places the check in the middle of the table. You both look at it for a bit, unsure of what to do. Women are proclaiming independence and equality left and right, yet many feel the “right” thing to do is to let men foot the bill for that first rendez-vous. Should a guy pay for your date? Savvy Miss asked, and men all over the world answered.

You eat, you talk, he pays — simple. It is also often expected. Many women don't even consider it a proper date if he doesn't pay for dinner. - Anthony, 27, Eugene, OR

Yes, they should. Why? That’s the way I was brought up by my mum. - Simon, 27, Edinburgh

Always. She might be a gold digger and just be treating you like a free lunch, but I’m not resentful if we both enjoyed each other’s company and had a fun night. - Chris, 29, London

Is she a selfish princess-type that will be super high-maintenance? If so, is she hot enough to put up with even though she’s a selfish princess-type? And can I afford to put up with a hot, albeit selfish, princess-type? Usually there’s a big fat no in there somewhere. - John, 31, New Jersey

As an Australian, I would say yes, as you have generally kissed, slept [with] or met the person at a pub/bar/club/party on a previous night and the evening is a formal way of commencing a relationship. - James, 27, Sydney

I have been pleasantly surprised in Los Angeles, where girls have tended to suggest a more even split of the check. In other countries that I have lived in, girls have expected a guy to be more chivalrous with his wallet. - Jason, 28, Los Angeles

Don’t get me wrong, I will pay for the first date, but it's going to make me bitter because it won’t be taken as just a nice thing that I did. It will be taken for what "should" happen, “the way it should be." I'm all for equality. That's equal rights for women. Not superiority, not women having everything equal, but some things better. Fair is fair. I'll pay for the first date, but she should pay for the second. - Tor, 21, Manorville, NY

All women like men to pay — it re-enacts some ancient and natural genetic role play. Even the intellectual woman likes it, but requires a more elaborate approach if her ego is not to be damaged. She says "I insist we just split the bill." So he says, looking into her eyes, "Please let me pay — I was the one who asked you to dinner and I’ve enjoyed it so much –– let me," touching her hand. She agrees, and is thereby vanquished. Next stop: his place. - Mark, 45, Munich